Chesterfield grab win to ensure top-flight safety

In a remarkable game at Queen’s Park, the hosts amassed a total of 281-7, bolstered by half-centuries from skipper Alex Hibbert, Callum Hiron and David Hunt, before dismissing Rolleston for 166.

Above all, the team showed the kind of spirit that has been prevalent all season, with cameo roles proiving just as important as individual highlights.

After winning the toss, they got off to a flying start as opener Sam Fawcett showed his potential with a quick 25. The visiting bowlers hit back to reduce Chesterfield to 49-3 before Hibbert (75, ten fours) delivered a true captain’s innings.

He was well supported by the increasingly impressive Hiron (52, eight fours) in a stand worth 118, and then by Hunt (50no, six fours) in a stand worth 64.

Rolleston, whose bowlers gave away 30 wides, made a good start in reply, easing to 80-2 after an opening stand of 58. But Chesterfield continued to apply pressure and the wickets soon began to tumble.

Derbyshire leg-spinner Matt Critchley led the way with 4-43 from 14.l5 overs, and youngster Tom Bacon (2-28 in ten overs) again looked at home in the Premier Division.