Warwickshire go up as Derbyshire sink deeper
by Alan Rowley, 17th September 2001

Warwickshire went into this game needing a win to guarantee promotion to Division One, whilst all Derbyshire had to play for was their pride. As the game turned out, Warwickshire need not have been too concerned as the home team slumped to yet another innings defeat.

On day one, Derbyshire put in another disappointing batting display as they slumped to 106 all out. Charlie Dagnall, making only his second championship appearance of the season, did most of the damage with a career best 6 for 50. Bowling unchanged, he got tremendous movement under the overcast skies. Dagnall was ably assisted by Dougie Brown who returned figures of 4 for 20.

For Derbyshire, only Michael Di Venuto with 36 looked comfortable as the home side slumped from 57 for 3 to a miserable 106, only just passing their previous lowest total of the season.

Rain washed out play at 5:15 on the first day and on the second day, only 18.4 overs were possible.

Day three saw Warwickshire race on to 400 for 6 before declaring to leave Derbyshire needing 294 to avoid an innings defeat. By the close of the day, Derbyshire were on the verge of defeat on 91 for 5.

Nick Knight and Ian Bell both scored centuries as they shared in a fourth wicket stand of 245. Bell finished on 135 and Knight on 124. Dougie Brown ended undefeated on 53.

Warwickshire wrapped up the game and promotion ten minutes before lunch on the final day. Saturday supporters had the luxury of seeing Derbyshire in action - a rare sight in this miserable season of three day innings defeats.

The sparce band of a couple of hundred hardy souls witnessed two career bast performances in Derbyshire's last wicket partnership. Tom Lungley scored a fine 47, whilst Ockbrook colleague Lian Wharton contributed 13 not out. Their partnership of 69 added some respectability to the Derbyshire total and gave the home fans something to shout about in their 50 minutes at the crease.