Second XI Championship Report: Warwickshire v Derbyshire
Ian Bell continued his return to full fitness as Warwickshire earned a comprehensive 227-run victory over Derbyshire at Barnt Green.
Bell, who has yet to play this season due to a foot injury, scored 40 (64 balls, eight fours) as the Bears notched 337 in their opening innings with Alex Thomson (99), Michael Burgess (60), Ethan Brookes (60) and Liam Banks (52) also earning valuable time in the middle.
Derbyshire’s response was a solid one at 301/8 dec, but once Ed Pollock fired 121 from 103 balls (ten fours, eight sixes) the hosts were always setting a lofty target.
Having declared on 260/5 and therefore setting the visitors 327 to win on the final day, it took the Bears attack just 33.3 overs to roll through the Derbyshire order.
Brookes (9.3-3-18-6) and the economical George Furrer (8-5-11-1) were the catalysts, dismissing Daryn Smit’s side for just 99 with only two players reaching double figures.