Former Yorkshire left-armer Gary Keedy spun his exiled county to the brink of defeat in the Roses match at Old Trafford yesterday with a skilful display of bowling on a helpful pitch.

Yorkshire were clinging on at the close of the second day at 130 for seven in their second innings, a lead of 25.

If Lancashire complete the formalities today it will be the first time since 1892-93 they have won three consecutive Roses matches in the Championship, though Yorkshire will take a small crumb of comfort from remaining top of the table, just two points ahead of their opponents.

Yorkshire made a determined start in their bid to wipe out the first-innings arrears of 105 but in a six-over spell before tea, Keedy made the breakthrough by dismissing debutant opener Simon Widdup for the second time in the match.

It was in the evening session, however, that Keedy really went on the rampage with three for 24 in 15 overs, ably supported by off-spinner Gary Yates, who took the crucial wickets of Darren Lehmann and Richard Blakey.

When Keedy had Ian Fisher caught at slip by Saurav Ganguly off the wicketkeeper's hip, Yorkshire were 101 for seven and in danger of a humiliating two-day defeat, but James Middlebrook and Chris Silverwood survived the remainder of the day with some positive batting.

Only Blakey played the spinners with any confidence and the slump had already started when he was involved in double trouble, first of all calling for an impossible single to run out Anthony McGrath before he had scored and then getting an inside edge off the first ball of the following over from Yates to depart for 32.

Lancashire began the second day on 149 for five and Warren Hegg received solid support all the way down until he was last out, caught at mid-off for a sturdy 58 with five fours and a hooked six off Silverwood, who finished with four for 67. Spinners Middlebrook and Fisher shared five wickets.

David Byas was in all sorts of trouble against Glen Chapple and Mike Smethurst but survived until Keedy o had him lbw for 30 before Yates dealt Yorkshire a massive blow by getting Lehmann caught behind.