Derbyshire v Glamorgan day 3

Derbyshire 378 and 171-9

Glamorgan 346 (Hemphrey 75, Root 68, Rampaul 5-94, Reece 3-53)

Derbyshire lead by 203 runs

There is always a great sense of enjoyment in going down to the Pattonair County Ground in Derby. It is an easy run for me, from my parents' house and the friendly welcome from the stewards is always appreciated. So too those of other staff around the ground, the ready smiles and easy chat things that visitors will notice and appreciate.

These little things are indicative of a well-run and managed club, and despite the concerns around the county circuit with regard to the new competition, county cricket WILL continue. Whether it is in a different format to the current game, or a perceived 'lower' standard after the creation of eight city sides, Derbyshire will carry on giving a very good account of themselves. On the basis of what I have seen over the last three days, the club is well run, on and off the field. It is a pleasure to see and to be able to write.

On the pitch, early breakthroughs came with the dismissals of Lawlor, who had a tough spell at the crease, to Rampaul and then that of Billy Root, who was also leg before, this time to Reece. Thereafter, the less experienced Cullen and Douthwaite produced a stubborn stand, with apparently fewer terrors in the pitch after the first hour, when Rampaul bowled a very good spell.

Both batsmen played well and despite regular bowling changes by Billy Godleman it was hard to see where a wicket was coming from as the partnership passed fifty. Dropped catches didn't help the Derbyshire cause, two going down during the session that would have been taken most days at slip, but Glamorgan got to lunch at 299-6.

After lunch, it suddenly turned into a T20. Rampaul and Reece were tasked with the bowling and did a fine job. The West Indian did especially well, a 'working over' of Cullen culminating in the removal of his off stump, while Reece quickly ended Salter's ambitions with the help of a terrific catch by Hughes, low down to his left at second slip. Thereafter, Carey decided that he would enliven proceedings and reduce the deficit with some old fashioned 'long handle' taking the score to 346, before one hit too many saw a fine diving catch by Lace at deep mid wicket.

It was a fifth wicket for Rampaul, his first such haul since 2016. In three first-class matches this summer he has already matched his tally for 2018, as well as halving the average and looks a different, quicker, fitter bowler. Here he bowled with pace and menace, moving the game on from what appeared a moribund lunchtime state.

Derbyshire commenced their second innings with 57 overs remaining in the day and a lead of 32 runs. The post-lunch session had offered an opportunity for a positive result if we could move the score along. The early departure of Godleman, well caught down the leg side by the impressive Cullen, was not in the script and the skipper's average in the four-day game is currently in stark contrast to his sparkling efforts in the RLODC.

Madsen came in and unveiled some sparkling strokes, as is his wont, quickly easing past Reece in the scoring stakes, the latter largely content to accumulate steadily. I continue to be amazed at his contribution to the side, opening the batting after taking 3-53 in 22 excellent overs. Madsen looked set for a half century, but was well caught at slip for 47 from the bowling of Lloyd. When Reece's resistance was ended in identical fashion, Derbyshire had a lead of 143 and seven wickets in hand, more crucially with work to do to fashion a winning position, or for the pessimists, be safer from not losing the game.

Hughes came and went in disappointing fashion, but the reassurance of the dismissal was confirmation of a bounce that was becoming more variable. Any target around 250 looked likely to be challenging for the visitors, though that seemed some way off at 126-4. Hosein defended for a while, but was well caught down the leg side by Cullen, beaten for pace by Douthwaite as he went to pull. The more vocal demeanour of the visitors at this point suggested their ascendant position in the game and the debutant forced Lace to play on for 29, with the lead 181, then had Critchley leg before as he walked across his stumps. His fourth wicket came when van Beek lobbed a simple catch to the wicket keeper as he tried to turn the ball to leg and Derbyshire were in trouble, at 156-8.

Palladino fell before the close, which ended with the county 203 ahead. Fourteen wickets had fallen after lunch, some of them to shots that were not of the highest quality.

I will, however, stick my neck out and say that I expect us to force a win tomorrow. Every run will be precious in the last wicket stand, but we have a worn pitch to bowl last on.

And these are situations when you get the true credentials of a side with promotion aspirations...