MARKETING a bottom of the table team, and a rock-bottom one at that, is no easy matter, but the availability of roast pork baps and Pimm's at reasonable prices suggested that Surrey had got at least two things right at the Oval last night.

But the team failed again, losing by 28 runs. Derbyshire amassed 245 for seven from their 40 overs, and three wickets in four balls by Glenn Roberts, their left-arm spinner, ensured Surrey's prospects fell flat. The lovely evening's weather had attracted a crowd of more than 9,000.

Derbyshire's total was built around Phil DeFreitas's enterprising 56 off 60 balls and Michael Slater's quieter 58, though crucial damage was inflicted in the final six balls when Vince Clarke struck Michael Bell's left-arm seamers for three sixes in an over costing 20 runs.

Surrey, on course to finish first in the championship and last in the AXA League, were handed a wicket in the evening's first over when Kim Barnett speared a catch to the cover boundary, who had probably been placed there for the purpose.

After that the Derbyshire score rattled along steadily at five runs an over without any outrageous risks needed.