By Edward Hall
April 22 2002

Mark Wallace completed his maiden first-class hundred, but it was not enough as Glamorgan lost their season opener by 163 runs against Derbyshire. Set 505 runs to win the match, Glamorgan were bowled all out for 341 after the final day’s play had been delayed by an hour. Lian Wharton finished with 6 wickets for Derbyshire, and picked up all 3 wickets to fall today. Michael Kasprowicz could not hang about with Wallace for much longer this morning, and although Cosker and Jones provided some support, Wallace could not prevent defeat on his own. He was unbeaten on 106 when Stubbings caught Jones to wrap up the match. The performance of the two Academy players, Jones and Wallace, in the first game is certainly encouraging. Both players recorded new career bests, Jones with the ball and Wallace with the bat. However, the top 5 did not score enough runs in both innings, with David Hemp and Matt Maynard failing twice. They will be looking for some runs when the team takes on Cardiff UCCE on Wednesday. Michael Kasprowicz should play in that game as well, after he finished his Glamorgan debut wicketless and no doubt lacking confidence. Of the bowlers, Jones and Croft were the pick, but Thomas and Cosker also struggled.

After the first game, Glamorgan lie bottom out of the 6 teams who played this week in the 2nd division of the County Championship. Their next Championship game is on May 8 after their Benson and Hedges Cup group games. For that game, a sixth batsman may be drafted in, and it is unlikely that they will field two spinners again.