DERBYSHIRE got a fright on their last visit north of the border, in May when they scraped home by three wickets at Forfar in a Benson and Hedges tie after the eighth wicket pair added 50. But Scotland's hopes this time were scuppered within the first 12 overs when they nose-dived to 19 for six.

The visitors must have been envisaging an early evening pint back home, but their makeshift attack could not finish the job off until the 53rd over. A second-ball duck for Michael Slater, bowled not offering, and some rain interruptions then helped prevent a conclusion until 5.25 pm.

Conditions early on were ideal for bowling - slate grey skies, a pitch providing movement and bounce and a stiff crosswind that caused billowing amongst the impressive array of surrounding trees at the picturesque Edinburgh ground.

Derbyshire, notably Kevin Dean, bowled well with the new ball, but Scotland, who had knocked out Worcestershire in the previous round, began woefully.

Bruce Patterson spooned a drive to mid-off; Dougie Lockhart nibbled fatally to be well taken at first slip; Mike Smith edged a wild drive; and Steve Crawley, a Sassenach once on the Lancashire staff, top-edged an ill-advised pull. Then came a needless run out when Matt Cassar scored a direct hit from square leg.

After 19 overs of Dean and Dominic Cork, Scotland found Kim Barnett's dobbers and Vince Clarke's medium pace more appetising, although Greig Williamson was well stumped off a wide. But Ian Stanger, once of Leicestershire batted 49 overs for his 44, at least ensuring that the pros would have to bat with due care and attention.