YORKSHIRE are to vote in favour of a two-divisional county championship at the First Class Forum of the England and Wales Cricket Board which is being held at Lord's today and tomorrow.

And if the resolution succeeds, as appears likely, then the new system will become operative in the year 2,000.

In that case, the immediate aim of skipper David Byas and his team will to make sure than next season Yorkshire become the very last winners of the current county championship which has been in existence since 1873 and which they have won a record 29 times.

Yorkshire chairman Keith Moss, treasurer Peter Townend and chief executive Chris Hassell are the club's trio of representatives at Lord's and they will be voting on several important issues.

As well as favouring two divisions, Yorkshire will also support a proposal which seeks to have all second team three-day championship matches played on uncovered pitches from next season.

But they will oppose changing the points system in first team championship fixtures and they will also vote against a plan to introduce regional cricket as well as giving the thumbs down to counties operating a soccer-style loans system for their players.

Yorkshire voted for two divisional championship cricket the last time the subject was on the Lord's agenda but the plan was surprisingly voted down. This time, however, a majority of counties are expected to support the resolution.

"We feel that two divisions will give a more competitive edge to championship matches," said Hassell. "There should be no boring draws because those teams which are out of the title race will be fighting hard in every match to avoid the possibility of relegation.

"At present teams which have no chance of winning the championship often have little incentive to do well and some matches can lack a cutting edge. We do not expect two divisions will suddenly double the size of gates at championship matches but we are hopeful that a few more people will be attracted to what should be more compelling cricket."

Hassell said Yorkshire supported second team three day matches being played on uncovered pitches because it would give youngsters the opportunity to improve their technique in more difficult circumstances.

This move, at least, should win the approval of the likes of former Yorkshire and England captains Brian Close and Ray Illingworth and many other top players of their generation who have been constant critics of covered pitches.

Yorkshire feel there is nothing to be gained from altering the points system in championship matches and neither do they think that a programme of regional cricket would have any significant spectator interest.

The idea behind loaning players is that it could give opportunities to cricketers who cannot get into the first team with their own clubs to do so elsewhere, but Yorkshire believe it to be the thin end of the wedge and think it could become too easy ton 'poach' players.

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