Surrey won the toss and chose to bat first on what proved to be a lively pitch at the County ground in Derby.

A promising first wicket stand of 78 between Alan Cope and debutant Andy Dodd was broken when left-hander Dodd was caught at the wicket by Guthrie off the bowling of Simon Cusden for 35, an innings of considerable strokeplay from 39 balls which included eight fours. Skipper Stewart Walters (16) offered a return catch to Oliver Saffell but Rory Hamilton-Brown scored freely hitting ten fours in his innings of 57 while Alan Cope knuckled down to be the anchorman. Cope was eventually out for 24 from 126 balls after occupying the crease for 158 minutes. Another newcomer, Steven Smith, added 46 runs before being caught at midwicket and Surrey seemed to be well placed on 236 for five, but Chris Jordan (22) and Danny Euston (16) both fell with the score on 266 and Surrey were all out for 280, a total that had been generously enlarged by 52 extras.

The Derbyshire reply was solid with partnerships of 62 between Patel (23) and Taylor (65) and 90 by Taylor and Hassan Adnan which took the total to 164 for three. From that point the innings was dominated by Ian Harvey, playing in the Second XI as an overseas player while his registration application is pending. His 136 from 147 balls included a six and 16 fours and when he was out, caught at slip by Stewart Walters off the bowling of leg-spinner Steven Smith, the score had rocketed to 405 for six. The Derbyshire innings was declared closed on 432 for eight – a lead of 152. Steven Smith claimed four for 100 and seamer Martin Smith two for 67.

Surrey were struck a further blow when Alan Cope damaged ligaments in his shoulder while fielding and could take no further part in the match. Consequently a new opening pair of Andy Dodd and wicket-keeper Danny Euston saw out the seven remaining overs of the second day.

On the third day Surrey found batting difficult although Stewart Walters was in good form scoring 51 from 65 balls with nine fours before a catch off the bottom edge was taken by Guthrie. Steven Smith batted well again and Stuart Meaker, brought into the side to replace the injured Alan Cope, hit a brisk 30 but Surrey succumbed to the spin attack of Redfern (two for 23) and Patel (four for 60) and were all out for 208.

Derbyshire were left a minimum of 34 overs to score 57 for victory. They started slowly, reaching 26 from 7 overs before rain settled in for the day causing the match to be abandoned as a draw. Surrey took nine points and Derbyshire twelve.

Report written by Jennifer Booth.

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