Lancashire spinners leave Derbyshire's dream in tatters

Tom Hartley (right) had a match to remember for Lancashire at Aigburth

The visitors lost six wickets for 17 runs in a frenetic half-hour period after lunch at Liverpool as they sank from 118 for two to 135 for eight thanks to the Red Rose’s young left arm spinners Jack Morley and Tom Hartley.

Not even a brave rear-guard action from Mattie McKiernen and Sam Conners could save Derbyshire, who were eventually bowled out for 202, chasing a nominal target of 381.

The determined tail end pair shared a ninth-wicket partnership of 60 runs in just over 36 overs which frustrated Lancashire for 107 minutes until Conners fell for nine, lbw to Morley.

McKiernen had time to reach his maiden first-class half-century, but he became the last man out when Danny Lamb trapped him in front for 55 to finish with three for 12.

Before their afternoon collapse, Derbyshire had been progressing nicely, with Luis Reece reaching his half-century off 127 balls before he became Morley’s first victim, caught by Keaton Jennings at slip for 69 after an attempted sweep.

Leus du Plooy was next, trapped in front by Hartley (right) for 34, before Fynn Hudson Prentice edged the same bowler to Jennings for one.

Matt Critchley had his off- stump uprooted by Morley for seven, Anul Dal was adjudged lbw off Hartley for three, then Harvey Hosein’s dismissal lbw to Morley for six ended a miserable session for Derbyshire.

Derbyshire had moved on 56 for two at lunch after an especially productive morning for Lamb, who continued his fine game by reaching his maiden first class half-century during a shot-filled first half hour of the day that saw Lancashire add 43 runs in just over five overs.

Lamb was joined by teenager George Balderson, who finished on 61 not out after he completed his own maiden first-class half-century the previous evening as Lancashire declared on 356 for six declared.

Lamb then took up where he left off in the first innings as Derbyshire skipper Billy Godleman edged to Rob Jones at second slip for four.

Lamb struck again when Wayne Madsen was adjudged lbw by umpire Graham Lloyd for nine to leave Derbyshire 20 for two.

But it was a day to savour for Lancashire’s young spin twins, who twirled their way throughout the majority of a sun-drenched afternoon. Morley finished four for 64 and Hartley three for 79.

The Red Rose revert to T20 mode for their next Vitality Blast match at Nottinghamshire on Friday.