Derbyshire v Kent day four

Derbyshire 587-5

Kent 326 and 247 (Stewart 49, Reece 3-21, Brown 2-53, Chappell 2-58)

Derbyshire won by an innings and 14 runs

Another magnificent effort by Derbyshire saw them wrap up victory over Kent before lunch at Derby today, winning by an innings and 14 runs. 

I wrote at the start of the season that a major factor for Derbyshire this season would be luck with the weather and holding their catches. Today the threatened rain failed to arrive, while some excellent catches were held, two of them by substitute fielder Nick Potts.

It was a strange morning, for all that. Muyeye was given out caught behind to the first ball of the day and it looked to come off his shoulder. Yet two other strong appeals were given not out, even though nothing other than the bat was near the ball. Very odd.

Derbyshire came out this morning with a pack mentality that was a joy to see. The fielding was sharp and after the early Muyeye dismissal, a fine catch by Guest, standing up to Reece, dismissed Benjamin. Leaning drove too soon at the same bowler and was well held by a tumbling Potts at mid off, while Finch was bowled by Dal off his thigh pad. When Parkinson, who can resist with the best of tail enders, was quickly trapped leg before by Morley, the end appeared to be nigh.

Yet Stewart, who displayed greater fight than most of his teammates, struck hard for 49 runs in a last wicket partnership of 64, taking on Brown and three times hitting him over the ropes. 

Would Derbyshire need to bat again? Would the game extend to lunch and perhaps the victory quest be ruined by rain? No, because Brown induced a top edge and Potts, again making good ground and holding on as he dived, held a fine catch at third man and victory was completed, with Ball never likely to bat again with his injury. 

So now we pause a heady red ball campaign for The Blast. Second in the league and still unbeaten as we enter June. Whatever happens from here, the Derbyshire players have given supporters a reason to be proud again. To take 20 wickets on a pitch that wasn't unduly difficult was a fine effort. Yet then again, so too was scoring 587 runs with the bat.

Again, without claiming psychic powers, I suggested that at the start of the season that only a team effort would bring Derbyshire success. Well, six of the seven bowlers used took wickets in this match. Of the others, Jewell scored a double century, Madsen a century, Came 89, Lloyd 50 and Guest set a standard in the field. 

With such things, good seasons and great memories are made. Last year we could have been sponsored by Teflon. This year? Gorilla Glue..

Bring on the Blast. Ghazanfar is here, Samit's Falcons are set to fly...if he can do as well as Wayne's Wonders, we will be alright, eh?