THE stand-in captain for Derbyshire's men at County Week says he is confident they will be promoted back to Division One next year. Wimbledon referee Andrew Jarrett took over the role from regular captain Dennis Archer for four days at the AEGON Summer County Cup this year.
Archer – who stayed home to do work on his farm at Marston on Dove, near Hilton, which he had been unable to do because of bad weather – arrived at Eastbourne on Friday and was disappointed to see his side relegated.
They had lost three of their four matches going into the final day and needed to beat Kent by a certain amount of rubbers to ensure they maintained their top-flight status.
But, after finding themselves 4-2 down at lunch, Derbyshire realised they were facing an impossible task and play was called to a halt – confirming they would be playing in Division Two next year.
In the previous four days, Derbyshire played nine rubbers against their opponents to determine the winner – with six of their players teaming up to make three pairs, who contested three doubles matches each.
Belper-born Jarrett, who represented Derbyshire himself about 100 times during his playing career, feels it will require a "huge team effort" for the men to achieve promotion in 2013.
But he said: "I would expect them to do it. If they work hard again next year, have the personnel they need and make sure they are ready, they should do it. County Week is a great week and one which everyone looks forward to each year but a lot depends on the strength of the team. Your aim is to have three pairs who are capable of winning rubbers and, as we saw this year, the only day we won was the one where all three pairs did win.
"Otherwise, it is a tough load on your first two pairs, because you are effectively asking them to win five out of six rubbers. But the lads came out and enjoyed themselves this week. They worked hard and, if they make sure they are prepared next year, there's no reason why they shouldn't be promoted."
Chris McPherson was the only player from last year's squad not available to play for Derbyshire at all this year, while Chris Archer was only available for four days and Dan Cottier for two.
This meant the nucleus of the squad comprised James Rushby, Tom Rushby, Chris Simpson and Simon Thornewill.
Debutants Ben Rushby, Mike Peel and Michael Torkington made up the squad.
They lost to this year's champions Hertfordshire – who defended their title – top-flight newcomers Norfolk and Surrey, before beating Cheshire on the fourth day to give them a glimmer of hope.
But, following the result against Kent, they were relegated to Division Two along with Cheshire.
Jarrett said: "Having Chris McPherson missing and Dan Cottier unavailable for part of the week was tough. But the upside was that three lads were able to make their debuts at this competition and, in the case of Ben Rushby, he was able to take his first win.
"This meant they not only got to play at this level but also got a chance to show what they could do, see what the matches were like, along with the conditions, and gain some experience. Now they need to go away, sharpen their skills and, if they can and if it's appropriate, come back even better next year. I just hope they enjoyed it and they'd like to do more of it."
Jarrett enjoyed taking the reins at Devonshire Park, even if it came unexpectedly.
He added: "I always enjoy being around County Week anyway and I have captained the team in the past, so it wasn't any hardship getting involved this time. "But one of the lovely things about Derbyshire tennis is that so many people are involved and so many follow it and support it, which makes it great to be around. I also enjoyed seeing the other competitors and the way they handle the week. It's always really interesting. For all of us, though, it was lovely when Dennis came back because he is such an important part of the week."
Courtesy of Derby Telegraph