Yorkshire are top of the tree in county cricket once again. Reporter GRAHAM HARDCASTLE charts a glorious campaign for the White Rose outfit.

YORKSHIRE have enjoyed a champion summer.

There is still plenty of work to do in limited overs cricket, but that can wait for now after Andrew Gale’s side secured the Holy Grail in county cricket, the LV= County Championship title.

The White Rose wrestled the title away from Durham in ruthless fashion, winning eight out of 16 matches and losing only one.

They learned from the mistakes of last season when, with the title in their sights going into the final quarter of the season, they took their eye off the ball and, to a degree, believed the suggestion that glory was theirs.

Going into their 13th match at Scarborough last August, they were 25.5 points clear of opponents Durham, who had five to play. They lost, and Durham went on to win their last five and claim the crown.

This year, it was different. Gale’s mantra of ‘process, process, process’ was bought into by the squad. Basically, he wanted them to concentrate on each session and not to look too far ahead.

Yorkshire won five matches by an innings this season and won four of their last five fixtures to stamp their authority all over the league.

It was a run which included a first Roses win at the 16th attempt at Emirates Old Trafford at the start of September and a title-clinching win against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

Yorkshire’s dominance is highlighted by the following three statistics.

In Adam Lyth, they have the division’s leading run-scorer with 1,489. In Jack Brooks, they have the division’s second most prolific bowler with 68 wickets. And in Lyth, they have the division’s most prolific outfield catcher with 35.

While Lyth moved to the verge of an England Test call-up, Adil Rashid’s resurgence with bat and ball, especially in the second half of the season, has also helped him reignite his international ambitions.

It is something of a surprise to look down the county’s batting averages and see only Lyth with more than 1,000 runs to his name. But six other batsmen passed 500 runs for the season, including his opening partner Alex Lees (971).

Lyth and Lees were by far and away the country’s best opening partnership.

Although Yorkshire had to do without Joe Root and Gary Ballance for large parts of the season, they were boosted by the prolonged availability of Jonny Bairstow and Tim Bresnan.

When they needed somebody to step in because of injury or unavailability, it happened. The contributions of young batsman Jack Leaning in his breakthrough season and experienced all-rounder Rich Pyrah should not be forgotten.

Batting duo Kane Williamson and Aaron Finch, who split the overseas duties, also impressed in their different ways.

The ridiculous racism controversy surrounding captain Gale at the end of the season should not detract from the part he played.

He was one of those to pass 500 runs, while leaving himself out early in the season at Middlesex proved a brave call to make, one which earned him the respect of the dressing room in an instant.

Earlier this month, Jason Gillespie said: “That was one massive moment in our season. He felt that Lees and Lyth were going to play a big part in our season, to strive for a top three finish.

“He backed our opening combination to get off to some really good, solid starts. He felt it was really important that the captain showed them support and backing.”

That brings us nicely on to coach Gillespie and the rest of the coaching team. All must take credit - Richard Dawson with the second XI and Ian Dews and Richard Damms with Academy and age-groups. The Academy won their league and cup double.

But, most notably, the relationship forged between Gillespie and director of cricket Martyn Moxon was a crucial factor in creating a relaxed environment, in which the players could flourish.

Yorkshire have the ability and depth to defend their title next year, although they will be keen for success in limited overs cricket. Although they improved on their performances from 2013, they underachieved again this summer.

Top order batsman Lees was arguably their standout performer against the white ball in a year which will forever be remembered fondly by all connected with the Headingley club.