Academy & LYC round-up 3 2018

Don Butchart’s fine summer for the Leicestershire Academy continued against Lancashire and Worcestershire in the last couple of weeks.

The off-spinning all-rounder shone with both bat and ball in this week's draw against Worcestershire Academy where the Foxes took the first innings honours.

Butchart took five for 89 from 18 overs as the Academy bowled Worcestershire out for 271, and he posted 45 as the team scored 359 in reply. Ashish Trusz (85) and Jack Nightingale (82) also batted well, while Sam Bates added 47.

Spin duo Butchart (four for 102) and James Dickinson (three for 67) bowled well as Worcestershire Academy declared at 343 for eight in their second innings, therefore setting Leicestershire Academy 255 to win in 44 overs.

The team closed an exciting chase at 240 for eight after more good contributions from Trusz (86), Butchart (53) and captain Nightingale (34), while Harry Funnell scored 40 not out off as many deliveries.

The Under 17s have also been in fine form as they made it to the U17 B Division Semi-Finals having beaten Cumbria.

Leicestershire batted first and opener Dylan Church top scored with 126 at the top of the order, he was well supported by Will Legg (65) and Rehan Ahmed (34) as they set their opponents 279 to win. 

Bhurva Tank was then in ruthless form with the ball taking 4-20 from eight overs as he ran through the Cumbria top order. Nat Bowley also took 3-29 as he stepped up his return from a knee injury.

Cumbria were bowled out for 167 to give the Under 17s a comfortable victory. Next up for them is the semi-final at Didcot CC in Oxfordshire this Sunday (August 19) at 11am.

The Under 11s got their season up and running and did so in fine form, beating Kent by nine wickets.

Kent CCC set them 89 to win in 20 overs, Zethan Bandi the star bowler taking four for 17. Although an early wicket fell, Alex Green came in at number three and hit 45* from just 31 balls to see his side to victory.

Congratulations to the Under 11s, and the club would like to thank Steve Schofield, Richard Durose and Joe Kendall for their work this summer. Also a thanks to Leicestershire CCC professional Sam Evans for spending last Friday with the group.

* For the latest news on the Leicestershire Academy & LYC programme, please click HERE