Godleman hits century as Derbyshire show top-order strength

Captain Billy Godleman scored an unbeaten 105 as Derbyshire’s top-order piled on the runs on Day Two of the fixture against Oxford UCCE at The Parks. 

Brooke Guest also scored 66 not out in a second-wicket partnership that goes into the evening at 181 runs, while the debuting Shan Masood scored 40 from just 29 balls to get the innings off to a positive start.

While Derbyshire struggled to break through the defences of Joe Millard (92) for the first hour of the day, Alex Thomson managed it with just his third delivery of the morning, as he bowled the wicketkeeper-batter.

Two more quick wickets followed for the spinner, who finished with figures of 4-59, as Oxford UCCE were all out for 272. Masood and Godleman showed a good understanding already in their first innings together, with their speed and decision making between the wickets helping them to a 50 partnership in less than half-an-hour.

Masood departed not long after that, with the batter’s positive knock providing seven fours and valuable time at the crease ahead of the game against Middlesex next week.

Godleman and Guest rarely looked in trouble for the vast majority of the day, with both players watchful in their approach as the scoreboard ticked over beyond the 200 mark.

The Derbyshire captain reached three-figures in 158 balls, including 14 fours, while Guest achieved his half-century in 131 balls, seven of which garnered boundaries.

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