REPORT & INTERVIEW | Derbyshire wrap up nine-wicket win on Day Three

Ben Aitchison capped a memorable game by taking a five wicket haul as Derbyshire eased to a comprehensive victory over Lancashire on day three of the Rothesay County Championship match at Chesterfield.

Aitchison followed his 75 on day two with 5 for 49 to set up a nine wicket win, Derbyshire’s third in Division Two, and condemn Lancashire to a fourth defeat of the season.

The consolation for the Red Rose was an impressive maiden first-class half century for 17-year-old wicketkeeper Joe Moores who hit four sixes in his 57.

It spared his side from an innings defeat but Lancashire could only manage 226 and Derbyshire knocked off the 24 runs inside nine overs for the loss of Harry Came.

Derbyshire were hoping the longest day would prove to be a short one as they looked to wrap up a first championship victory over Lancashire since 1997.

Lancashire’s slender hopes of at least taking the fight past lunch rested with Marcus Harris but he added only one before Aitchison took his fourth wicket of the innings.

Harris aimed to drive but dragged the ball into his stumps to spark Derbyshire celebrations accompanied by a toot on the whistle from Puffin’ Billy, the miniature train that runs around the Lake End at Queen’s Park.

The hosts were closing in on victory in Aitchison’s next over when the paceman claimed his fifth victim courtesy of a sharp grab by Caleb Jewell at second slip to remove George Balderson.

It was a significant wicket for Aitchison who became the first Derbyshire player to take five wickets in an innings in three successive first-class matches since the great West Indian fast bowler Michael Holding who achieved the feat in 1983.

The question now was could Lancashire make Derbyshire bat again and Moores was doing his best, forcing Aitchison confidently through the covers off the back foot before pulling Rory Haydon for six.

Paul Coughlin dispatched Anuj Dal for consecutive boundaries but got a leading edge attempting a third and was caught at mid off.

Moores pulled Haydon for another six to wipe out the arrears and he moved to a deserved 50 in the seamer’s next over by dispatching Haydon for two sixes and two fours.

He was bowled attempting to reverse sweep Matthew Montgomery and although Balderson removed Came with his second ball, Luis Reece struck the winning runs to seal a 22 point victory with Lancashire taking only three from a game in which they were outplayed from day one.