ANDREW Gale described his pride in Yorkshire’s third day performance as they moved to within touching distance of Specsavers County Championship victory over Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl.

Yorkshire claimed 12 wickets in a day which saw Hampshire follow-on 252 runs behind and then crumble to 41-5 in their second innings, closing on 54-5.

Captain Steve Patterson stood out with five wickets in all, but he was superbly supported by Ben Coad, Jack Leaning, Duanne Olivier and Matthew Waite, who all struck crucial blows in largely batsman-friendly conditions.

Coach Gale will return today to watch his players bid for five wickets, which would secure a 23-point haul from their second game of the season.

“That was a strong day. I’m really pleased,” he said.

“We knew it was going to be hard work, and we had to show lots of patience and consistency. There were periods where they got partnerships. But we knew if we hung in there, we’d create enough chances.

“The bowlers have put a real shift in, backed up by the lads in the field.

“They had a great attitude and energy throughout the day, and I’m really proud of them.

“We knew if we hung in there and were patient, there would be some tired minds in their dressing room having fielded for so long and we could maybe go through them.”

On the pitch, Gale said: “It’s a little bit more up and down (the bounce), as we saw with a few balls from Duanne flying through and others stuck in the pitch.

“It’s still a good pitch, there’s no doubt about that. But there’s enough there.”

Olivier struck Lewis McManus twice on the helmet and Keith Barker once with nasty bouncers as he bowled with pace and aggression.

“I think that’s five people he’s hit on the head already since pre-season!” said Gale.

“He’s an asset to us. He has raw pace and loves bowling. He likes hurting people as well. He’s your typical fast bowler.

“On a slow and docile pitch, to bowl with that speed, it’s fantastic to see.”

Patterson claimed the last two wickets of the Hampshire first innings and the first three in the second, four of his victims caught at first slip by Tom Kohler-Cadmore.

“The skipper’s led from the front today,” said Gale.

“You know what to expect from Patto.

“He’s consistent in every game, and he got his rewards at the end to put us in the driving seat.”

Leaning has also enjoyed a memorable game with bat and ball.

He hit 77 not out in Yorkshire’s first innings before claiming two wickets in Hampshire’s first innings with his improving off-spinners.

He had South African overseas Aiden Markram caught in the deep last night and Liam Dawson caught at mid-on today.

“Jack has worked hard on his bowling,” added Gale.

“I think he’s an under-rated spinner. He’s quite consistent, but he also puts some good revs on the ball as well. It’s good that he’ll get some confidence from bowling in matches.

“That’s the next phase for him, to get some overs bowled.

“As for his batting, he’s worked hard in the winter. He’s changed a few things in his technique.

“He had a fantastic pre-season and was unlucky last week getting out for none. Anyone can leave a straight one in the first few balls of their innings.

“Coming into this game, I’m really pleased he’s got a score on the board.”