After watching the T20 quarter finals, I am sure I am not alone in thinking that Derbyshire acquitted themselves pretty well in the northern group.
Nottinghamshire eased past Essex, Northamptonshire hammered Middlesex, Durham saw off a late Gloucestershire charge to go through to finals day, while Yorkshire beat Glamorgan so easily it was laughable.
Let's be honest. The white rose side last night was considerably weaker than the ones that only beat us by a hair's breadth on two occasions. There were big names absent, yet they won in a canter.
I accept that Nottinghamshire were too good for us on a night where we simply didn't turn up, but there was little between a young Derbyshire side and Northamptonshire at Wantage Road and we weren't far away from Durham, despite being a little undercooked.
The right winter signings will take us closer still, especially in the crucial overseas roles. We did pretty well without major input from those roles and if we could get someone who delivers, our chances, with good domestic input, will be considerably enhanced.
As for finals day, my heart says Northamptonshire, as I always support the underdog, but my head says Yorkshire, if they can put out their strongest squad.
As for our dear neighbours, it is about time that they delivered on all the lustre in the side - or will they choke on the big occasion yet again?
We have gone hammered by all eight of them in a big game. That was my conclusion. In a way glad to save that national humiliation until we're good enough to compete properly, whenever that may be.
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