TOM Taylor took another step forward in his maturity as a first-team seam bowler at the start of Derbyshire's LV County Championship match at Cheltenham.
After taking three wickets in the first innings last week against Essex, the 19-year-old claimed another three yesterday against Gloucestershire.
But it was his last spell of the day, in which he took two of his victims, that was the most impressive as Taylor bowled with real venom to finish with 3-43.
"That's good to show he has the stamina and an engine because that's what you need in four-day cricket – to be able to maintain your pace throughout the day," said bowling partner Tony Palladino.
"You have to be able to show that with the second new ball and he did that to get Will Tavare out – a batsman who was really well set – and he got him with a ball that really kicked.
"That is the best Tommy has bowled in the first team. His rhythm was superb and he was bowling with good pace. He bowled brilliantly.
"He got his reward and it was well deserved. Hopefully, he can get a couple more tomorrow and get his first bag."
Palladino also had a good day with the ball, taking 2-41 in 22 overs and bowling every bit as tightly as he has been asked to.
"My job at the moment is to try to be the stop bowler and if I get any wickets it's a bonus," he added.
"I'm trying to be someone to throw the ball to and count on, and when it's my day I'll take the wickets. I feel like I can attack as well but it's easier for me to slot into that role."
Though Gloucestershire edged the day one honours at 304-6, Palladino felt it was a good day for Derbyshire.
"We had a bit of a mad period, about 20 or 30 minutes after we got Cockbain out, when we gave up a few too many four balls and they got away from us," he said.
"We dragged it back a bit late on and we have to be reasonably happy with that day's work.
"The wicket is flat and it's not doing a massive amount. Gidman and Tavare got in and played well and it's like Chesterfield here in that you get value for your shots.
"We are figuring it out in four-day cricket and feel that we are staying in games.
"Essex batted well at the end last week but we felt we played all the cricket and put ourselves in a position to win the game.
If we can keep doing that, we are happy."
