Derbyshire

Derbyshire have had a dismal year, being awarded the 'wooden spoon' of domestic cricket, in finishing at the bottom of the (second division) of the County Championship. The side has had glimmers of hope in the one day formats, but mid table finishes in the first rounds of both the 40 and 20 over competitions are little compensation to the under-performing club.





There has been a great deal written about the difficulties faced by smaller clubs to make their mark on the domestic scene. The Derby HQ, devoid of international cricket deprives the club of an edge larger clubs are perceived to have financially (although as Surrey have proved wealth does not always transfer to on-field success). There seems, however to be little direction. Even at club level the local area appears at odds with the realities of first class cricket. Derbyshire clubs, those who should feed young talent into the county side operate on a strange basis with, for instance all leg side deliveries being declared wide. This is certainly in line with the one day game, but does little to create young cricketers ready for the longer format.





Ultimately Derbyshire are not in an easy position. Limited catchment area and finances mean it is difficult to make real in roads. Perhaps the return of Luke Sutton, an experienced first division cricketer, will bring some spark back to the county ground. However with the departure of key players such as Rogers, Lungley and Wagg it will be an up hill struggle.





Top of the Order- Chris Rogers


Once again Australia's loss was Derbyshire's gain. Although slightly down on the previous season Rogers' tally of 1,285 runs at an impressive 53.54 has been the backbone of the county's attack with the bat, limited support meant that largely it has been in vein, with only three victories being recorded.





Best Bowling - Robin Peterson


The former South African international has had a successful year with his brand of orthodox spin, claiming 51 scalps at 30.7. Certainly helpful for Derbyshire, but ultimately undermined by a largely toothless seam unit.





Rising Star - Chesney Hughes


Born in Anguilla, yet holding a British passport Hughes made his first class debut this season and has certainly made an impact. Indeed he has proved to be one of the few beams of hope for Derbyshire. 784 top order runs at 44.35 have offered vital substance to the side. Indeed one thousand runs would almost certainly have followed in his maiden season had the young left hander played in all of the side's first class fixtures, rather than the 12 appearances he was granted.





A Year to Forget - Graham Wagg


After a troubled season which saw only four first class appearances and ten wickets Wagg has decided to turn his back not only on a disappointing 2010, but also on Derbyshire. The move to Glamorgan will certainly be felt by his former club. Good left arm seam bowling, a useful touch with the bat and a wealth of, perhaps as yet unfulfilled, talent leave Derby. Just another shrewd signing by the Welsh side in recent years.





Star Man - Chris Rogers


Bar an absence from the Twenty20 side Rogers has really been a star in every sense of the word for Derbyshire. Accumulating vast numbers of runs, leading the side on and off the field, mentoring younger players and, who knows possibly making the tea and rolling the wicket, Rogers has given his heart and sole to the club. His departure at the end of this season to Middlesex will certainly be felt. A massive hole in the ranks must be filled.