Derbyshire beaten at Sophia Gardens

Half-centuries from Wayne Madsen couldn’t prevent Derbyshire from an innings and 24-run defeat to Glamorgan at Sophia Gardens.

Seamer James Harris made the crucial breakthroughs to claim the wickets of Madsen and Anuj Dal, on his way to figures of 3 for 59. Australian Michael Hogan finished off proceedings on his last appearance in Cardiff after a decade with Glamorgan, with 2 for 54.

Derbyshire showed some stubborn resistance, but batting through three sessions on a fourth day wicket was always going to be a tall order. In the end they were 273 all out, thanks to Madsen, 77, and du Plooy, 66.

Glamorgan’s 24 points haul means they will go into the final game in Sussex with a chance of promotion still alive, while Derbyshire will entertain Leicestershire with only local pride to play for.

Dark and cloudy conditions gave way to bright sunshine just before the start of play, Glamorgan would have been happier with the heavy atmosphere as they struggled to make the early breakthrough.

Du Plooy and Madsen played out the early overs easily enough and it came as a bit of a surprise when the South Africa shouldered arms to a ball from Michael Hogan which nipped back and hit off stump.

It has been a wicket where new batsmen have struggled on occasion and so it proved for Harry Came who was quickly LBW to Ajaz Patel.

Yet while Anuj Dal was at the wicket with Madsen there was no complacency among Glamorgan players or supporters, until James Harris came up with the big breakthrough in a burst after lunch.

He was close to having Dal LBW, an inside edge saving the batsman, but next ball the edge was not his friend as a snick carried to wicketkeeper Chris Cooke to expose the Derbyshire tail.

That started a burst of three wickets in 11 balls which effectively made Glamorgan’s win just a matter of time. Andrew Salter had Alex Thomson LBW for a second duck in the match.

Then Harris struck again to take the key wicket of Madsen, who played on trying to steer the ball down to third man.

There was a brief flourish at the end from Sam Connors, getting his highest score of the season of 23 before hooking Michael Hogan to Timm van der Gugten at long leg.

In the end Glamorgan wrapped up their sixth victory of the season to keep their interest alive going into the final round of fixtures.