Glamorgan clinched their promotion to Division One with victory in a rain-affected game against Derbyshire. Their unbeaten run since April continued. Under the leadership of coach Richard Dawson, Glamorgan have enjoyed a phenomenal season. They’ve pulled off five straight Championship game victories, proving time and time again their grit and game breaking ability.
The match against Derbyshire, led by head of cricket Mickey Arthur, unfolded over four days, with rain and winds disrupting play. Derbyshire required perfect weather conditions on the fourth morning to stand any hope of a remarkable victory. They needed other bonus points to stay in the championship race going into the season’s last week. Unfortunately for them, the rain washed away their chances, leaving it to too often settle for a draw.
The story of Glamorgan’s success this season has been especially noteworthy. Their May included an impressive three wins on the trot against Kent, Northants and Middlesex. This electrifying accomplishment created incredible momentum through which their campaign would thrive off of. They had done the double over Kent in July and gone up and beaten Lancashire away from home in August.
“We’re waiting on a few games, so we’ll keep an eye on the scores during the bus journey back,” said Dawson, reflecting on the outcome of the match. He admitted it was tough sledding all night, but lauded his own team’s ability to impose their will despite the weather advisories. It’s been a crazy four days with the first day out due to the winds, then that darn rain. Overall across the board I thought we did a great job swinging the bat in tough situations, tough conditions.”
Since Glamorgan’s introduction in 2001, they have spent just two seasons in Division One. They were relegated to this division in 2001 and then once more in 2005. Their promotion this season is a fitting crowning achievement for that team.
Mickey Arthur was disappointed that Derbyshire were unable to close out a victory. He had wanted a dramatic showdown between two heavyweight squads. “It’s been very disappointing, it was going to be a good game between two very good teams but it is September in the UK and we’ve had a good summer,” he remarked.
Although this is a blow, Arthur does not seem to doubt his squad’s development. He praised their focus and drive, as they look to finish on a high note in the NLC. “We’re an ambitious squad and I never allow us just to go through the motions. Third is better than fourth so we’ve got to make sure that when we come back from Kent we’re third in our division.”
Glamorgan’s Kiran Carlson played a crucial role during this contest, leading the charge for his side’s batting unit and setting the tone for their performance. His performance was a manifestation of the team’s resilience, resourcefulness, grit and winning culture even under tough circumstances.
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