Resuming on 100 without loss in the second innings - 307 runs adrift of Derbyshire's mammoth first innings total of 538 - Northamptonshire captain Michael Hussey scored 150 in a 231-run opening partnership with Mal Loye (109). But the lower order batsman were unable to follow their skipper's lead and they were dismissed for 439 - a lead of just 32.

Dominic Cork's side lost two top-order batsman in the run chase before easing to victory.

Text book Loye in determined mood

Loye produced a textbook on-drive for the first boundary of the day and Hussey also opened his shoulders and cut the ball to the boundary in the very next over. Cork was by far the most consistent performer amongst Derbyshire's bowlers with his line and length, but both openers were in determined mood and refused to give their wicket away.

Hussey was particularly severe on anything loose and reached his century with a neat flick off his legs for one run in the 55th over. Loye also celebrated a ton in the 61st over when he crashed a well-timed pull-shot to the boundary, but he added just nine more runs before driving the ball straight at Andrew Gait shortly after lunch.

Welch strikes again

Hussey had moved on to 150 before he was caught by Australian Michael Di Venuto at mid-on off the bowling of Graeme Welch. It not only brought to an end a superb knock but also a second-wicket partnership worth 57 with Russell Warren. Welch struck again with ball soon after when he trapped Warren lbw with a full-length delivery.

David Sales (16) and Anthony Penberthy (17) were also dismissed as Northants were left reeling at 366 for five. Graeme Swann (62) produced a typically gutsy knock, but five wickets fell for 73 as Northants were finally dismissed

Derbyshire lost both Gait and Dominic Hewson, but Stephen Stubbings (12 not out) and Chris Bassano saw them home.

Source: Ananova
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