Du Plooy is shining light in struggle
A BRILLIANT 90 from Leus du Plooy kept Derbyshire afloat on another curtailed day’s play in the LV County Championship against Middlesex.
But du Plooy could not go on to three figures and neither could Anuj Dal reach a half-century as they added 91 for the seventh wicket to haul the county back from the precipice of 76-6.
Ethan Bamber claimed four wickets for the first time this season for the home side on day two at Lord’s.
Skipper Tim Murtagh weighed in with four more as Derbyshire closed on 201-9, 81 behind.
Earlier, Robbie White reached 120 in Middlesex’s tally of 282, Sam Conners taking 3-65.
The hosts began on 218-5 with White still at the crease, but once John Simpson edged Dal to slip to end a stand of 79, a clatter of wickets began.
Toby Roland-Jones hit his first competitive ball since April for four before Dal caught and bowled him and Bamber swept Matt Critchley into the hands of deep square.
White’s long vigil ended when he nicked Conners to slip, then there were a few lusty blows from Thilan Walallawita, including a straight six.
Bamber had Derbyshire 22-2 by lunch, Billy Godleman slashing loosely to slip, while Tom Wood castled by a peach of a ball which pitched middle and hit off.
The afternoon session was a microcosm of why both sides have struggled this season as Derbyshire’s top order largely got themselves out before Middlesex let them off the hook.
Luis Reece swished loosely to be taken at slip and Critchley’s feet looked stuck in cement as he fell lbw, both to Murtagh who then had Alex Hughes caught from one that bounced off a length.
When Brooke Guest flashed poorly at Martin Andersson, Derbyshire were in danger of being ousted for less than 150 for the ninth time in 13 attempts.
Du Plooy, driving beautifully, moved to 50 in 57 balls with 10 fours. He found an ally in Dal, who made his highest score of the season.
Murtagh ending du Plooy’s innings via an edge to the diving John Simpson.
Bamber then returned to bowl
Dal and have Alex Thomson caught behind before bad light ended play
20 overs early.