Darren Lehmann's first century in the Norwich Union League could not save Yorkshire Phoenix from slumping to yet another defeat at Scarborough yesterday.

Leicestershire triumphed by 16 runs to record their seventh consecutive victory.

But for Yorkshire the threat of relegation to Division Two looms large after a fifth defeat in seven games.

Chasing a stiff target of 248, Yorkshire were never allowed to settle against a sharp Leicestershire attack.

Only Lehmann with 103 off 108 balls - an innings which contained ten fours and a six - played with confidence.

While he was at the wicket Yorkshire always had hope but this was snuffed out in the 41st over when Vince Wells trapped Lehmann lbw as he tried to work the ball on the legside.

In attempting to play the shot, Lehmann twisted his already damaged left knee and he could barely hobble as he left the field.

Yorkshire had already been badly handicapped when Michael Lumb stumbled while attempting to stop a ball during the Leicestershire innings and had to retire from the action.

Lumb strained knee ligaments and was unable to bat. His contribution was severely missed. He will see a specialist today to discover the extent of the damage.

Put in to bat, Leicestershire were given a rapid start by Vince Wells and Jon Dakin with a 52 stand in nine overs and they managed to maintain a brisk tempo without anybatsman going on to a big score.

Leeds-born Iain Sutcliffe provided their main contribution with 48 off 58 balls with five fours before being caught and bowled by Lehmann who also dismissed Ben Smith for 31.

Ryan Sidebottom was lashed for a big six over mid-wicket by Neil Burns but the left-armer still emerged as Yorkshire's most successful bowler with three for 49 while

Chris Silverwood celebrated his England call-up by bowling James Ormond in the final over of the innings.

Another of Leicestershire's Yorkshiremen, Scott Boswell from York, then played a leading role by putting in a demanding new-ball spell as Yorkshire were made to struggle.