Cricket: Gallian's long haul

Derbyshire. . . . . . . . . . . . .490-8 dec and 186-7

Lancashire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 and 589

Derbyshire win by 3 wickets

DERBYSHIRE, who won a run-chase here two years ago, did so again yesterday, although the circumstances could hardly have been more different, or more unforeseen, given Lancashire's position on Friday evening.

Bowled out for 83 in 24 overs, invited to follow on 407 runs in arrears, Lancashire scarcely expected to be in the field yesterday morning, let alone with the clock showing 6.50pm. In the event, they left Derbyshire 183 to win in 43 overs after tea, following six full sessions in the field.

No side in Championship history has scored as many as Lancashire's 589 after following on, nor benefited from more extras (81). At 11 hours 18 minutes, the innings was among the longest in the Championship and Jason Gallian compiled one of the slowest centuries, spanning seven and a half hours.

Phillip DeFreitas produced a yorker on leg stump, to end Gallian's resistance, then won an lbw verdict against Mike Watkinson next ball, which put Lancashire six down and only 15 in front.

But thoughts of an early finish were snuffed out in Derbyshire minds by a succession of steadfast Lancashire batsmen.

Derbyshire's victory looked assured when Dominic Cork and Chris Adams confidently put on 53 in seven overs for the second wicket. A direct hit by Yates from mid-off to run out Cork both lifted Lancashire and introduced doubt to Derbyshire, prefacing an absorbing finish from which Derbyshire emerged triumphant with three wickets and one over to spare.