Date-stamped : 02 Jun97 - 14:17 AXA Life League: Balance is right for Byas By Doug Ibbotson at Ilford Yorkshire (264-6) bt Essex (262-9) by 4 wkts A SUPERBLY balanced century partnership between captain David Byas and Michael Vaughan, achieved in 12 overs, set Yorkshire on the way to a four-wicket victory over Essex at Valentine`s Park, Ilford. Both reached a half century in the same over; Vaughan off 41 balls, with five fours, and Byas even more dramatically over only 30 balls, five cut or pulled for four and two deposited over the mid- wicket boundary. The partnership topped half the Essex total of 262 for nine before Vaughan was bowled by Ronnie Irani for 66. Though Byas fol- lowed almost immediately, superbly caught at deep square leg, there seemed little chance of a real relapse. One over from Irani saw Peter Hartley bowled, Richard Blakey caught behind and Bradley Parker run out, but Darren Lehmann (58) and Darren Gough steered the visitors home with 19 balls to spare. Given that Stuart Law and Darren Robinson opened with a part- nership of 73 at six an over and were among a half-dozen batsmen to cruise past 20, the Essex total might have been greater. The impression of bountiful runs was emphasised by the roar of spectators opposite the pavilion at Hell Fire Corner, so named after the oaths of fielders on the frequent occasions they and the ball thudded into the boundary boards. Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/) Contributed by The Management (help@cricinfo.com)