YORKSHIRE'S second semi-final defeat in consecutive seasons yielded no moaning, but director of cricket David Byas let fly at the fixture-list.

Even without the problems encountered on the day of the semi-final, the Tykes had to travel so far from their Roses' Championship game at Old Trafford to take on a Hampshire side without a game the previous day.

Said Byas: "England players have been rested from the semi-finals because they have played in back-to-back Tests, yet we have to play a big Championship game at Old Trafford and then get to Southampton for an early start the following morning to a big match.

"The fixture list should not have allowed this to happen and it was very frustrating to be in this situation. I am not taking anything away from Hampshire, who beat us fairly and squarely, but our preparations were far from ideal through no fault of our own."

His views on the merits of Hampshire's triumph were echoed by skipper Craig White.

He said: "We were totally outplayed by a Hampshire side which batted, bowled and fielded better than we did."

"I thought they were fantastic on the day but we were not helped by two crucial run-outs, particularly that of McGrath who was unlucky to get a direct hit.

"We played our hearts out but it was just not to be.

"We have still a lot to play for, however, in the Championship with some massive games coming up and each of them will be like a semi-final in intensity."

Updated: 11:54 Monday, August 22, 2005