Seconds in tough battle

There was a chastening experience for Derbyshire 2nd XI yesterday, in an away game against Essex at what proved to be tricky Billericay.

Batting first, we were blown away before lunch by Kiwi Matt Quinn, together with Sam Cook and Jack Plom, for just 55 runs. Tom Wood made 22 and trialist Australian Jesse Dinnie was unbeaten on 14 against a strong second team attack with senior and overseas experience.

Essex didn't do that much better and their innings only just got past the tea interval before they were out for 173. Nick Browne, so often the scourge our first team, was quickly dismissed by impressive South African quick Dustin Melton, who finished with three wickets. So too did Sam Conners and leg spinner Connor Marshall.

Batting again before the close, we reached 41- 1, McGladdery out for 22 and Dinnie, this time opening the batting, so far unbeaten on 16.

It will be tough for Daryn Smit's side to preserve their unbeaten record, 77 runs behind, with a side of trialists and Academy players. Which is why it both amuses and annoys me when I see people saying, on another site, that we should 'ring the changes' in the first team.

Aside from the twelve for yesterday's game, the only fit and/or available squad members are Daryn Smit, the second team captain and reserve wicket-keeper, and Sam Conners. That's it. Ain't no campanologist going to ring many changes there...

We now have until the Glamorgan game that starts on the 19th to regroup and continue our excellent start to the 4-day season.

Let's not forget that at this stage, we are top of the pile...