Derbyshire 139 and 214
Leicestershire 120 and 168 (Rampaul 3-38, Reece 3-47)
Derbyshire won by 65 runs
Derbyshire duly and professionally finished off the Leicestershire innings today to seal a victory in a fascinating match by 65 runs.
The slim chance that the home side had was dependent on Azad batting the innings through. But when he was the first man to go this morning, a straightforward catch to Madsen at slip, their prospects were bleak. A change of ball resulted in a change of fortunes for Derbyshire, the new one moving far more than the one that preceded it.
Luis Reece bowled very well and took another wicket leg before, then van Beek got in on the act, courtesy of a juggling act by Critchley at third slip, who seemed to hold on at the third attempt.
Rampaul's introduction saw two wickets fall to nigh perfect deliveries, both safely pouched by Hosein. I thought he kept very well in this game and looks increasingly at home at this level.
The end, fittingly, came when Palladino, star turn of the first innings, flattened the stumps of Abbas. Seasons come and seasons go, but the metronomic accuracy of Palladino remains an object lesson for those in his craft.
It was a good team performance. I disagree with criticism I have read of the batting, as stroke play was never easy on a wicket of various challenges. It was one of those games when our depth of batting was very useful, while our seam bowling quartet was better than that of the opposition on this occasion.
It is a win that takes us, albeit temporarily, to second place in the division. There can be few complaints at that, though similar professionalism last week would have seen us top of the pile.
We move on to Durham next week in good heart and fine fettle.
A very fine win which again underlines the spirit and quality in this team. It also showed us supporters to keep our powder dry until the game has finished. How many teams win by 60 0dd when only posting 130odd in the first innings is a moot point. I still feel that everything is against us and the likes of Northants etc currently (Trent Rockets anyone - no thanks) However I revel in every win and take every loss on the chin, but even those have been competitive affairs. Well done all concerned. Who would of thought it at 1500hrs on Mon just gone?
ReplyDeleteA fantastic performance! The bowlers did their job brilliantly this morning. And those extra runs at the end of the second innings from van Beek, Palladino, and Rampaul proved to be match winning. Onwards and upwards.
ReplyDeleteExcellent performance especially by the bowlers who worked tremendously as a unit. We can go to Durham and Glamorgan with confidence and with Du Plooy to add. Keep it up boys!
ReplyDeleteWell pleased with that. Need to cut out the inconsistency though. Should have won both of those 2 championship games. Getting consistency will be the difference between promotion and also rans.
ReplyDeleteYes - terrific bowling performance across the seamers and as someone has pointed out those runs for the last two wickets in the second innings provided a decent target to bowl at with Leics needing the biggest score of the match to win. Good to see some decent numbers from Van Beek.
ReplyDeleteFrustrating with a bit more focus in the Glamorgan game and we could be a clear second but a win at Chester-le-Street.......
Yes, a very professional win!.
ReplyDeleteBowlers were exceptional
Well done you falcons.
Durham up next.cant wait
Yes, a very professional win!.
ReplyDeleteBowlers were exceptional
Well done you falcons.
Durham up next.cant wait
a quirk of the fixture list that we are 2nd. Played 4 of the worst sides (bar Northants and ourselves) in the division. Likewise that we only play Sussex and Worcs, 2 of the strongest teams once. A very lucky quirk and we should take advantage.
ReplyDeleteLike I said at the start of the summer, every side needs luck.
DeleteIt manifests itself in different ways, but lesser sides or not, you still need to beat them...
Which of the struggling batsman stands aside in the next game? Critchley? If Godleman wasn't captain his record this season in 4 day cricket would probably see him dropped.
ReplyDeleteA look at the averages shows both Critchley and Godleman, as well as Dal, average less than Ravi Rampaul.
DeleteYou cannot drop your skipper, nor your main spinner, so realistically Dal would need to make way if du Plooy is happy with how his hand feels on the bat
Terrific effort indeef. The do Plooy selection issue is interesting - last week he was declared fit to play and appeared for the 2s but not picked v Leics. Is he being saved for the Blast? If not has he had some reaction to the injury? To me he's a shoo-in in all forms so I hope we see him at Durham. Having lost 4 of 4 I think we can be sure Durham will be battling like fury - it'll be a good test.
ReplyDeleteGood luck guys - keep it up.
Phil C