Derbyshire v Lancashire

Wow! If the cricket authorities didn't take us seriously, this should have made them sit up a little.

Lancashire. Test Ground Lancashire. Money bags Lancashire, rest home for Derbyshire stars and one of the big clubs that will thrive when the little counties are forced out of the game. Allegedly...

Well, they were well and truly thumped today in an inspired Derbyshire performance that looked well set for victory from the time that Chris Rogers and Steve Stubbings added 150 for the first wicket. Rogers seemed to be in wonderful touch and while the churlish would say that he didn't make his well deserved century, his innings and the speed at which he scored (only 109 balls) set the tone. Cameos from Dan Birch, Rikki Clarke and especially John Sadler (an unbeaten 21 from 11 balls) ensured a score of 288-5.

After losing early wickets, especially that of the dangerous Mal Loye (who was supposedly unfit according to their website) Lancashire were up against it. With Yousuf and Law in early, they had a chance to build innings and perhaps rival the home total. Tom Lungley held on to a skyer to dismiss Yousuf, who is having a disappointing time for them, then had Law caught at slip and the game was slipping away.

Although du Plessis hit well and Hogg with Gary Keedy hit valiantly, Derbyshire were never in trouble, with ex-keeper Luke Sutton dismissed third ball for a duck as we ran out winners by 100 runs.

When one considers that skipper Clarke was unable to bowl, James Pipe was missing, Greg Smith is not yet fit and Wavell Hinds is still to arrive, this was a wonderfully encouraging performance from Derbyshire. It is crucial that one opener posts a score to set a target in one day cricket, but with Rogers and Stubbings both posting 90's, Derbyshire were always on the front foot. Stubbo is a fine pro and I hope that his benefit is successful. For a man deemed not good enough for County cricket by Dominic Cork he has done very well and with Rogers he forms the best opening partnership we have had for a long time. They run well, offer different problems for the bowlers and regularly provide the necessary early innings stability. The Australian made a mockery of the fact that he rarely plays one day cricket back home and is proving to be an outstanding overseas player.

We're not yet through to the quarter finals as this group is still very much any two from four. With a game in hand and the best net run rate we are very much in poll position, however. A win against old rivals Yorkshire on Sunday and I suspect that one win from the last two games against Durham and Scotland will see us through.

I'll be at Titwood next week to see that important last game. We can do this you know....