Derbyshire v Lancashire day 3

Lancashire 161 and 226 (Harris 58, Moores 57 Aitchison 5-49, Haydon 3-71)

Derbyshire 364 and 25-1

Derbyshire won by nine wickets

Outside of family events, there is little better in life than to open the curtains in your hotel room, see the sun stream in and realise that you will soon be walking to the prettiest of cricket grounds. Even better, likely to witness a win for your team, which seemed on the cards today as I enjoyed a leisurely stroll to the ground on very quiet roads. 

A couple more observations from this trip. Whatever the shortcomings on the pitch at times, this is an EXCEPTIONALLY well run club. From the signposting, ticketing, warm welcome and catering onwards, it reeks of professionalism. 

So too with the players and their pre-match routine. It is structured, with plenty of different exercises and drills to warm up, as well as those to engender team spirit. It is high, so much is evident, with the laughter and enjoyment of what they do clearly evident. Diametrically opposed from that of the opposition here, where it was clear that all is not well in the Kingdom of Lancastria...

Bashir-watching was interesting over these three days. There are many players of renown whose reaction to omission from the playing eleven would not have been positive. Shoaib would have been a contender for Twelfth Man of the Year, were there such an award, going about his duties with a smile, a laugh, a hug for a team mate, a word and autograph for fans. You couldn't ask for more.

When the action started, Joe Moores reinforced the positive impression of his wicket keeping with three delightful square cuts and a sound defence. But for Lancashire to threaten a repeat of Old Trafford, Marcus Harris had to go big and he was removed after half an hour by the ubiquitous Aitchison, clean bowled. Soon afterwards Balderson was smartly held by Jewell at slip and 'Big Ben' had picked up another five-wicket haul.  Still, as a nickname it is better than 'Michelle'..

It is the third time in successive matches he has had five wickets in an innings. The last Derbyshire player to do that was Michael Holding in 1983. Pretty illustrious company to be in.. 

Moores and Coughlin held up Derbyshire with a lively ninth wicket stand before Dal, after being hit for six, then four, held one back and had the latter caught by Reece at mid off.

A big six over mid wicket by Moores ensured that Derbyshire would have to bat again and further fine strokes meant that Derbyshire needed 24 when he was eventually bowled by Montgomery. He looks quite a talent and deserved better support.

I have no idea why Harry Came played the shot he did in the Derbyshire run 'chase' of 24 in 163 overs: best filed under 'stupid and unnecessary' and redolent of the vibe of a beer match. But Reece and Montgomery took their side over the line to clinch an excellent nine-wicket win, all before lunch on the third day. It was their first win in red ball cricket against Lancashire since 1997 and the first over them at Queen's Park since 1961 (courtesy David Griffin). 

This was a polished, professional display by Derbyshire. The frustration is that we know they have such cricket in them, as does Mickey Arthur. Perhaps if the players themselves fully l realised it, they can take the final step forward to consistency.

They are temporarily back to third in the table after this win. Had they won at Old Trafford and done better against Gloucestershire, promotion would have been more 'likely' than 'possible'. But if they can keep the momentum going when red ball cricket  resumes on August 20 (crazy, isn't it?) then who knows? 

Between times, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that they can have a good run in the Metro Bank One Day Cup. Having only lost Nye Donald to the 'other' competition, they really should make a decent fist of it this year. 

Anyway, thank you to everyone who I spent time with over the past few days. It really was a pleasure and I travel back north tomorrow having seen two wins in two trips this summer, as well as not missing a single ball of cricket here.

Lucky mascot? I am a bit big for that, but the trip home is much easier as a consequence! 

Catch you all soon. 

One man and his blog...thanks to Andy for the photo!