COLWYN BAY, Wales, CMC – Leeward Islands left-hander Chesney Hughes stroked his 10th first class hundred on Tuesday but it was not enough to save Derbyshire as they crashed to a four-wicket defeat to Glamorgan in the County Championship here yesterday.
The 25-year-old Hughes, who hails from Anguilla, struck a defiant 122 to help push the visitors to 413 for six in their second innings at the end of Tuesday’s third day – a lead of only 72 runs.
Derbyshire were subsequently dismissed for 536 on Wednesday’s final day and Glamorgan overcame a few hiccups to reach their target of 196 in the late afternoon.
The fact Derbyshire prolonged the contest into the final day was owed to Hughes. Starting Tuesday unbeaten on 12 with his side on 78 for one after following on by 341, he faced 219 balls in nearly 4-1/2 hour at the crease, to lead Derbyshire’s fightback. He counted 16 fours and three sixes en route to his third century of the season and third against the Welsh county, and has now amassed 794 runs during this year’s campaign at an average of 61.
“I enjoyed it and it was especially pleasing after failing to contribute in the last four Championship games,” said Hughes, who represented Leewards as recently as January’s Super50 Championship.
“The ball swung, they bowled really well … I didn’t realise that it was my 10th century and I want to look forward to scoring more from now on.”
Hughes put on 41 for the second wicket with opener Hamish Rutherford (45) and a key 181-run, third wicket partnership with Wayne Madsen who scored 90.
Playing positively on both sides of the wicket, Hughes raised three figures in style, stroking left-arm spinner Owen Morgan for four to move to 96 before sweeping the next delivery for six.
He eventually perished, nicking veteran left-arm seamer Graham Wagg behind.
Captain Ben Godleman chipped in with 106 and Matt Critchley struck an unbeaten 70, to further rally the lower order.
Set an uncomplicated target for victory, Glamorgan slumped to 85 for four but captain Jacques Rudolph hit a breezy, unbeaten 51 off 78 balls and Craig Meschede blasted a cameo unbeaten, 26-ball 36, to avert any further danger.
