Last-over heroics by Tom Poynton snatch victory for Derbyshire Falcons

Wicketkeeper/batsman Tom Poynton was Derbyshire's king of the desert as he hit 35 not out, including 16 off four balls in the final over, to clinch a thrilling Twenty20 victory over Leicestershire that rounded off a successful pre-season tour.
ROCK ON TOM! -- Derbyshires matchwinning hero Tom Poynton, who hit 16 in the last over.ROCK ON TOM! -- Derbyshires matchwinning hero Tom Poynton, who hit 16 in the last over.
ROCK ON TOM! -- Derbyshires matchwinning hero Tom Poynton, who hit 16 in the last over.

In an Abu Dhabi cliffhanger, Poynton hit three fours and two sixes in his 18-ball innings to take the Falcons past their target of 137, having earlier restricted their opponents to 136-8 with Shiv Thakor taking 3-24 against his former county.

In their reply, Derbyshire were left needing 48 from little more than four overs when Poynton came to the crease. But with help from Tom Taylor (10no), he got his side across the line with one ball to spare and make it four wins from four in the United Arab Emirates.

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Another notable performance came from academy youngster Rob Hemmings, who took a wicket and then scored 23 (one six and three fours) at number three in the batting order. There were important wickets too for Taylor and new signings Andy Carter and Tom Milnes, while more runs were provided by Ben Slater, who made 16, and Alex Hughes, who hit 17.

The Derbyshire squad flew home from Abu Dhabi this week and report back to Derby for training on Monday.