COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Chesterfield:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY TWO: Derbyshire 255 and 212-8 Northants 246 (Derbys 5pts, Northants 4pts)
19-22 August 2009

Groenewald has a highest first-class score of 48 this season

Tim Groenewald followed up taking 6-61 by hitting an unbeaten 45 to dent Northants' hopes of pushing for victory over Derbyshire at Chesterfield.

After claiming a first-innings lead of nine, Derbyshire were in trouble after slumping to 102-6 second time around.

But Groenewald added a vital 63 with Steffan Jones for the eighth wicket as the hosts closed on 212-8, 221 ahead.

Earlier, Groenewald's efforts had helped bowl Northants out for 246 after they had resumed day two on 137-3.

His second six-wicket haul in the space of two weeks included a spell of four for nine in 23 balls as Northants lost their last five wickets for 22 runs.

A stand of 54 between Alex Wakely and Andrew Hall had given Northants hope of claiming a first-innings lead.

But the slide started when Hall edged Groenewald loosely to second slip for 36, before Wakely fell to an ugly chop at Wavell Hinds.

Groenewald then had Johan van der Wath caught low down at cover and yorked Graeme White first ball before having David Willey caught at mid-off with the first ball of his next over.

Derbyshire's hopes of building solidly on their slender lead were dealt an early blow as Van der Wath removed Wayne Madsen and Garry Park early on.

And when Chris Rogers played on to David Lucas and Greg Smith got an inside edge through to the wicketkeeper, the home side were 53-4.

Hinds and Redfern steadied the ship, only for the West Indian and James Pipe to depart in quick succession to leave Derbyshire back in trouble.

But Redfearn and Groenewald added 38 before Jones and Groenewald's vital partnership put the game back in the balance.

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