Davis 10-Fer Steers Seconds To Victory Over Durham Inside Three Days
Wed 3 May 2023
By Pete Johnson
Leicestershire needed just 50 minutes to pick up the three Durham wickets required for victory on day three at Kibworth. County being emphatic winners by 193 runs.
Will Davis picked up 10 wickets in the match, including career best SEC figures. Roman Walker also turned in an excellent bowling performance, taking four wickets in the Durham second innings.
Durham resumed on their overnight 92-7, requiring a further 213 runs for victory. George Drissell 20*, Stan McAlindon 2*.
Slightly warmer weather greeted the players when they took to the field. Five spectators were present when play commenced, one of them having a regulation dog! I also noticed that the 2 ‘Painting Steeplejacks’ were hard at work at the very top of a nearby electricity pylon, no doubt adding a coat of gloss to yesterday’s undercoat. Long way to come down for a cuppa.
Davis and Walker opened up for Leicestershire, the first four overs of the morning all being maidens. In the 9th over of the morning, the Foxes got a breakthrough when Drissell (28) was caught at cover by Zen Malik off Davis. Malik not making a song and dance about it like his namesake. Davis now having taken 10 wickets in the match.
Leicestershire then wrapped up the Durham innings in the 12th over of the morning. Walker taking two wickets in as many balls. Luke Robinson (2) was caught at square leg by Liam Tew. Tew playing the part of Walker’s ‘Man Friday’ to dismiss Robinson. Anyone into Robinson Crusoe novels will find that observation right up their street!
Last man Ollie Gibson went first ball caught at second slip by Louis Kimber. A far from easy ‘grab’ by Kimber which he made look just like another day at the office. Durham 111 all out from 43.5 overs, at 11.50am. Leicestershire winning by 193 runs. Leicestershire 19 points, Durham 3 points.
An excellent performance by Leicestershire, Will Davis, ten wickets in the match, returning match figures of: 30-8-84-10. Roman Walker duly rewarded with four second innings wickets, match figures of: 28.2-10-48-4.
Economy personified by Davis and Walker. I would not like to bump into either of them in the vicinity of a bar, as they are very stingy at the moment, as their impeccable figures suggest. Bowling figures that is.
Finally, as always, on behalf of LCCC, sincere thanks to Chrissy and Tom, the Queen and King of Kibworth, for their wonderful hospitality, and flexibility on the catering side, it is very much appreciated. Not an easy job when nine wickets are down at the time of the tea interval, and you are unsure what time to put the kettle on, and lunch having to be served soon after an 11.50am finish.
Sincere thanks also to Darren and Steve for all their hard work on the ground, especially on day one, ensuring a prompt start at 11.00am after quite a bit of overnight rain.
On a personal note, thank you to Rog for discreetly getting four industrial sized bags of sweets delivered to me through a third party, not to mention the poem......
A full scorecard can be viewed HERE.
