Chilton inspires Lancashire

Derbyshire 167 Lancashire 169-0 Lancashire win by 10 wickets

Lancashire made light of the loss of David Byas as they stormed into the fourth round of the Cheltenham and Gloucester Trophy at Derbyshire's expense yesterday.

The left-hander – the hero of Wednesday's Benson and Hedges Cup quarter-final win over Leicestershire – retired hurt with a suspected broken hand after making just five runs, but that did not stop the hosts cruising to a first 10-wicket win in the competition.

Mark Chilton picked up the man-of-the-match award for his unbeaten 76, while Chapple hit a typically risky 81 as Lancashire reached their target of 168 with 21.5 overs to spare.

The fact that the Derbyshire captain, Dominic Cork, with figures of 0 for 36 from 10 overs, was the pick of his side's bowlers tells its own story.

It is to be hoped there were a few youngsters in the crowd taking note of Chilton's innings, which was a model for any up-and-coming cricketer. His driving was majestic, and he showed enough awareness of the quick single during his 82-ball stay to suggest he can be a force in the one-day game.

Chapple may have faced 13 fewer balls than his partner, but he also needed considerably more luck, most notably when he was spilled by the substitute fielder Lian Wharton off the bowling of Jason Kerr with just 24 to his name.

Chilton's innings was far more orthodox, and showed what could be achieved with a straight bat on a pitch offering enough encouragement for Peter Martin to return figures of 2 for 21 from nine overs.

There were also two wickets apiece for Kyle Hogg, Andrew Flintoff and Chris Schofield, and Derbyshire were indebted to Dominic Hewson's pugnacious 63 and an entertaining last-wicket stand of 32 between Graeme Welch (31 not out) and Ali (19).

Derbyshire may have been dismissed inside 46 overs, but one suspects they would have accepted that after slumping to 39 for 6. The presence of Cork – passed fit following a groin strain – was offset by the disappointment of losing the toss and being put into bat under leaden skies.

A heavy downpour meant play did not get under way until midday, although the delay had little adverse on Martin, who needed just three deliveries to claim the wicket of Andrew Gait, trapped leg before playing back to a delivery which kept a shade low.

Michael di Venuto managed some forceful strokes off the back foot before fencing Martin to second slip. From then on there was so much playing and missing from the Derbyshire batsmen that the fielders spent almost as much time with their hands on their heads as in their pockets.