Bopara on form as Essex overcome Derbyshire
Monday, 28 Jul 2008 22:20
Ravi Bopara was in-form with ball and bat
Essex put the disappointment of defeat in the semi-final of the Twenty20 Cup behind them as they overcame Derbyshire in the Natwest Pro40 Division Two game at the Racecourse Ground.
Ravi Bopara hit 112 off just 59 deliveries in a devastating innings which included nine fours and seven sixes.
Jason Gallian smashed 108 off 102 balls as Essex amassed a total of 304-1 from their 40 overs.
Opening batsman Mark Pettini's wicket was the only one to fall. He was caught by James Pipe off the bowling of Graham Wagg for 73.
In reply, Rikki Clarke top-scored for Derbyshire with 69. Chris Rogers, with 59 and Wavell Hinds, with 53, also scored well but the Phantoms' ended up with 279-8 from their 40 overs.
Not content with his huge score with the bat, Bopara also took 4-52 with the ball.
Danish Kaneria chipped in with figures of 3-53 as Essex sealed a 25-run victory to cement their place at the top of the table.