Botha ton puts Derbyshire on top

A century from South African Ant Botha put Derbyshire in a strong position, but Surrey closed 236 behind at 256-4.

Botha was dropped at short-leg on 83 but went on to his second Championship century, sharing 86 with Mohamed Sheikh to take his side to 492.

Scott Newman hit fifty with positive shots on both sides of the wicket as Surrey made a swift reply.

Mark Butcher edged to slip for two but Mark Ramprakash and Rikki Clarke shared a partnership of 87 runs from 16 overs.

Ramprakash fell to the first ball of a new spell from Sheikh when he edged an outswinger having hit 12 fours in his 71.

Clarke continued with nine fours and a six in his unbeaten 55.

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