Billy Godleman was delighted to start Derbyshire’s Vitality Blast campaign with a win over Yorkshire in front of a sold-out Queen’s Park crowd.
The Falcons captain top-scored with an unbeaten 70 as the hosts secured a fifth-straight win over the Vikings in T20s, while Mark Watt and Leus du Plooy all made valuable contributions.
Godleman says that the victory in Chesterfield was a special one for the side, and that the performances of other players were just as important as his own.
Speaking to BBC Radio Derby, Godleman said: “It’s a great place to play, the extra home support makes it a highlight of our calendar to play Yorkshire in a T20 at Queen’s Park. To put on a good show and bring a win for the fans really meant a lot.”
“It was difficult at times, I was lucky enough to bat through the innings and I had some really important support, particularly Reecey at the top, and then Leus and Critch played phenomenal roles.
“If they don’t come in and play the way they do, and take the wise options when they do, we don’t win the game.”
Watt (4-19) was named man of the match after taking four crucial wickets on his way to the best figures by a Derbyshire bowler on T20 debut, while keeping it tight and conceding just 19 runs from his four overs.
Godleman praised Watt for his performance against Yorkshire, highlighting the bowler’s ability to bowl at any point in an innings as being a key strength for the Falcons.
“I am happy to get eclipsed every day of the week as long as we win, Watty bowled tremendously well,” added Godleman.
“As captain, it is like having three bowlers in one, he can bowl in the powerplay, he’s excellent in the middle overs and if we need another option at the death, we can turn to him as well.”
The Falcons now prepare to face Birmingham Bears at Edgbaston on Wednesday, 7pm start, hoping to keep the momentum going, although Godleman admits that every game will be difficult.
“We have said a lot in the last few years that in the north group, you have hard games each week. What’s important is for us to enjoy 24-48 hours away from the game.
“That is so important when the games are coming thick and fast. Every time that we play, we want make little improvements on how we have played previously.
“You would always rather start well than not, but it is about accumulating a number wins over the 14 matches. We have started well but we will need plenty more.”
Local Rivals Collide! The East Midlands Derby against Notts Outlaws resumes on Friday 26 July; 7pm start at The Pattonair County Ground. Tickets selling fast. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
[twentyticket]
