Royal London One-Day Cup: Worcestershire vs Derbyshire

Mark Footitt

In the end, it was the rain that won the day at Worcester, but not before Derbyshire produced another strong performance that, with just over two more overs play, would have seen a third straight win in the competition.

Again, good bowling and fielding was a major factor, with Mark Footitt again neatly finishing off the innings after the increasingly impressive Tom Taylor undermined it with early wickets.

While there was middle order resistance again that set a fair target, we will have fancied the chase in our present mood. Tony Palladino again produced exemplary figures, underlining once more the mystery of why he didn't play more one-day cricket in previous seasons. Nor should the importance of good fielding be overlooked and Scott Elstone is picking up a name for himself as a fielder of some brilliance in the covers, effecting another run out today which fully justified his place in the side.

Durston and Godleman led off our reply with confidence and a win seemed a foregone conclusion had the rain come down fifteen minutes later.

One point each then, but confidence remains high and we are in good shape at present. Next up is Lancashire at the County Ground next Thursday, a big game for sure.

More over the weekend.