ANDREW Gale cranked up his pre-season form with a composed 93 in Yorkshire’s three-day friendly against the students of Cambridge at Fenner’s yesterday.

The 25 year-old left-hander, the subject of much speculation as to whether he will open the innings in County Championship cricket, hit 12 fours and one six in his 117- ball knock to help his side to a first innings score of 346 for nine in 97 overs.

There was no play on Saturday due to rain, but virtually a full second day’s play allowed the Tykes to get their first competitive look at a red ball this year.

Gale, who has had a sluggish pre-season in one-day action, was the man to take advantage: “It’s always good to get back in the runs,” said the man who came in at No. 4.

“Abu Dhabi didn’t quite go to plan, but I came back and got a hundred against the Universities (a friendly against Bradford/Leeds), 66 against Lancashire and 90-odd today. I am back in form.”

Captain Anthony McGrath, whose side had been invited to bat first after he lost the toss, stroked a fluent 46 before he edged a wide ball from seamer Marc Rosenburg behind.

Wicketkeeper Gerard Brophy hit a useful 39, Lee Hodgson a compact 32 and pace bowler Steve Patterson finished on 30 not out.

Jacques Rudolph opened the batting with Joe Sayers (22), but handed Robert Woolley his maiden first-class wicket in the second over of the day when he clipped to mid-wicket for one.

Sayers was another who struggled, while Adam Lyth (20) would also have been hoping for a better day.

The students began extremely well, with both Ruel Brathwaite, a player who featured for the touring West Indians against England Lions last summer, and Woolley on the money.

But once McGrath got into his stride he was able to pick off the bowling with considerable ease, taking three boundaries off one Rosenburg over. He fell when he fished at a wide one.

Gale looked strong driving and pulling, and was frustrated when trapped lbw by offspinner Jivan Lotay seven runs short of his fifth first-class century.