WITH eyes distractedly gazing at Somerset, title-chasing Yorkshire could find one of their favourite sons being targeted by Roses arch-rivals Lancashire.

In the wake of Australian Bobby Simpson quitting as Lancashire coach, Red Rose chairman Jack Simmons prompted the prospect of an outbreak of apoplexy both sides of the Pennines by hinting how Yorkshire legend Geoff Boycott may be the sort of person who could assist with batting technique.

Asked about a possible new direction after failure under 'foreign' coaches Dav Whatmore and Simpson, Simmons was said to have suggested the likes of Boycott, Graham Gooch and Mike Gatting as candidates possessing the right 'calibre'.

The Boycott speculation was the second side-issue to occupy the Tykes.

While nearest rivals Somerset were getting to grips with fourth-placed Leicestershire at Taunton, Championship leaders Yorkshire became the latest victims this season of a completely blank day at Old Trafford.

Heavy morning rain stopped around lunchtime but by then the damage had been done and the umpires saw no point in hanging around any longer.

With Chris Silverwood remaining unsure whether his back strain had recovered sufficiently and Yorkshire undecided on whether to play two spinners they were still not in a position to finalise their side until shortly before the toss.

But with the season rapidly drawing to a close, Yorkshire sense that every day is vital and it was frustrating for the players having to kick their heels instead of trying to make certain of nailing the title after a wait of 33 years.

One of the first points which new coach Wayne Clark drove home in the dressing room when he arrived in spring was that he did not want to hear player-gossip about winning the title.

"If you get the basics right then winning a trophy is the natural thing which follows on," he said.

Now, however, he is forced to admit that with a 13-point lead at the top before the Roses match and a game in hand, Yorkshire are the favourites and the team have to recognise the fact.

"We do not want to get carried away but we must be firmly focussed on every day as it comes," he said.

"We must show that we are fully prepared both mentally and physically and that we are strong enough and good enough to finish up as Champions."

Updated: 12:10 Wednesday, August 08, 2001