Victorious captain Richard Blakey was unstinting in his praise of Australian ace Matthew Elliott after Yorkshire's emphatic C&G Trophy triumph over Somerset to land their first one-day trophy in 15 years, writes David Warner.

"Darren Lehmann would love to have been here today but this bloke is a more than adequate replacement and he played out of his skin," said Blakey.

"Darren has been an absolute run machine but for Matthew to come from his off-season and play five or six wonderful innings for us is just icing on the cake.

"Tt was a very proud moment for me when we won the Trophy and then paraded it around Lord's and the lads were absolutely elated.

"Our county championship form has been disappointing but we can still get out of trouble."

Somerset skipper and fellow Australian Jamie Cox described Elliott's innings as one of the best he had ever seen in a one-day match.

"I thought we had made a slightly better than par score on a slow surface but we were beaten by an extraordinary innings," he said.

"I cannot praise Elliott's innings enough. It was outstanding and every time he took a risk it came off and he didn't give us a chance."

Elliott said he though he had batted very well but he reserved special praise for Anthony McGrath.

"He played a blinder and when I struggled in the 90s he took over and I was able to take a breather.

"Anthony used the crease very well and played the spinners with great confidence while I was okay with the quicks."

Elliott said he hadn't given up hope of regaining his Test place and he still had a World Cup ambition which he was not shying away from.

"I have to keep battling away and will go on doing so during my six weeks with Yorkshire. The guys have really been fantastic in the dressing room and I feel to have fitted in very well."

Matthew Hoggard said: "To get five wickets at Lord's is always something special but I didn't think I bowled all that well. "

Match report and picture - Page 17

Updated: 12:01 Monday, September 02, 2002