For the first time, the Lloyds TSB Scottish Saltires have won three matches in succession against county opposition, after their eight-wicket victory over Derbyshire in the C&G Trophy at Derby on Sunday. This was also their first away victory in the competition.

Craig Wright won the toss - a rare event - and immediately inserted Derbyshire in helpful seam conditions. Dewald Nel struck the first two blows, and Paul Hoffmann joined in to send Derbyshire reeling to 43 for five, and Welch should have gone five runs later when Corey Richards put down a straightforward chance off Hoffmann.

That allowed Derbyshire to stage something of a recovery, until Ian Moran’s three wickets and two from Ross Lyons precipiated a final collapse to 180 all out.

In reply, Scotland quickly lost Corey Richards for a single, but Ryan Watson announced his arrival with a six over the pavilion roof and two fours in the seventh over.

With his second six, Watson brought up his half-century from 47 balls dominating a stand of 119 in 25 overs with Ian Stanger.

Stanger was bowled for 40 - no boundaries - but Watson cleared the ropes for a fourth time to reach his century from 106 balls.

Fraser Watts (22*) sealed the victory with 9.4 overs to spare, and celebrated with Watson (108*) as the Saltires hoisted themselves into fifth place in the Northern Conference table, equal on points with Derbyshire and third-placed Yorkshire.

Now they are well set up for a meaningful challenge to Yorkshire at Headingley on Monday.