Derbyshire and Surrey keep the rain at bay to record wins - Thursday 14th June

Rain was the name of the game on Thursday night with all three Friends Life t20 matches being affected by the weather.

Derbyshire falcons played host to the Lancashire Lightning in the evening’s first game. Lancashire would have been pleased to have posted 168-6 in their first innings with Stephen Moore smashing 34 and Steven Croft making a good 46 runs. However, Derbyshire came out of the blocks quickly as Wes Durston set off with a quickfire 31. This start enabled the Falcons to reach 118-5 in the 11th over before the rain finally ended the match. Derbyshire were awarded the win by being 17 runs ahead on the Duckworth Lewis method.

Also playing on Thursday night were Surrey and Middlesex at the Oval. Batting first in a rain affected innings, Surrey slipped to 32-4 before Gary Wilson (54 not out) and Matthew Spriegel (53 not out) both recorded their highest ever t20 scores and also a record partnership for a Surrey 5th wicket stand (117) to heave their side to 149-4. In the second innings, Gareth Batty was in inspired form for the hosts also getting in on the personal best action by recording his best ever t20 bowling figures (4-13). Middlesex limped to 99-8 before the rain ended the game early and Surrey were announced winners by 28 runs accordingly to the Duckworth Lewis method.

Elsewhere, the West Country derby between Gloucestershire and Somerset and the clash at Hove between Sussex Sharks and Hampshire Royals fell victim to the elements with both matches being abandoned before a ball was bowled.