Chasing 9.5 an over, and losing Chesney Hughes to the first ball of our innings, I reckon there's few Derbyshire fans entertained thoughts of a win.
Yet we got them, with an over in hand and while there were some excellent contributions down the order, the crucial factor was the improved use of the Powerplay. In earlier games, we have made between thirty and forty in those first six overs. Tonight, we scored 68-2, largely thanks to a long-awaited return to form by Wes Durston (pictured).
No one doubts Wes can play and he's played enough memorable knocks over recent seasons to last long in the memory. The short form of the game has been his forte, but last year seemed to knock him back a little and this year he hasn't got going. Yet tonight he got away quickly with a four and a six, then seemed to find his latent mojo buried under the batting crease, as he smashed 53 from 21 balls and gave us the early impetus that we never lost.
Sometimes that's all you need. A couple of shots off the middle that help you remember how to bat, then the confidence comes back. I hope it does for Wes, because in form he is important to this Derbyshire side and we're better and more balanced as a result.
Wayne Madsen again played a lovely innings and has proven to all that he can play T20, while Alex Hughes again showed maturity in the quick burst of 24 from just ten balls, before Tony Palladino and David Wainwright saw us over the line.
Earlier, Derbyshire bowled steadily with only Matt Higginbottom taking real stick, although it paled to insignificance against that suffered by England bowler Boyd Rankin. Supposed international bowlers really shouldn't be going for seventeen an over from three and Derbyshire profited from some erratic stuff by the erstwhile England man. At which point it is only fair to credit greater discipline in our bowling, with only two leg-byes and three wides in the Warwickshire innings.
Yes, I know they call themselves the Birmingham Bears in this format, but I can't subscribe to such nonsense. They are a county side and as such their name should represent that. Put it another way, if we ever drop the 'shire' from our name, I will be at the front of the protest marches, even if the Sky commentators persist in calling us 'Derby' for reasons best known to themselves.
Finally tonight, deserved mention for a worthy and popular cricketer in Tony Palladino. Three overs for twenty in a total such as Warwickshire compiled was an excellent effort, while his cool head at the death with the bat was important.
It does make you wonder why he was never considered before this year. That's a plus point for 'Pop' Welch.
But not as big as that win tonight.
Sleep well, my friends...
It,s certainly not before time and has come agaist a team I really couldn,t imagine us beating.
ReplyDeleteHaving notched 189,I rather doubt the Bears thought they were going to lose either. Still,with a name like that they deserve to lose,don,t they?.
Full marks to Durston and Madsen who were instrumental in setting the tone and tempo to make this win possible. Alex Hughes,Palladino (bat and ball) and Wainwright also made worthwhile contributions. It would be unwise to get too carried away with one result,as we found out after Leicestershire,but I did sleep well last night.
Amazing victory really, as I thought we'd get hammered.C Hughes and North the only failures in our batting ,and I'd be inclined to drop both for the considerable future. North has been nothing short of garbage for our overseas player, we really did drop a clanger there bringing him in. And Chesney is just Chesney, been out of form for ages now and not good enough in my eyes. Let's build on this victory now lads.
ReplyDeletePeakfan. I think that I have spotted an error in your report. You say that Wes Durston is pictured but then include a photo of a fresh-faced, lithe, academy prospect! I would love to know if Wes only got the place because of Moore's decision. It could be a season changer for him.
ReplyDeleteDespite the rubbish weather during the day and our standing in the league it was a reasonable turn out last night with plenty of crowd noise and atmosphere. Nice way to finish off the T20 fixtures at the 3aaa. (Unless, of course we win the group and get a home draw.)
Craig
Yeah, think that might be an older pic of Wes, Craig! As for winning the group, I thought I was an optimist, mate!
ReplyDeleteMark, I don't think North has been 'garbage' but his form through his career has been a feast or famine thing. He's played some fine T20 hands but I still think we've used him poorly.