Derbyshire v Durham

What a fascinating game, and full credit to the boys for making a great fist of things against one of the strongest counties.

Stubbo and Rogers did a fine job of opening the innings, although its a shame that our Aussie couldn't go on to a century. When Stubbo went soon afterwards, we'd two new men at the crease which usually slows things down. Both went after we'd passed 200, and despite a late flurry from James Pipe (and a surprisingly late appearance from Dom Telo at number 8) the final score of 236 was a little less than at one time looked likely.

When our former hero Michael di Venuto and Phil Mustard set off well and posted 76 for the first wicket the score looked inadequate, with Mustard scoring especially quickly. Graham Wagg then made a crucial breakthrough by having Mustard caught by Nayan Doshi. That was only the start, as he then produced a triple whammy to remove Coetzer, di Venuto and the dangerous South African star Neil McKenzie, the latter first ball

Then Benkenstein and Collingwood turned the game to Durham with a solid stand, and at 147-4 Durham looked set for the onslaught. Langeveldt chose the moment to make his name as a Derbyshire bowler, removing both batsmen and the dangerous West Indian Breese with the score unchanged and in the space of five balls.

Surely at 147-7 we were home? No, back came Durham, with the lesser known Harmison batting steadily while first Onions and then his brother played a few shots. When Steve was out at 196, with only Neil Killeen to come, that had got to be it. The fielding kept steady, with Wagg taking a blinder to dismiss Harmison.

No again. The last pair batted very well and inched ever closer to the total. It came down to the last ball, and Rikki Clarke's throw ran out Killeen to win an amazing game by one run.

Gentlemen - and ladies - a win on Sunday and we are right back in it!