KANE Williamson ended his wait for a maiden Yorkshire century yesterday, but more importantly the county are on course for another LV= County Championship victory against Sussex at Scarborough.

The New Zealand batsman posted a superb 189 off 320 balls in his 20th Championship innings for Yorkshire as the hosts, replying to 368, posted 493 during day three.

He then watched his bowlers strike four times in the remaining 30 overs of play as Sussex slipped to 48-4 in their second innings having conceded a lead of 125.

They were thankful to an unbeaten 56 from Luke Wright for steadying the ship, but they are still in trouble at 98-4 and 27 behind ahead of today’s final day.

Should Yorkshire win their sixth match of the season, a worst case scenario would see them extend their lead at the top to six points from Nottinghamshire with three matches remaining.

As good as it was, Williamson’s innings, including 22 fours, was built on a slice of luck during Saturday’s second day when he was given a reprieve by the umpires on 16 having edged Lewis Hatchett to James Tredwell at second slip. Sussex claimed the catch, although Williamson immediately registered his doubts with Peter Hartley and Graham Lloyd.

After double checking with Tredwell, Williamson started his walk back to the pavilion, but he was called back by the umpires. That would have left Yorkshire at 55-3 just after lunch.

Instead, Williamson went on to share 149 inside 30 overs for the fourth wicket with Jonny Bairstow, whose counter-attacking 77 put Sussex under pressure, and 157 in 41 for the seventh wicket with Tim Bresnan (61) yesterday.

Williamson will miss the last two Championship matches of the season due to his involvement at the Champions League T20 with Northern Districts.