Cambridge MCCU v Derbyshire day two

Derbyshire 535-6 dec
Cambridge MCCU 95 (Footitt 4-35) and 176 (Thakor 4-24)

Derbyshire won by an innings and 264 runs

As they did yesterday, Derbyshire displayed consummate professionalism in blowing away the student side inside two days of cricket.

There was more fight in the second innings, but the merits of having a number of bowling options were clearly displayed. Mark Footitt bowled them out in the first innings, but in the second, the home side displayed greater resolve and saw off our first three seamers.

The introduction of Alex Hughes saw the wickets start to fall. Hughes is a player who makes things happen, two short spells in each innings producing three wickets to go with a run out. I am not worried about his second ball duck, as he has already shown himself a player who gets runs when they are needed - a 60-4 type of player, rather more than a 350-4 one. His time will come but he clearly highlighted his value to the side.

As too did Shiv Thakor. An unbeaten sixty, followed by match figures of 5-38 clearly highlighted his talent and he will be a big player for us this summer. Tom Taylor bowled tidily and Wes chipped in with three wickets to end the innings, something he does so often.

On to the Lancashire game then. Stiffer opposition waits, but this exercise was one of getting runs on the board and taking twenty wickets.

They did it admirably in an impressive start.

Nice work lads.