BEAT THE DUKE: WITH ANNE CUSWORTH

This week brings with it three fixtures as the format moves into its middle portion of the season. First Team Scorer Roger 'The Duke’ Marshall will be looking to rediscover his winning form after being held to a draw last week, with neither him or Jon Culley predicting a correct result. 

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 the bottom two of Somerset and Derbyshire face off whilst two of the middle pack, Nottinghamshire and Sussex, play each other at Trent Bridge. Finally, high-flying Yorkshire host third-bottom Surrey, the London outfit having their first outing under their new coaching set-up headed by Alec Stewart and Stuart Barnes.

The Challenger - Anne Cusworth

This week has the challenge between the Duke and the Duchess of Trent Bridge. Anne Cusworth is the second team and Academy scorer and will be keen to steal the thunder from 'The Duke’, utilising her knowledge of up and coming players to trump the Duke at his own game.

The Challenger’s Predictions

Derbyshire v Somerset

I will go with Somerset as I immediately thought about them when I heard the fixture.

Nottinghamshire v Sussex

My prediction will be biased here but I will go for a Notts win.

Yorkshire v Surrey

Yorkshire seem to be on top form at the moment and I will go for them to win this game. 

The Duke’s Predictions

Derbyshire v Somerset

The home side’s batting has been improving and with both sides struggling I think both will see this as a key match to win. It is very balanced with neither side being consistent but I think Somerset will just edge it.

Nottinghamshire v Sussex

This will be a very tight game with both sides starting the season very well. However I believe the home side will remain on top throughout and I will go for a Notts win.

Yorkshire v Surrey

Yorkshire are on fire at the moment and at home at Headingley the table-toppers should be too strong. Yorkshire win.

Last Round

 Both 'The Duke’ and challenger Jon Culley failed to predict any correct scores last week. 

League Table