“So far so good”. That is Andrew Gale’s assessment of Yorkshire’s Vitality Blast campaign, which has seen them win six of their first 10 matches.

The Vikings cruised past Northamptonshire at Emerald Headingley by six wickets chasing 130 on Friday night.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson hit 52 not out after an impressive all-round bowling and fielding display.

The win catapults Yorkshire up to third place in the group on 12 points with four matches to play, the first of which comes against Lancashire here on Thursday.

"It was a bit shaky at times in the chase having lost Adam Lyth first ball, but Kane held the innings together and played a really mature knock,” said coach Gale.

“It was exactly what you want from your overseas.

"I said to the lads at the start of the day 'The only thing that will cost us is a win is complacency, and we weren't.

“From ball one, we were right on it.

“I could tell we were up for the challenge. We knew the pitch would be a little bit tacky.

“It was originally going to be used for the Derbyshire game that was cancelled (last month), and we were a bit worried about it. So we knew we had to be smart, and we were. It wasn't a shirt front like it usually is here.

“We needed a response from the lads after Monday (defeat to Derbyshire), and that’s what we’ve got for the last two games.

“But all that matters is next Thursday really. As soon as you start looking too far ahead, you can come unstuck. We’re playing some good cricket.”

Only three points separate the top five teams in the group as they pursue a top four finish for quarter-final qualification.

Worcestershire are top on 13 points, Durham second on 12, Yorkshire third on 12 and Lancashire fourth on 11. Nottinghamshire have 10.

Lancashire lost against Leicestershire at Emirates Old Trafford tonight.