I've said pretty much all I need to say about Derbyshire's performance in this match. All I can add is that it was a thoroughly professional run chase this morning.
Nothing spectacular, except for one six by Garry Park, no attempts to finish it in an hour, but more importantly no alarms. We lost Paul Borrington early, but the skipper and Garry Park then took us to the target with cool skill that was satisfying for all of us. Only two fours for the skipper in his fifty, which must be some form of record for him.
The win takes us to second place in the table, behind Sussex but ahead of Leicestershire who have played a game less. In short, we are up with the promotion contenders in the early part of the season and cannot do more than that.
Next up - Northampton on Tuesday in the Championship, while unbeaten Sussex host unbeaten Leicestershire at Hove. Something has to give...
I was glad to see Smith step up a notch with the bat in this game. We need to see him and Park take a lead more often, rather than supply a cameo knock and then rely on the two openers for the big score. We certainly have four good to very good top order players now. I also feel Redfern is likely to chip in at some stage.
ReplyDeleteWith a useful lower middle order too, we should hold our own on the runs front.
Waggy appears to be in need of a break and I have to wonder whether he should have been left out of the match.
MASTERVILLAIN