Roses double date to savour for Lancs ace Dane Vilas

Dane Vilas has got it nailed ahead of a huge week in Lancashire's season, including back-to-back Roses clashes in the T20 Blast and the County Championship.
Lancashire's Dane Vilas flicks the ball past Yorkshire wicketkeeper Jonathan Tattersall during the One Day Cup North Group match at  Old Trafford in JuneLancashire's Dane Vilas flicks the ball past Yorkshire wicketkeeper Jonathan Tattersall during the One Day Cup North Group match at  Old Trafford in June
Lancashire's Dane Vilas flicks the ball past Yorkshire wicketkeeper Jonathan Tattersall during the One Day Cup North Group match at Old Trafford in June

“It’s part of your contract,” said the South African wicketkeeper batsman.

“I think it’s clause 13 on there. ‘You shall not like Yorkshire’!

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s a great rivalry. It’s good for the county game as a whole, and it’s great for the fans.”

After Wednesday’s Blast trip to face Leicestershire at Grace Road, which sees the Red Rose go in search of their fourth win from five at the start of the North Group, they host Yorkshire in the Blast at Old Trafford on Friday. Both of those matches will be televised.

Then it is the Roses Championship match at Old Trafford from Sunday.

In the Blast, both sides have three wins from four, although Lancashire have a better net run-rate and could be two points clear by Friday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It’s something as a Lancashire player, and I’m sure I speak for the Yorkshire guys as well, that we all look forward to,” said Vilas, who has yet to win a Roses match in one-and -a-half seasons with the county.

“Everyone wants to play and hopefully we are peaking at the right time for it.

“The England players will be available for it, so it’s going to be two quality sides. It should be a great occasion. We can’t 
wait.”

Then, in the Championship, it is a clash of two sides struggling and in danger of relegation. Lancashire are sixth in Division One and Yorkshire seventh.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Lancashire are three points better off with one win from eight, but they have played a game more than Yorkshire, who have won two from seven.

“There are a lot of good teams in Division One,” said Vilas.

“If you let your guard down and give them an inch, they will pounce.”