Thoroughly professional.Notwithstanding the fact that the Unicorns are perhaps the weakest of the non-first class sides (though they have some decent players) this is exactly the sort of game, as I mentioned this morning, in which Derbyshire have often come a cropper. We lost and tied with the Netherlands last season and have rarely beaten Scotland convincingly. Fans could have been forgiven for thinking that today might have been the same old, same old...
Especially when Chesney went early in his first senior knock of the season. As it turned out, he was just saving his energy for later and Martin Guptill and Wes Durston proceeded to add 222 for the second wicket, a partnership enjoyed by a good crowd of visiting Derbyshire fans. Watching those two in full flight can't have been the worst way to spend an afternoon and by the time a late burst from the skipper had taken us to 287-3, one sensed that this one wasn't likely to go against us.
The benefits to Tim Groenewald of a long bowl at Derby on the last day became evident in a superb opening spell that removed the dangerous Michael Thornely. Groenewald ended with the superb figures of 2-19 in eight overs and is getting back to his best, while there were useful spells from Ross Whiteley and Jonathan Clare. Mark Turner was a little more expensive, but like Groenewald needed some time in the middle and will benefit from today's game.
The main damage, however was done by the spinners, with Chesney Hughes returning the remarkable figures of 5-29. He and David Wainwright did very well after the seamers had put the Unicorns way behind the clock and Derbyshire ran out easy winners by 129 runs.
It was good, convincing and professional, with special mention to another very good performance behind the stumps by Tom Poynton, which capped a solid fielding performance.
So five games gone and still unbeaten. There are harder matches ahead for sure, but Wayne Madsen must be very proud of the way his young team have started the season positively and unbeaten.
For that matter, so are we. Well done lads!
Top of two leagues? Can we fast forward to September now?
You,re right Peakfan,these are the sort of games we would often lose in the past so it was a good,solid performance. Guptill and Durston batted with great authority and were backed up with some good bowling from the admirable Groenewald and Hughes.
ReplyDeleteThe only blot on an otherwise beautiful landscape was that Hughes got out early and Turner,yet again,proved expensive. For both it was their first senior game of the season,so we won,t be too hard on them. I can live with Turner going for five and six an over,providing he takes wickets,but if he doesn,t.....
Anyway,it,s a good start and a much better one than Gloucestershire could manage!. The weather looks crap for later this week,so yet again it looks like playing a leading role. Typical.
A great read as always, but can't help but think we will miss gupps at the top of the order from next month.how do you see us opening up in the second half of the year?
ReplyDeleteyoud have enjoyed the game Peakfan - fantastic venue - but was it cold.
ReplyDeleteChesney bowled fantastically and outshone Wainwright - he is very much an allrounder in 1 day games. Mark T is a bit of a problem though - can we rally afford the runs he gives away? Gups was supreme and it was an innings to rival some of last year - great way to remember him by. I think in 1 day games when he has gone id go with either JC or RW opening with Chesney and put in Usman 3 or 4 - it only needs one of the two to come off and we have a great start on the board. Good to be a falcon fan at the moment and the real variety were circuling the ground yesterday to lend their support (ok they were red kites but they look the same!)
If that's your line up where does Durston fit in? Great all round performance from boys - just what they need going into a tough week with Hsmpshire and Warks.
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