Paul Borrington, Dan Redfern, Ross Whiteley, Tom Poynton. What's the link?
The answer is, of course, is that they are all Academy graduates and their efforts steered Derbyshire from a tricky lunchtime position to one of comparative tranquility today. Messrs Krikken and Dytham will have enjoyed a satisfied moment or two after their display, which took Derbyshire to a position where a draw should be within their compass. A win would be dependent on the generosity of the Essex declaration, as I don't see any need for Derbyshire to do something daft tomorrow.
Once again the lower order bailed Derbyshire out and at 30-4 and 120-7 we were looking down a barrel. Yet the response was at it has been all season, skilful, brave and dogged. It would be nice for them not to have to do this so often, for the blood pressure of the fans as much as anything, but the way that this side battles to the last man makes you proud to be a Derbyshire fan. It's been some time since we could say that.
Tom Poynton's century at Northampton has obviously done wonders for his confidence and the way that he steered us to bonus points belied his inexperience. Ross Whiteley has endured a difficult second summer but has returned to form in the past few weeks, while Dan Redfern got his head down and added a crucial 60 runs with Paul Borrington when the pressure was really on and the follow-on a distinct possibility.
As for Borrington, he will play few more valuable innings than that 42 against David Masters. The latter is one of the best seamers in the county game and a handful with a new ball and helpful track. Bozza will make bigger scores, but few will have the significance of today's effort.
A win tomorrow would be amazing and would seal promotion. It would leave the title a maximum of ten points from two games away, always assuming that Hampshire took maximum points from their last two matches, one of which is against us. Yet three points for a draw is a decent consolation prize given the current placings, with a wary eye being kept on Scarborough and Leicester tomorrow on what appears a decent day weather-wise.
We will know much more tomorrow night.
A hugely satisfying outcome for those who have had the vision to nuture and develop these talented young players.
ReplyDeleteIn turn,each of them have sufferred lack of understanding and patience of what it takes to establish yourself as a first class cricketer.Some of vicious and malicious comments regarding Paul and even his family beggar belief. However, at a vital time he yesterday stabilised the innings under great pressure and allowed the other fine youngsters to build a decent score.Similarly, following his injury Tom has more than shown his class and capability,which makes a nonsense of the negative bandwaggon that was developing around him.There will be ups and downs to come,form dips and tough times but lets hope our 'supporters' have learned a lesson to keep their disparaging comments to themselves or stick with the yob culture down at the football.
bf.
Should be an interesting day. Surely Essex will need to leave us something reasonably chaseable as they have to win to have any chance to go up. Can't imagine they will want to bat more than 40 overs today in order to leave them enough time to bowl us out hence their quick start yesterday evening
ReplyDeleteI doubt any agreement will be reached between the captains, and scoring runs in the morning session is never easy at Derby. A draw is the most likely result but with us being happy with a draw they'll have to be very reasonable with their declaration. But if we do win promotion will be done and dusted!
ReplyDeleteI think your comment,s are a tad strong BF and also make a few assumptions which are incorrect. I certainly can,t recall anyone on here attacking Borrington personally and certainly not his family. For a start,there is no way Peakfan would allow it and quite rightly too. I am slightly mystified as to what exactly you are referring to.
ReplyDeleteI have my own opinion on Borrington,which I think are well known to those who view this blog. I don,t intend to dwell on the subject,suffice to say he produced a useful,gritty innings which circumstances suited his style. My opinion however,remains unchanged,at least for now. I ,like many, have opinions on other players and other topics surrounding the club. You have yours and that,s fair enough.
I agree with your comments on Poynton and personally I am a big fan of the lad. It,s pleasing to see him contribute with the bat. I think he would be the first to admit his batting has been disappointing until recently,but now he has shown what I and others knew he was capable of. Long may it continue.
Finally,if you find it so difficult to accept genuine criticism,comments and concerns people express on here,you may be better advised not to log in.
The reference is from the other fan's forum,where the Paul has been criticised heavily. The recent thread, which actually concerned Matt Lineker was turned into more vitriol.
ReplyDeleteIn my view, true supporters get behind a player when the going gets tough. What we have seen develop is an unending stream of dislike which can only make life more difficult for him. The impression given is that each low score is welcomed because it endorses the prejudice against him.
Thank you for inviting me to leave but perhaps you might like to withdraw that. I don't find criticism hard to accept especially when its not directed at me.
I am simply providing some balance and a contrary view as a supporter who enjoyed Paul's contribution, and the other up and coming lads performances, on day 3 for our team.
bf.
Fair enough Bf. Your post seemed to be referring to this site as you made no reference to any other site at the time. I fully accept your amendment and withdraw my invitation for you to leave.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, I look forward to you posting in the future and should we disagree,may we have a sensible and civilised debate.