Final day at Derby washed out

Date: Friday 03 July 2009

Final Report: Derbyshire (11 points) (365 (Park 72, Redfern 50, O’Brien 6-87) drew with Leicestershire (12 points) 412 (Allenby 96, Taylor 89, New 66, Ackerman 49, Hunter 5-82) and 209-7 (New 63*, Allenby 52, Wagg 3-70)

Rain frustrated Leicestershire’s hopes of their first Championship win of the season as no play was possible on the final day at Derbyshire.

The team would have started 256 ahead of their opponents with three wickets left, but not a single ball could be sent down as the predicted thunderstorms materialised.

It was such a shame, as the game was shaping up to be a real thriller – just like last season’s four-day encounter at the same venue.

On that final day all three results were still possible going into the closing overs, and there was every chance this game could have followed a similar pattern.

However, it was not to be and umpires Vanburn Holder and Nigel Cowley abandoned the game shortly after lunch after a heavy downpour finally put paid to hopes of play.

Leicestershire finished with 12 points, with Derbyshire taking 11 after not picking up their final batting point.

However, more than just points can be taken away from the game.

Tom New had an outstanding match, scoring two half-centuries and picking up six catches behind the stumps.

Jim Allenby made 96 and 52 and also bowled with great economy and accuracy.

James Taylor was also in form in the first-innings with 89 and HD Ackerman played two nice innings at the crease.

On the bowling front, Iain O’Brien was superb, claiming County’s best Championship figures of the season.

George Walker also bowled tidily in his first appearance for the club in almost six years, and Harry Gurney picked up two important wickets.

The team now largely have a few days of preparation for the Championship game against Middlesex a week today (July 10).

However, Josh Cobb and Taylor will join up with England under-19s along with Nathan Buck ahead of the first test against Bangladesh which begins on Monday at Scarborough.

Senior Coach Tim Boon has given permission for the teenagers to play in the game, and they will be available for next Friday’s match providing no injuries occur during the test.