Billy Godeman praised contributions throughout the team after Derbyshire beat Warwickshire by 57 runs in a high-scoring Royal London One-Day Cup encounter at Edgbaston.
The Derbyshire Captain led from the front and hit a career-best 137 opening the innings as Derbyshire set Warwickshire a daunting 358 runs to win.
There were runs throughout the Derbyshire order as two other batsman made scores over 50, and all seven bowlers claimed wickets to give Derbyshire a deserved 57-run win, a performance which pleased Godleman.
He said: “It was nice to bat a long period of time, but most importantly to come away with enough runs to make sure we secured the win.
“In different parts of the innings, people payed in a way which really supported my tempo. Slater to start with and then Madsen really accelerated and allowed me to keep knocking the ball around.
“Everyone contributed to supporting me and I’m sure someone else will get the big score in the campaign.”
Sam Hain scored a century for Warwickshire as they made 300 in the substantial chase, but the Derbyshire bowlers took wickets at regular intervals to bowl the experienced hosts out in the 46th over.
The strong performance across the lineup, in the Club’s first limited overs fixture of 2018, gives Godleman confidence heading into the rest of the competition as he expects the squad to continue improving.
He added: “This is a big Test ground, they’ve got international players and experienced domestic players. We’ve got nothing to lose and we’ll go into each game knowing we’re dangerous and can beat anyone.
“We need to play to our capabilities in each game and a win in the first game will give us confidence to do so.
“I think everyone will get better throughout the competition, once you’ve had more time to practice, and I think in the back half of these group matches, you’ll see sides confident and used to being back playing 50-over cricket.”
Royal London One-Day Cup is back at The 3aaa County Ground! Derbyshire will host four 50-over fixtures in May and June. Buy your match tickets in advance & save.
