One Day Cup: Wes Durston's century hands Derbyshire an important win

Wes Durston

A Derby County win, round about the same time that we moved into the crucial fourth place in the section with a fine win against Northamptonshire, albeit a closer finish than it should have been.

After a terrific spell, Mark Footitt's last over went for 22, and we were facing a tense last over, but with the right man bowling it. Tony Palladino duly delivered, and a six-run win ensued. The icing on the cake came with the news that both had signed two-year contract extensions, keeping them as Derbyshire players until the end of the 2016 season. Fantastic news!

The difference was again Wes Durston, and his scintillating century gave us the score that was always going to test a Northamptonshire side that has been cruelly hit by injury. He got good support from Marcus North, and, while the rest subsided in the quest for quick runs, a handy total was posted.

Richard Levi may have his limitations, but he has a liking for our attack; while he was in, the home side always had a chance. The admirable Andrew Hall lent good support, but, with Stephen Peters unable to bat until the end, we had every chance

Wickets continued to fall with sufficient regularity for the innings  to not gain momentum, and the win was just reward for another fine effort. Ben Cotton lent good support with the ball and can be pleased with his performance, while Wes bowled a steady spell to add to his fine knock. 

If we can replicate that at North Marine Road on Wednesday, where Yorkshire lost to Essex today, we can make the quarter-finals. A big 'ask' against a team we haven't done well, in recent encounters, but maybe this will be different.

I'm looking forward to finding out...