Final match victory but Derbyshire finish bottom
by Alan Rowley, 17th September 2001

Derbyshire rounded a depressing season off in style with an exciting six wicket victory over Lancashire at a windswept County Ground, thus ending an eight match losing run.

In a match reduced to 25 overs a side due to overnight rain, Lancashire posted a formidable looking total of 159 for 5 thanks to half-centuries from Tim Roberts (55) and Joe Scuderi (50 not out). Roberts' knock came from just 41 balls. Kevin Dean and Paul Aldred took two wickets apiece.

Derbyshire's reply started badly when Steve Stubbings fell in the first over, but Michael Di Venuto and Steve Selwood rescued the situation with a partnership of 82 in 11 overs. Di Venuto raced to his fifty off just 39 balls whilst Selwood's 33 came from only 30 balls.

The nerves of the Derbyshire players and supporters were tested as the home side lost quick wickets to slump to 117 for 4, but Chris Bassano (25 not out) and Nathan Dumelow (16 not out) steered Derbyshire safely home.

Derbyshire's fourth victory wasn't sufficient to drag them off the bottom of Division Two as they picked up yet another wooden spoon. As supporters left the ground, topic of conversation was what could be done during the close season to drag Derbyshire cricket from the doldrums. Stay connected to Sting In The Tail through the winter as we report on developments at the County Ground.