Wooden spoon again for Derbyshire as Essex stroll
by Alan Rowley, 10th September 2001

Essex thrashed Derbyshire at Chelmsford with over 13 overs to spare to leave the visitors with the Norwich Union Second Division wooden spoon for the second successive year.

Only a fighting eighth wicket partnership of 61 between Graeme Welch (26) and Tom Lungley (45) and a promising 37 from Steve Selwood saved Derbyshire from total embarassment.

The Essex pace attack of Ashley Cowan and Justin Bishop ripped through the Derbyshire upper order to leave the visitors struggling on 38 for 5 before Selwood's knock restored some pride. A three-figure total looked distinctly unlikely until Welch and Lungley showed the batsmen how it should be done. The final total of 165 all out was woefully inadequate.

Darren Robinson and Graham Napier started the Essex reply off in style, putting on 62 in just eight overs for the first wicket. Napier scored 47 from 24 deliveries before he was bowled by a full-length Kevin Dean delivery.

Robinson and then Ashley Cowan were also bowled soon after, before Stuart Law, playing his final game for Essex, was caught behind for a disappointing nine. After six seasons at Essex, Law will not be retained next season. He received a standing ovation as he left the field.

Ronnie Irani steered his side safely through to an easy victory with a stylish, unbeaten 45 to leave the Derbyshire supporters wondering just where the county can go from here.