Billy Godleman says he’s proud of the fight his side displayed in the drawn Specsavers County Championship fixture versus Leicestershire at The 3aaa County Ground.
An all-round team performance ensured that Derbyshire, who found themselves at 57-5 in the second innings, put themselves in a winning position against going into the final day.
But an unrelenting ninth-wicket stand between Rob Sayer and Richard Jones stood between the hosts and their first win of the season.
“I’m extremely proud by the way the guys really fought hard this week,” said Godleman.
“A couple times in the game it looked like we didn’t have a chance of winning the game but we came back and that’s really positive signs for the future.
“The real pleasing thing is we’ve had some major contributions through the game from our senior players – Wayne Madsen played really well in the second innings.”
Madsen, who was voted the Members Player of the Year for 2016, scored an unbeaten 134, his fifth of the season, and half centuries from Alex Hughes and Harvey Hosein gave the hosts 346 runs to defend on the final day.
“Wayne is such a consistent player and really enjoyable to watch,” Godleman added.
“Not only is his value to the club in the runs he gets but also how he is off the field – encouraging and helping to develop the younger guys.
“Alex Hughes is an excellent team man and I believe he can do a job batting in the top five in first-class cricket. The opportunity presented itself a few games ago at number three and I really wanted to give Alex the opportunity to go out there and show everyone what he can do.
“Alongside our senior players our young cricketers have got a lot of determination, fight and a lot of talent. They all contributed in the game and really impacted the game.”
Wicket-keeper Hosein scored his third half-century in as many innings. The 20-year-old top scored in the first innings with an unbeaten 83 before sharing a crucial 153-run stand with Madsen in the second innings.
“We’ve always known that Harvey is capable of doing that – since he’s come back in the side his glove work been fantastic and he’s a real key learner and works hard behind the scenes.”
The batting efforts were supported by seam bowling pair Tony Palladino and William Davis, who took thirteen wickets between them.
“Will can swing the ball both ways when the conditions are conducive but I think his main weapon is ability to bowl fast and nasty.
“He’s brilliant to have in your team because you can throw him the ball at any time and he’ll charge in for the team, give 100 percent and never wants to get off no matter what’s happening and that’s a very admirable trait.
“Tony bowled incredibly at times and really led the attack, like he has all year.
“He runs in all day and the time he takes away from the field to prepare us as a bowling unit – to use his experience and knowledge of the opposition and conditions – to share it with the younger guys, he’s there to listen to them and also there to guide them.”
Derbyshire travel to Worcestershire for their final game of the season, and Godleman is optimistic that his side can continue to build on their momentum to secure victory at the New Road.
“If the progression continues as it has over the last two games like it did, then we should be due a win down in Worcester.
“We’ll have a break, rest, recoup and then come back with lots of energy do all we can to win the final game.”
