Lancashire Win Second XI Opener

By Pete Johnson

I had a rather pleasant car journey over to Kibworth this morning, listening to the radio, whilst they picked the bones out of Leicester City’s excellent 2-1 win at PSV Eindhoven last night. It brought back memories of Tuesday, 3 May 2016 when I again drove over to Kibworth for a 2nd XI match v Worcestershire, following LCFC being crowned Premier League Champions the evening before.

Lancashire eased to a comfortable 10 wicket victory over their hosts, declaring on their overnight 312-8, and dismissing the Foxes for 205, leaving the Red Rose County requiring just 18 runs to win. Nat Bowley (56) made his highest score for the 2nd XI, registering his second half century for the 2’s, eclipsing his previous highest score of 55 not out.

A lovely warm sunny morning welcomed the players as they took to the field, shorts were the order of the day for a number of the spectators. Shorts of the clothing variety that is, not those dispensed from optics!

Lancashire declared on their overnight 312-8, leading by 188 runs. 30 overs were bowled in the morning session, County being ‘on the ropes’ at 70-4 at the interval. Of the 70 runs scored, Sam Bates (43) 79b (8x4) was the only batter to score freely off the Lancashire attack. Bates, having seen off the pace bowlers, was bowled by the second ball delivered by left-arm spinner Jack Morley. Bates’ innings included two reverse sweeps that went to the boundary.

Vikai Kelley (7), caught at gully off seamer Tom Aspinwall, Tom Scriven (9) stumped off left-arm spinner Tom Hartley, and Kieran Pell (1) lbw to Hartley, were also dismissed in the morning session.

Jack Nightingale (8) was caught at short leg off Morley in the third over after lunch, Freddie Fallows (3) bowled by Hartley in the next over. Leicestershire looking down the barrel on 75-6 off 33.4 overs.

An excellent partnership of 73 then ensued between Nat Bowley and Roman Walker, who both looked extremely comfortable, defending resolutely, and set about the job of salvaging the innings.

A half-century partnership was achieved by the pair from 99 deliveries. It was somewhat of a surprise when Walker (26) 92b, attempted to drive the speedy Liam Hurt, and the ball flew like a tracer bullet to gully, where George Bell took the catch. Leicestershire on 148-7 from 60.1 overs. Bowley went to his 50 (10x4) 99b when he pushed a ball from Hartley into the covers for a single.

Leicestershire into tea on 169-7 from 68 overs. Bowley 54* Gavin Griffiths 6*. In the 4th over after tea, Bowley (56) (11x4) 118b was bowled by Hartley. An excellent contribution from the Loughborough Lionheart, having graduated up the batting order. Leicestershire on 178-8 from 71.2 overs.

Alex Evans (7) 11b was dismissed when he middled a ball, from Morley with some force, the ball hitting short leg at the side of his upper body, and said short leg Matty Hurst gleefully clutched onto the ball. How’s your luck Alex?

Leicestershire’s innings came to an end from the second delivery of the new ball when Abidine Sakande (8) 21b was caught at second slip by Hartley off Liam Hurt. Griffiths (25*) 53b batted soundly towards the end of the innings, his contribution including an enormous maximum off Hartley.

Leicestershire 205 all out from 80.2 at 4.53pm. Lancashire knocked off the 18 runs required in 3.1 overs, of which two overs were bowled by 18-year-old, left-arm spinner, Myne Rana, who was making his debut for the 2’s. Lancashire winning by 10 wickets. Leicestershire 2 points, Lancashire 22 points.

Sincere thanks, on behalf of all at Leicestershire CCC to Chrissie and Tom for their excellent work on the catering side, nothing was too much trouble for them, and it was ‘service with a smile’ at all times. Also, sincere thanks to Groundsman Steve Pollard, and his crew for all their hard and attentive work over the four days. Your contributions were very much appreciated.

The match scorecard can be found HERE.