LEICESTERSHIRE MAKE IT HARD FOR DERBYSHIRE

DERBYSHIRE V LEICESTERSHIRE 417 FOR 3
DAY 1 COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP 2 @ THE 3aaa's GROUND
May 25 2017 --- 1105am

THE NEW MEDIA CENTRE AT DERBYSHIRE OVERSEES THE ACTION

On a blistering hot day Leicestershire made Derbyshire toil in the field by piling on the runs in sessions 2 and 3 and by the close of play they had burst through 400 leaving the home fans concerned.

ALL SET FOR A DAYS PLAY

Summer was here and today we had the evidence so the opportunity to take in some cricket at Derbyshire's fast improving headquarters.  From previous seasons entries hopefully this small blog will show the major developments off the pitch its not my intention to cover the game to any degree just look at the excellent changes taking place at Derby.

THE GROUNDS LOOKING GOOD FROM ALL ANGLES

Following a straight forward trip to Derby the short journey to the ground was completed and the first noticeable change is the overpowering new build of media and business centre which houses DCCC staff offices, media centre and of course business suite.  The previous large scaffold stand has been dismantled and placed around the new centre with the remainder offering a elevated view behind the opposite gym end.  The new club shop is now situated by the pavilion, sadly this only opens before the day and at lunch time but needs must.  The former cafeteria just offers a rest room area with to the side a new mobile catering wagon serving eating and drinking requirements today.  Well I remember the old breakfast days followed by ploughman's in the pavilion when the club did their own catering they were great days all at reasonable prices.  Still advancement as seen the ground develop well and the club must be pleased with their on going efforts, now for the on the pitch improvements.

ALFIE GLEADALL OF ECKINGTON CC ON SQUAD DUTIES

By the end of the first session Leicestershire who had quite obviously elected to bat following winning the toss were 77 for 1 a slow performance but by the close of play had amassed 415 for 3 with 2 centurions in Cosgrove and Ackerman, with over 200 added in the final 32 overs it had been a hard day for the home side with just Palladino showing much promise for Derbyshire.

DIVING SAVE AT GULL TO DENY LEICESTERSHIRE RUNS

It would only be decided in the forthcoming days if this was a superb pitch and both sides would find it relatively easy.

PAUL HORTON LEICESTERSHIRE C C C

The postscript shows Leic made 619 with Derbyshire at the end of the third day on 532 for 8, some of which was in overcast conditions.  So overall it looks like 2 evenly matched sides it was certainly a game Derbyshire could not afford to lose.

HARRY DEARDEN DISPATCHES ANOTHER DELIVERY FOR LEICESTERSHIRE

During the day it was interesting to catch up with many friends at the county ground and be lucky enough to take a look at the new media centre, well done the Falcons I hope the season will be enjoyable and successful.

ROOM WITH A VIEW FROM THE MEDIA CENTRE

It was also interesting to see former Derbyshire player and coach Graeme Welch now coaching at todays visitors and a blast back to my early watching days saw Mike Hendrick in attendance from the glories days of the late 70's/early 80's.

MORE SOLID LEICESTERSHIRE BATTING

A comfortable journey back see arrival at just short of 8pm after a long day for Derbyshire and their supporters in what had been a superb hot summers day.