Evans Stars On Third Day At Belper Meadows
Thu 16 May 2024
By Pete Johnson
Leicestershire replied strongly with the bat, on yet another day’s play affected by the weather, in reply to Derbyshire’s 451-5 declared. County closing on 206-2, trailing by 245 runs. Sam Evans leading from the front with 89.
As a result of heavy overnight, and morning rain, there was no play on day two of the SEC with Derbyshire at Belper Meadows CC. Thankfully a low tide was evident, so the shipping container that I am domiciled in remained ‘in harbour’, and I was able to observe the proceedings of day three from the sanctuary of my temporary accommodation!
Derbyshire resumed from their day 1 close of play score of 398-3. Anuj Dal 137*, Zak Chappell 0*. A minimum of 104 overs being available in the day. Alec McLoughlin replaced Josh Hull for days three and four.
Derbyshire occupied the crease for 8.5 overs before declaring upon reaching 450 runs, thus achieving maximum batting points. They lost two wickets in the process, Chappell (21) 32b was caught at long on by Sam Wood off the bowling of Matt Salisbury, and next ball Derbyshire skipper Ross Whiteley was caught at mid wicket by Usman Minhas.
Derbyshire declaring on 451-5 from 104.5 overs. Anuj Dal (167*) 204b. A fine contribution from the all-rounder. Matt Salisbury picking up two wickets, Josh Hull, Roman Walker,and Julius Sumerauer, a wicket each.
Leicestershire commenced their reply at 11.48am, Jake Tarling and Sam Evans opening the innings. Tarling and Evans got the innings off to a solid start posting a 50 partnership after 10.5 overs. Rain began falling 10 minutes before the scheduled Luncheon interval, and the players left the field, and duly took an early Lunch. Leicestershire 75-0 from 16.1 overs. Tarling 18*, Evans 45*.
In the third over after the restart, Evans went to his 50 (5x4) 61b, went he drove medium pacer Dal, straight down the ground to the boundary. Tarling and Evans then brought up their 100 partnership after 23.5 overs.
Leicestershire had progressed to 127 when Tarling (42) 119b departed, caught low down at cover by Pat Brown from a delivery by Zak Chappell. A splendid effort by Tarling in his first deployment as an opener for the 2nd XI.
Harry Swindells joined Evans, and they built on the solid foundation already laid. Shades of a certain Metro Bank Cup Final partnership came flooding back watching Evans and Swindells at work together! 47 had been added by the pair when Evans (89) 147b was unfortunately run out, possibly due to an error of communication between the pair.
A fine innings by Evans, trademarked by his regular scampering between the wickets. As I have said before if the hare was out of commission at any nearby Greyhound Racing Track, Evans could easily fill in. Leicestershire on 174-2 from 52.1 overs.
Swindells (24*) 57b and Jakob Bhula (3*) 6b took Leicestershire into tea on 178-2 from 54 overs. A heavy storm caused the players to leave the field at 4.51pm, a further 15 runs having been added.
Play recommenced at 6pm, but only a further 13 minutes play was possible as the outfield was deemed too wet, and play was abandoned for the day. Leicestershire 206-2 from 66 overs. Swindells (41*) 94b, Bhula (13*) 41b. Leicestershire trailing 245 runs going into the fourth and final day.
Finally, I am sure everyone joins me in sending their very best wishes to 2nd XI Physio Lloyd Hanley-Byron, who after today’s play has moved across as 1st XI Physio replacing Ryan Smith who is taking on a new challenge. Thank you for all your hard work with the 2’s Lloyd.
A live scorecard can be viewed HERE.
