Under-16s start with Nottinghamshire win

It is always nice to report on a win over our old rivals across the A52, regardless of the level. 

Today, Derbyshire under-16s started their season with an excellent five wicket victory against their old rivals at Cuckney Cricket Club.

Nottinghamshire won the toss and elected to bat, but could never break free from the shackles imposed by the Derbyshire attack. Lucas Green, younger brother of Jake, bowled especially well in taking 2-16 from nine overs. There were also two wickets each for Tommy Bush and Archie Griffiths, as the home side were restricted to 199 all out in their fifty overs.

The Derbyshire reply didn't initially go to plan and two wickets were down by the end of the fourth over. These included the talented Oscar Edwards, who had hit four boundaries in a breezy 20. A third had gone by the time the county side reached 30, but Bush started a recovery with Raja, before both were dismissed with the score on 96. 

The game was very much in the balance at that stage, but an excellent innings by the 2025 under- 15 batter of the year, Hugo Schroder, well- partnered by former under-14 captain Archie Griffiths, saw Derbyshire to victory with thirteen overs to spare.

Schroder was unbeaten on 77 from just 58 deliveries, while Griffiths added an unbeaten and composed 25 from 44, as they added 106 in 16 overs, to seal a fine win.

There are some very talented players in this age group and I look forward to reporting on their successes as the season progresses.

Tomorrow and Wednesday the Derbyshire Second XI play friendlies against Nottinghamshire at Lady Bay. Tomorrow is a 50 over game, while Wednesday sees the start of a 3-day fixture. 

It will be interesting to see if tomorrow sees a return for Harry Moore. He didn't play last week in the friendly match at Scarborough, so assuming fitness, ten overs would be a good way to gradually build his workload.

Fingers crossed!