The County Championship has been on the cricketing calendar since 1837, but with the increase in focus of white ball cricket is it still as popular and enjoyable as it once was. I went to Yorkshire Versus Derbyshire on Friday to get a taste of what County red ball cricket is like in person.

It was an overcast day on friday, making Derbyshire’s decision to bowl a good one on paper.The day started at a very quiet Headingley, with a ripple of applause around the crowd. With a very strange feeling of seeing no supporters within Headingley’s famous Western Terrace. One of the first things as a supporter I noticed was the lack of music, something that being at other sporting events I have become very used to. But this didn’t hurt my mood.I was ready to watch a great day of cricket at one of my favourite grounds in the country.

Red Ball cricket is known for it’s focus of not getting out when batting rather than rushing for runs, something that in T20 and ODI is very different. But Yorkshire didn’t seem to get the memo with many boundries throughout the day. Adam Lyth got an amazing 97, only three runs away from the well sought after tonne.

It was a very special occasion for Yorkshire with two England international batters in the ranks. With Harry Brook and Joe Root playing, for me this was also very special. As getting into an England game now requires a second mortgage.

And they didn’t dissapoint, Root managed to get his half century and Brook was well on his way by the time the umpires called the end of play.

A special mention has to go out to Yorkshire captain Shan Masood, who came in with the intention of getting the scoreboard rolling after a dip in the run rate. Getting 40 in 25 balls, putting me in the mood for more Masood this cricket season.

As always with Cricket, the weather had to come to spoil the party. Really first England in the Ashes, now Yorkshire against Derbyshire getting screwed by the weather *Obvious sarcasm for those who might miss it*.

But apart from the weather putting an abrupt end to my cricket day out, I really enjoyed my time at Yorkshire.

Would I say it’s better than white ball for entertainment…

Probably not.

But for a game that I thought would be a bore-fest going into it, it was great. Pretty fast paced for red ball and plenty of action on the pitch.

Plus the ability to get a very nice Toastie and Muffin at lunch. Which I must say price aside, was very nice and filling.

Yorkshire have convinced me to go to more cricket this season, so I guess there might be some more blog posts on cricket down the line. And for £14 pounds it will have to be another County Championship day out.