Twenty20 Floodlit Cup

Essex claim Floodlit Cup

Cricinfo staff

September 16, 2006

Essex powered to the Twenty20 Floodlit Cup after trashing Derbyshire by 92 runs at Derby. The Essex batting, which had impressed in the abandoned first leg, again shone with Mark Pettini and Ronnie Irani launching the innings through a stand of 60.

By the time Irani was dismissed for 33, becoming the first of four wickets for Graham Wagg, Essex were already on their way to a sizeable total. Pettini - who slammed 72 in the first leg - top-scored with 53 off 36 balls, while there were useful contributions throughout the middle order with Ravinder Bopara's 31 providing the final flourish in Essex's 189 for 7

Derbyshire never threatened to get anywhere near their target of 190 in reply as Andy Bichel and Tony Palladino produced fiery opening bursts. Palladino struck in each of his first three overs on his way to 3 for 31 as Derbyshire collapsed to 38 for 5.

Hassan Adnan (22) and Ant Botha (19) brought some respectability in a sixth-wicket stand of 35 before Ryan ten Doeschate and Bopara claimed two wickets apiece to leave Essex on the brink of victory. Kevin Dean was run out by a direct hit from Tim Phillips at point to finally dismiss the home side for 97 with 32 balls remaining.

Irani said: "It's brilliant for Essex that we've picked up the 'Baby' [Twenty20 Floodlit Cup] and hopefully we can add the 'Daddy' [Pro40] on Sunday."

Glamorgan came out on top of the third place play-off, beating Sussex by 24 runs at Sophia Gardens. Mark Wallace and Richard Grant led the Glamorgan charge, bringing up the 50 inside five overs. However, as has often been the way in the main Twenty20 tournament, the spinners slowed the batsmen with Tom Smith and Chris Nash producing useful spells of offspin. But Sussex's attentions are on more important prizes - the Championship showdown next week - and the batting failed to fire against some impressive Glamorgan bowling.

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