Dom Bess hits first County Championship hundred as Yorkshire thrash Worcestershire in record-breaking fashion

Dom Bess delivered a dream performance at Headingley, striking his maiden County Championship century and helping Yorkshire to the largest victory by runs in the competition’s long history.

The 26-year-old all-rounder, playing his 102nd first-class match, posted a fluent 107 before lunch on day three against Worcestershire. His knock set the stage for a crushing 504-run win as Yorkshire bowled out the shell-shocked visitors for just 105 in their second innings.

Bess had arrived at the crease as nightwatchman late on day two and resumed play on 10 not out. By lunch, he’d raced to three figures in just 115 balls, falling to the final delivery of the session. His patient but purposeful innings included key partnerships—77 with James Wharton and 100 with the explosive Dawid Malan, who finished unbeaten on 76 off just 64 balls.

After the break, Yorkshire kept their foot firmly on the pedal. Jonny Bairstow added some fireworks with 44 off 26 balls before the declaration came at 315-4. With a target of 610 and 163 overs to bat, Worcestershire were staring down a mountain.

That mountain proved insurmountable.

Despite their resilience in securing a draw against Somerset just a week earlier, the Pears folded under pressure. Yorkshire’s seam attack hunted in packs, with George Hill leading the charge. He tore through the middle and lower order with 4-23, ably supported by Jack White and Jordan Thompson, who claimed two wickets apiece.

Worcestershire began their reply promisingly enough, reaching 42-2. But Bess, having starred with the bat, produced a moment of magic in the field with a full-stretch diving catch at cover to dismiss Gareth Roderick. He followed it up later with another sharp take at slip, capping off a perfect all-round day.

From 72-2 either side of tea, Worcestershire lost their final eight wickets for just 33 runs. Adam Lyth’s part-time off-spin even got in on the act, bowling Ethan Brookes through the gate moments before the interval.

By the time White and Coad dismissed Adam Hose, Kashif Ali, and Matt Waite, Yorkshire’s win was a formality. Hill wrapped up the rout by removing Brett D’Oliveira, Ben Allison, and Jacob Duffy, securing Yorkshire’s ninth Championship home victory since 2016—and one for the record books.

Worcestershire’s collapse meant they walked away with just three points, while Yorkshire bagged the full 24. The result also highlighted the hosts’ all-round depth and growing momentum in Division One.

For Bess, it was a long-awaited moment of personal triumph. His only previous first-class century had come in 2018 for the MCC against Essex in a Champion County match. Now, with a red-ball century for Yorkshire to his name, his confidence and place in the squad have never looked more assured.

Even more satisfying for the Headingley faithful was the dominance their side displayed from start to finish. Yorkshire posted a hefty 456 in their first innings before bowling Worcestershire out for 162. The follow-up performance—highlighted by disciplined batting and ruthless bowling—was the final hammer blow.

With morale sky-high and all departments firing, Yorkshire will look to build on this emphatic result. For Worcestershire, however, it’s back to the drawing board after a humbling defeat of historic proportions.