Hill Hits Hundred Against Notts As Seconds Make SEC Return

By Pete Johnson

Club Captain Lewis Hill led from the front with a masterful 123, as Leicestershire posted a total of 353 on their return to SEC action on Monday.

EPP wicketkeeper Jacob Townsend hit an impressive 76, while opener Sam Evans hit 62, in what proved a successful day for the Foxes’ Academy stars “ past and present “ against rivals Nottinghamshire.

After a break of some 5 weeks Leicestershire travelled over to Notts Sports Ground, where Lewis Hill won the toss and chose to bat. Haseeb Hameed captained a strong Nottinghamshire.

Leicestershire controlled the morning session, going into lunch on 102-1. Opener Jack Lees (18) the only wicket to fall pre-lunch. Evans and Hill posted a 50 partnership from 81b, when the score reached 84-1 from 24.3 overs.

Evans going to his 50 (8x4) 82b some four overs later when he steered pace bowler Akand Gangotra down to third for a boundary. County into Lunch on 102-1, Evans 56*, Hill 28*.

Evans (62) 95b, and Gorantia (0) departed in the 4th over after Lunch, both caught behind by keeper Dane Schadendorf off pace bowler Dane Paterson.

Some 4 overs later Hill went to his 50 (8x4) 85b when he drove seamer James Hayes through the covers to the ropes. Leicestershire 142-3 from 38.2 overs. Sam Wood had now joined Hill, and the pair put on a 50 partnership from 63b, the score had now reached 166-3 from 44.1 overs.

Wood (21) 52b became another victim for keeper Schadendorf, this time off the bowling of seamer Jordan Neil. Usman Minhas (2) was soon afterwards caught by Schadendorf, off spinner Freddie McCann. Leicestershire on 181-5, all five wickets to fall being caught by keeper Schadendorf.

Townsend joined Hill, and the pair took Leicestershire safely into tea on 246-6. Hill 96*, Townsend 26*. In the second over after tea, Hill and Townsend brought up their 50 partnership from 57b.

Three overs later, Hill went to his 100 (13x4) 156b when he drove pace bowler Toby Pettman through the covers for a boundary.  Townsend then went to his 50 (5x4/1x6) 66b when he deposited left arm spinner Fateh Singh straight down the ground for a maximum.

In the final over before the new ball was available Hill and Townsend brought up their 100 partnership (144b) when Townsend took Singh for another maximum over wide long on.

In the second over with the new ball, Hill (123) 201b was finally dismissed caught at first slip by Sam Seecharan off Paterson. An excellent contribution from Hill, who went through the full repertoire of his trademark strokes during his innings. When the Lutterworth Legend hangs up his bat a career in golf awaits him, as he never misses the cut! County on 309-7.

A further six overs had passed when Townsend (76) 93b was caught at deep mid wicket by Ben Slater off Paterson. A good solid innings crafted by the 18-year-old ‘keeper/batter, who was not at all phased upon making the step up to 2nd XI cricket. County on 342-8.

Without any addition to the score Liam Tew (0) was caught at first slip by Seecharan off Paterson, leaving Leicestershire on 342-9. All 9 wickets, caught by a fielder whose surname began with the letter S.

Matt Salisbury (21) 26b bucked the trend when he was caught and bowled by Paterson. If the catcher’s surname did not begin with the letter S, the batter’s surname did!! Leicestershire 353 all out from 89.4 overs, Ali Farooq 6*. Dane Paterson returning figures of 6-55 from 20.4 overs for Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire were required to bat for four overs before close of play, ending on 10-0. Hameed 4*, Slater 6*. Today was the 17th day of ‘red ball’ cricket for the 2nd XI this season, and only the 5th day of which a full day’s play was possible.

A live scorecard can be viewed HERE.