AS a magnificent seventh successive league title looms, York Cricket Club’s master-blasters are revelling in a timely lift granted by sheer hard graft, writes Tony Kelly.

Oliver Hairs rescued a potential collapse for the Clifton Parkers when he crashed 112 against Driffield Town.

Hairs’ trigger-fast knock could not have been more precious as there had been a rare collective failure by York’s top order.

Ahead of a Solly Sports Yorkshire ECB County Premier League weekend double of a visit to Harrogate tomorrow and entertaining Rotherham on Bank Holiday Monday, York vice-captain Nick Kay said: “We’re all so happy for Oli, who has worked really hard over the last few weeks with Jim Love, hitting a lot of balls.

“He has probably been disappointed with his contribution, but against Driffield he looked in terrific touch and to have the top three firing most of the season and now Oli and also Alex Collins chipping in then there’s lots of runs in the side as we come to the last five games of the season.”

York’s first task is at the St George’s Road home of Harrogate, the former Yorkshire county ground which can prove an inspiration to the hosts and to visitors alike.

Said Kay: “Harrogate have not had the best second half of the season when I felt they would be there or thereabouts. But you can never take Harrogate lightly, especially when they have home advantage to make the most of.

“It’s never easy going there – it’s always a battle, but for us it’s always been one of those grounds where we most enjoy playing.”

In contrast to Harrogate, Monday’s Clifton Park visitors Rotherham have escaped initial doldrums to sample a stirring second half of the campaign.

“They have been on a fantastic run and have a few match-winners like opening bowler Ben Sanderson and Jimmy Moorhouse, who is a very capable batsman,” added Kay.

“They will come at us hard. They won’t fear us. But on our hone ground we don’t fear any one and if we play to our best then I am sure we can get a positive outcome.”