Weekend thoughts

Another easy win for Derbyshire's feeder club, or the Cape Cobras as they're better known tonight.

It was a win based on a first wicket partnership between their prolific opening pair of Puttick and van Zyl, who put on 109 on a wicket that subsequently deteriorated quickly. After they were parted the Cobras subsided to 207 all out, with just three runs for Robin Peterson as The Warriors international spinners Boje and Botha got to work.

Their success suggested that Peterson would enjoy himself with the ball and he duly obliged, taking 3-29 in his eight overs as he ran through the middle order. His figures paled to insignificance however as Charl Langeveldt returned the astonishing figures of 8-2-17-5 as the Warriors could only manage 155-9.

Earlier this week it was good to read of a new County recruit from the High Peak in Matt Higginbottom, whose club figures suggest a player of some potential. It is good to see the club's scouting network reaping dividends and if Higginbottom comes through and emulates Andrew Harris from the same part of the county we will have few complaints. A summer contract gives him an opportunity to shine and fingers crossed he will do just that.

In an encouraging week, teenage opener Ben Slater was voted Premier League Young Player of the Year and good judges predict a bright future for the young Chesterfield opening batsman who was also voted Academy Young Player of the Year. These lads suggest a steady conveyor belt is developing from the Academy and they just need to keep working hard to reap the benefits of a promising system.

It was also interesting to read that Kiwi Iain O'Brien had discussions with John Morris about a deal with Derbyshire, but couldn't guarantee he would qualify as an Englishman through residence or marriage. As it has turned out he will play his first year at Middlesex as an overseas player, a role we couldn't offer with the admirable Chris Rogers filling that position.

Meanwhile Sachin Tendulkar has turned down a T20 stint at Middlesex while, as DCCC Forever points out, Somerset have signed Keiron Pollard, the exciting Trinidadian all rounder, who will share the role with Cameron White. A number of sides are sorted for that competition now, but there's a lot of good players out there and John Morris will sort out our role in due course.

Finally this evening, Graeme Welch has signed a contract to become seam bowling coach at Edgbaston, where he started his playing career. It will be a big loss for Essex, who will need to move quickly to sort that role with pre-season training imminent.

Have a good weekend!