Wes Durston and Graeme Welch reflect on the rain-affected six-wicket defeat against Gloucestershire at Bristol.
The Falcons looked to be on course for victory after a second delay during the Gloucestershire chase had left the home side requiring 68 from four overs.
It went down to the final ball in which Gloucestershire needed six to win. It was caught but a no ball was called as Derbyshire had six fielders on the leg side for the last ball, leaving the hosts needing three to win and Benny Howell (33 not out) found the rope to complete an unlikely victory.
Durston said: “As skipper I have to front up and take responsibility for what happened. We had only three men on the off side for what we thought was the final delivery and the rules meant it was a no-ball.
“It was an oversight on my part and a terrible way to lose a game we controlled almost throughout. Fair play to the Gloucestershire batsmen who hit out at the end, but even they didn’t know what was happening when the no-ball was signalled.
“I originally thought it had been given for too many men outside the circle, which was not the case, and that is why I protested. Rules are rules and we have to take it on the chin.”
Elite Performance Director, Welch added: “There were six on the leg side and you are not allowed that many. It was a massive error and it has cost us the game.
“There were enough players who have played the game out there. Wayne Madsen and Billy Godleman have both captained the side this season but it was an error on Wes’ part but we should have won that game.
“We would probably have gone with Shiv Thakor and Alex Hughes to bowl at the end but we didn’t know it was going to rain.
“Wes was backing Matt and he said he was fine. He had bowled quite well up to then but he (Jack Taylor) just struck it really well. He did it against us at Derby and he’s done it to a few teams this year.
“But the guys have to get back on the horse because there are five games left. We’ve played some good cricket in this tournament and we could have been three out of three, to be honest.”
Derbyshire are back in Royal London One-Day Cup action at The 3aaa County Ground on Friday 31 July when they face Northamptonshire Steelbacks. Kids go FREE and adults can save £4 on their admission by buying in advance.
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