Madsen excels as Derbyshire keep pressure on at top
DERBYSHIRE Falcons sauntered past WORCESTERSHIRE Rapids to maintain their strong start.
Billy Godleman’s career-best 70 and an unbeaten 58 from Wayne Madsen saw the visitors ease to a comfortable seven-wicket triumph at New Road on Wednesday, racking up their third win from four games in the competition.
Worcestershire posted 186-5, Joe Clarke top-scoring with 42 off 18 balls while John Hastings cracked a four and two sixes off the final three balls of the hosts’ innings.
But the Falcons eased home with ten balls to spare, with skipper Gary Wilson (17no) hitting the winning boundary.
The Ireland international wicketkeeper was impressed with his teammates’ efforts, particularly those of former captain Madsen.
“I thought, potentially, they (Worcestershire) had enough runs,” said Wilson.
“But credit to Billy and Wayne because I didn’t actually think they bowled that badly, apart from possibly giving Wayne a little bit too much width.
“I knew Wayne was a good player but probably didn’t realise how good he was until I played with him, and it was great to see Billy strike the ball the way he did.
“It’s a good start for us in the competition but we don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves.”
On Sunday, LEICESTERSHIRE Foxes defended 147-9 to overcome BIRMINGHAM Bears in a tight encounter at Edgbaston.
Luke Ronchi top-scored for the visitors with 46 before Colin Ackermann (3-21) was able to turn the screw sufficiently on the Bears, who could only manage 138-8 in response.
“The guys kept really calm under pressure and we backed ourselves, as we have done throughout the tournament so far,” said Foxes allrounder Mat Pillans, who has joined the club on loan from Surrey.
“It’s brilliant to be a part of the changing room at Leicestershire. We’re enjoying each other’s company and playing some good cricket, so everything is going well.”
Elsewhere, Jos Buttler’s unbeaten knock of 42 helped LANCASHIRE Lightning to 155-5 as they chased down DERBYSHIRE’S 152-8 to earn a five-wicket victory at Old Trafford.
Last Friday, at the same venue, wet weather and a recalculated target contributed to LANCASHIRE tying their Roses match against rivals YORKSHIRE Vikings while NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Steelbacks were five-wicket winners in BIRMINGHAM against the Bears.
Finally, LEICESTERSHIRE were inspired by Clint McKay’s impressive figures of 5-11 as they triumphed by five wickets at WORCESTERSHIRE.