Cork in form but Derbyshire are second best
by Alan Rowley, 13th April 2002

Derbyshire skipper Dominic Cork , pictured at Ockbrook's Channel 4 day last season, was in form in Derbyshire's first friendly fixture of the 2002 season. His efforts with both bat and ball were in vain as the county were well beaten by a strong Leicestershire side.

On a sunny, but breezy, day at the County Ground on Friday (5th), Derbyshire took first knock on a surprisingly good batting track. Dominic Cork top scored in the 50 over game with 39. Mathew Dowman contributed 28 and opener Steve Stubbings 24. New signing Jason Kerr , playing his first game for the county following his close season move from Somerset, scored a fine unbeaten 25 coming in at number nine.

When the final ball of the Derbyshire innings was bowled, the county had scored a useful looking 198 for 9.

South African Andrew Gait , also playing his first game for Derbyshire provided an early season injury scare when he injured a hamstring after scoring 15. Pulling up after going for a quick single, Gait immediately left the field and will miss this week's friendly matches.

In reply to Derbyshire, the visitors paced their innings well. Openers Trevor Ward (37) and Darren Maddy (32) got them off to a good start, and with Rob Cunliffe scoring an unbeaten 52, Leicestershire overhauled the home team's score with nine balls and five wickets remaining. Cork, following his good knock with the bat, was top bowler with 2 for 29.