BEAT THE DUKE: WITH JON CULLEY

Beat The Duke: With Jon Culley

This week the regular feature takes a twist as the competitors are allowed to know the outcome from the first day of one match- in this instance the game between Middlesex and Yorkshire. Other than that the rest of the games begin today and First Team Scorer Roger `The Duke’ Marshall will be looking to rediscover his winning form after being held to a draw last week.

Ahead of each round of fixtures, he will be pitched against a Nottinghamshire illuminary in a prediction challenge. You can join in by tweeting your predictions with the hashtag #BeatTheDuke with prizes on offer for competitors and champion tipsters. This week sees struggling Derbyshire travel to Nottinghamshire with both sides needing to pick up a positive result. High-fliers Middlesex welcomed Yorkshire to Lord’s yesterday whist Durham host Warwickshire in one of the three games starting today. The final game of the round has Sussex, one of the on form teams, hosting strugglers Surrey. 

The Challenger’s Predictions

Durham v Warwickshire

I will go for a Warwickshire win as there is usually a result in these games and it should fall on the side of the visitors as they have the stronger attack.

Middlesex v Yorkshire

With a lot of rain about and both sides fielding strong batting line-ups I think this one will end in a draw.

Nottinghamshire v Derbyshire

Notts are the stronger team all round and with Adams back it gives them extra edge and I will predict a Notts win.

Sussex v Surrey 

Surrey are on poor form at the moment and with the home side in good form I will back Sussex to remain unbeaten.

The Duke’s Predictions

Durham v Warwickshire

Both of these teams have good batting line-ups and that leads me to believe that this game will be a draw.

Middlesex v Yorkshire

After seeing the first day and with the factor of rain in frame today, I could see this ending in a draw as well.

Nottinghamshire v Derbyshire

Derbyshire have been struggling this season and I don’t see their struggles ending here. Notts have the better bowling unit and I can only foresee a Notts win.

Sussex v Surrey

This game is at the out ground of Arundel and these pitches tend to be very sporty. With Sussex on good form at the moment I will go for a Sussex win.

Last Round

In last week’s round `the Duke’ faced off with Robin Chipperfield with the spoils shared as they both predicted two correct scores.

League Table