Durham v Derbyshire Metro Bank One Day Cup game 8

Durham 253 (Borthwick 103, Ackermann 42, Moore 3-45, Chappell 2-56)

Derbyshire 256-6 (Lloyd 63, Came 45, Reece 37, Raine 4-30)

Derbyshire won by four wickets

Derbyshire fulfilled their side of the bargain today by beating Durham in an excellent game of cricket but, as I suggested last night, Hampshire were simply too strong for Middlesex. Derbyshire thus failed to qualify for the knockout stage, despite looking in control of the group at one stage. 

It is disappointing, yet there were signs to encourage today. Harry Moore continues to look like a star in the embryonic stage, while Zak Chappell confirmed that he is now a genuine all-rounder. There was a time when I thought he was a bowler who could merely give it a tonk, but Zak has shown enough this season to attain genuine all-round status. 

It is easy to be euphoric after a win over a good side, which this was, but we are not that far away from being a good team ourselves. If we can add a top overseas batter to the lineup next year, there is the talent to go further in every competition. Martin Andersson will offer middle order ballast and another bowling option, while the hopeful return of Ben Aitchison will be like a (very good) new player. If Moore continues to improve, we can retain Sam Conners and both Chappell and Brown continue in this year's form, we need a spinner  who can bat for the T20 and a quality bowler for four-day cricket, regardless of style. The talent is the thing, we need quality, someone who will always be in the team and setting standards. Just look again at Peter Handscomb today, leading from the front at Leicestershire and seeing his side home.

The early loss of Sam Conners through injury was a blow today, but the rest of the attack did well on an excellent pitch. Borthwick made a fine century for the hosts, but the dismissal of Ackermann saw a decline from 158-2 to 253 all out. Moore took another three wickets to complete an excellent competition, while Chappell added two. Wagstaff also played his part with the ball, in a decent team effort in which only twelve extras were conceded.

Came and Reece led off well, but as so often happens, one wicket becomes two and a rebuild was required. David Lloyd batted very well today and his anger at his eventual dismissal was obvious to all. It wouldn't be Derbyshire without a meal being made of the chase and wickets continued to fall as the game came to its conclusion, Ben Raine again confirming himself as one of county cricket's finest journeyman professionals.

Anuj Dal, whose return has been a highlight of this competition, batted with considerable common sense however and his trademark rapier cuts and lightning running, while Chappell struck some powerful blows, saw their side home.

It was a good win, though sadly not enough. Mickey Arthur and his team will rue the inconsistency that saw them lose to Kent and Worcestershire, two displays that were disappointingly poor and ultimately were the difference between qualification and the end of the white ball season. The win over Somerset and again today showed they can mix it with the best. An overseas player - again - would have made all the difference.

Back to red ball and hopefully something to encourage us further, before we head into the Autumn.