It's great to be a Derbyshire fan tonight.
OK, let's not get too carried away. It is only one match, only one win. But to get a home Championship win so early in the season, against a team we normally lose to, augurs really well.
The first session was a joke, but then declaration boowling always is. Full credit to both captains for contriving a potential result from a game that was marred by the weather. Few would have expected the excitement on their way to the ground this morning, but the sight of Stubbings and Telo opening the bowling told its own story. Dominic will have enjoyed dismissing Alastair Cook for his first wicket in top level cricket, but I was pleased Wheatley didn't get to make his ton. It was going to be a fast one, but hardly going to set a true benchmark for the season's quickest.
Stubbo set off like a man on fire, and the shots were by all accounts impressive. His dismissal triggered a mini collapse, with neither Sadler nor Telo lasting long. I hope people don't expect too much from the latter this year. It will be a huge transition for him, but I have high hopes for the stylish young player.
Rikki Clarke played a crucial innings, pushing the scoring along while Rogers kept it steady. When he went, caught behind point, Fred Klokker didn't last long either, but then the game entered its crucial stage.
James Pipe is a top man for these situations, and looked in touch immediately. When Chris Rogers went at 228, with 38 still required, the sceptics may have feared the worst. But Graham Wagg was also in great touch and with both hitting the boundary with regularity, Derbyshire cantered home with five overs to spare.
It was a thoroughly professional chase, with the scoring rate steady around the required rate throughout. The earlier bowling of Jon Clare, Wagg and Lungley augurs well for the season ahead.
And of course, we now have Mr Langeveldt to come to the party. While the weather forecast suggests he'll not have much to do tomorrow, he will be a prize asset in the months ahead.
It's funny that a few weeks ago we were mourning the loss of Wavell Hinds to the ICL. With the signings of Dom Telo and Charl Langeveldt we are much better off in my humble opinion, and I'd propose a vote of thanks to Messrs Morris, Amott and Sears for an inventive and exciting recruitment campaign.
Well done guys!
Well said mate
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