Derbyshire lost to Durham by two wickets after a final day declaration set a thrilling chase, which the hosts reached despite four wickets for James Sykes at Burnopfield CC.
Anuj Dal (46) and Matt McKiernan (58) were both unbeaten for Derbyshire, who declared on 191-4 on the final morning, setting Durham 320 runs to win in the remaining day’s play.
A close-run chase from the off, Durham lost wickets at regular intervals, but Liam Trevaskis (65 not out) held the innings together and Barry McCarthy hit a run-a-ball 55 to take Durham to victory with two wickets in hand.
Tom Wood (34) was out to Josh Coughlin after adding 15 to his overnight score and Scott Palombo was out without scoring, leaving Dal and McKiernan to put on an unbeaten 97 for the fifth wicket and guide Derbyshire to a good lead, before James Kettleborough declared to set a final day chase.
Durham reached 67 before the first wicket fell and then added a further 45 for the second wicket, soon 112-2 off just 23.3 overs.
Spinners Sykes (4-95) and Matt Sonczak (2-44) slowed the rate and Derbyshire started to take wickets more regularly, knowing they would have to bowl Durham out to win the match.
Trevaskis batted well for his half-century, striking fours off the bad balls and defending when necessary, allowing Josh Coughlin (32) to attack at the other end.
The all-rounder was out to Sonczak, while Trevaskis and McCarthy set about rebuilding whilst keeping an eye on the necessary run rate.
The pair added 77 in 15 overs and when McCarthy was eventually out to Sykes, the partnership had already won Durham the match, leaving Trevaskis and George Harding (1 not out) to hit the remaining six runs.
Derbyshire are back in Second XI action on Monday 2 July, when they face MCC Young Cricketers in back-to-back Twenty20 matches at Merchant Taylor School; starting at 11am.
Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons host seven Twenty20 games this July and August. Purchase your tickets in advance and save from £4. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
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