Killeen bowls Durham to victory at Derby

Neil Killeen bowled Durham to victory as Derbyshire crashed to defeat in a dramatic final over at Derby.

Needing just six runs for victory with five wickets in hand, Derbyshire managed only four as Killeen grabbed three wickets including Matthew Cassar who was last out for a superb 126 which included three sixes and 12 fours.

Derbyshire looked certain to end a dismal National League season on a high note until Killeen yorked James Pyemont andthen had Simon Lacey ct at point off the next ball.

That left Derbyshire needing three off the last two balls and although Tim Munton scambled a single, Cassar was bowled by another full length delivery to give Durham victory by one run.

Killeen ended with competition best figures of 6-31 from seven overs and he also hit an unbeaten 20 from 13 balls which proved crucial in the final analysis.

Durham looked on course to set a total of at least 250 but their progress was halted by spinners Lian Wharton and Lacey who found some turn to frustrate the batsmen.

Wharton took three wickets, including Paul Collingwood who was bowled for 52, but Nicky Phillips and Killeen pushed Durham up to 229-7.

Cassar played well from the start and with Steve Stubbings who made 32, added 87 in 13 overs for the fourth wicket to put Derbyshire on track until Ian Hunter bowled Stubbings.

But Cassar was timing the ball superbly and although the light was gloomy, he and Luke Sutton appeared to have won the game with a stand of 73 in 11 overs but Killeen kept his nerve at the death to carry Durham to an unlikely victory.