Worcestershire V Derbyshire day 3

Derbyshire 108 and 377 (Lace 132*, Palladino 58)

Worcestershire 113 and 156-5

Worcestershire need 217 runs to win

Despite a gutsy sixth wicket century stand by Callum Ferguson and Ben Cox, Derbyshire should wrap up an impressive victory over Worcestershire at Kidderminster tomorrow.

At 156-5, they still need 217 runs to win, getting which would be the final, ultimate twist in a game that has not wanted for them.

They were in disarray before that partnership, with Ravi Rampaul and Fynn Hudson-Prentice taking two wickets each. The latter took his in the course of bowling eight successive maidens, which if not unprecedented, was certainly very impressive. Not many people make Tony Palladino look expensive, but Fynn increasingly looks the part, with bat and ball.

Earlier in the day, Tom Lace extended his outstanding century to an unbeaten 132 and was ably assisted by Palladino in a ninth wicket stand of 99. That should have put the game beyond the home side, but with these two at the crease they enter the final day not entirely without hope.

The new ball tomorrow morning will be key to this match, with that closing stand being made against an older, softer ball. Using a hard new ball properly is what one would expect from Messrs Rampaul and Palladino, and the main surprise has been an innings thus far lacking wickets for Luis Reece.

We bowled with impressive discipline today and from a supporters perspective that is always heartening to see.

If we can conclude matters tomorrow, in a similarly professional manner, we will remain very much in the promotion shake up.

And deservedly so.