Thoroughly professional

You can't deny it guys - that was a thoroughly professional performance tonight.

Last night I wrote that you needed someone to bat the innings through in this cricket and aim for 140. Tonight we exceeded that total by over 30 runs and that is always a huge psychological barrier to chase. A good start is essential and when Diva, Smith and Blackwell were back in the hutch before they had 25 on the board, the writing was on the wall.

Steady bowling (take a bow guys, especially Tim Langeveldt - sorry, Groenewald)and good fielding backed up a most professional batting performance.

I'd have to admit to raised eyebrows when Garry Park came in at three. His batting thus far has been excellent but he's not shown the shot selection and stroke play that he unveiled tonight. Fifty from 33 balls is motoring and it is a shame he was run out soon after the skipper was caught. When Wavell went quickly we had slipped from 102-1 to 104-4. Last year that would have slipped to 140-8, but when you're in that situation the sight of top pro John Sadler (an interesting and successful selection)and Aussie ace Stuart Law lends a degree of reassurance. Tonight they came off big time, adding 70 runs very quickly. At the half way mark the players must have fancied their chances and in the end it was a stroll and a very convincing night's work.

It would be very understandable if John Morris permitted a smug smile to his lips on the way home. All of his winter signings, ostensibly brought in to improve the one day side, came up with the goods. Law and Park scored runs, Park, Groenewald and Lawson took wickets. Couldn't ask for more really. It would, of course be Derbyshire if we went to a weaker Leicestershire side on Thursday and played like novices, but more performances like this one and we might start thinking we can play this game...

Party at my place tonight, yes siree!