Yorkshire cricket by David Warner

A rugged century by David Boon left Yorkshire pondering over the wisdom of their decision to put Durham in to bat on a day of rare sunshine at Chester-le-Street yesterday.

Without the tough Australian's unbeaten 120, however, Durham would have struggled against Yorkshire's inexperienced attack but in the event they were handily placed at the close on 311-7.

His century, made on a slow pitch and over a sodden outfield, was the first at Riverside this season and Boon's fifth since he joined Durham.

When he had scored only 12 and facing left-armer Richard Stemp he was dropped by David Byas at slip off an edge on to Richard Blakey's glove.

That blemish apart, Boon was in full control and he reached his century off 263 balls with 11 boundaries.

Although Matthew Hoggard was swiftly punished for inaccuracies with the new ball he got an early wicket when Michael Gough pushed firmly into the hands of Matthew Wood at short leg.

Hoggard's opening spell of seven overs cost him 47 runs.

Nick Speak got to 50 out of 89-2 but runs dried up when Stemp came on.

Strangely, Stemp was not brought back immediately after lunch but a couple of wickets fell at the other end to Hutchison who was easily the pick of Yorkshire's paceman.

Speak, having turned his back on a short delivery, somehow got some bat on it for Blakey to take the catch.

Darren Lehmann went on to partner Stemp for a while, which meant that four of Yorkshire's six bowlers to be used during the day were left-armers.

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