Closing thoughts

After seven overs I had serious concerns over the game, with only 26 runs on the board, but we then scored 139 off the last thirteen overs, an impressive rate.

If we can get the start that is so important in these games, and there is no reason to worry with Bosman and Hughes up top, then we can continue to post challenging scores. The key tonight was partnerships, with every batsman contributing. No one went on to the match defining big score, but anything in excess of 150 is defendable with good bowling and fielding.

Thst was my big concern, as recent matches haven't shown off our attack to best advantage. Yet all the bowlers did their stuff. Tom Lungley was the only one to get collared, yet he took the crucial wicket of Brad Hodge. Tim Groenewald was economical, while Robin Peterson only got hit in the final over of an excellent spell. It was also good to see Wes Durston bowling a steady spell after a late innings assault that took Derbyshire's total to unanticipated levels and the ex-Somerset man justified John Morris' astute signing.

Then there were two key performances. Greg Smith revelled in his first appearance as skipper with an excellent all round performance, taking two wickets and chipping in with an impetus-lending 30 from 21 balls. Yet star turn was Steffan Jones, who turned back the clock with two key overs in two spells that bookended the innings, in which he took an outstanding 3-20. If ever someone led by example, it was our bowling coach tonight.

Two more points. Loots Bosman arrived today after a long and tiring flight from the Caribbean and straight into a game. He could have opted out and played an innings of unusual restraint, but Bosman gave the innings a crucial start and was starting to unleash his shots when dismissed. It augurs well for the rest of the campaign, however and he may turn out to be an astute signing.

Thanks, but no thanks to the BBC teletext, who never registered that the game was on tonight. Pretty poor show guys, one out of ten, must do better.

Still it is time for bed, perchance to dream. Played one, won one. Top of the league - at least until tomorrow.

And Langers arrives next week. What a difference a day makes...