Durham V Derbyshire

Derbyshire 255-8 (Critchley 49*, Lace 48)

Durham 260-7 (Richardson 72*,Lees 55, Rampaul 2-25, Lace 2-20)

Durham won by three wickets

Derbyshire didn't play badly today at Durham, but nor did they play well enough to take the win that could have been theirs.

Against a Durham side that was a different proposition to the one we beat in the County Championship, no one played the big innings that was required. The dismissal of the prolific Billy Godleman was a pivotal moment, and although most of the batsmen got going, none did so for long enough to make a difference.

Halfway through the innings, 275 to 300 looked to be what was needed and indeed would have made for an interesting finish.

Yet five runs an over as a target is not really demanding, on a wicket where runs were possible all day.

An early wicket for Sam Conners gave us hope and the youngster subsequently added a run out and catch to a solid performance. Ravi Rampaul was excellent, but there was not enough in the rest of the attack to cause any real problems.

Durham batted steadily, which was all they needed to do for a comfortable win. As the innings drew to a close, Leus du Plooy was introduced to the attack and after four balls had to leave the field with a finger injury. From the speed of his departure it looked nasty and we must only hope that it is not long-term serious.

His over was finished by Tom Lace who took a fine caught and bowled. When he sharply ran out Trevaskis in the next over, there was a glimmer, but that was it. The innings finished in a flurry of sixes from Richardson and another wicket for Lace, though it was largely academic by that stage

Derbyshire must regroup for the next match, in two days time against Warwickshire at Derby. They can still qualify in a very open group, but can ill afford any more defeats. With Lancashire and Worcestershire to come, there is a lot to play for.

Between times they will sweat on the fitness of du Plooy and my guess would be he will miss at least that next game.