Leicestershire Foxes v National Counties | 9 May

By Pete Johnson

Leicestershire were hosts to a National Counties XI in a SET20 Friendly fixture at Uppingham School. National Counties X1 won the game by 5 wickets chasing down the Foxes total of 141-9 in 14.4 overs, winning by 5 wickets.

Uppingham School’s cricket pavilion has undergone extensive refurbishment over the past 12 months or so, and is a splendid backdrop to the idyllic surroundings on offer.

Although this was billed as a SET20 Friendly fixture, Leicestershire took the opportunity re acclimatise many First XI players to the T20 environment for upcoming Vitality Blast fixtures.

Before the start of play it was good to catch up with Rob Taylor, ex Leicestershire CCC who is now Director of Cricket at Uppingham School, his talents also extend to being at the ‘cutting edge’ of IT, when called into action by the Scorers!

Peter Hanscomb skippered the Foxes, his opposite number Dan Lincoln winning the toss, and invited Leicestershire to bat.

Leicestershire made 141-9, Sol Budinger (28) 22b being the top scorer, closely followed by Harry Swindells (27) 20b, and Ben Cox (26) 28b. 

Swindells and Cox posted a 50 partnership from 33b in their stand of 56 for the 5th wicket. Off spinner, Euan Woods taking 5-16 from his 4 overs. National Counties gave a very good performance in the field, also holding on to every chance that went to hand.

Harrison Ward and Johnny Connell put on 62 for the 1st wicket for the National Counties X1 in 6.2 overs. After the dismissal of Ward (39) 23b, Dan Lincoln came to the wicket, and brought up a 50 partnership (25b) with Connell. Lincoln then went to his 50 (3x4/4x6) 18b, National Counties XI on 117-1 from 10.4 overs, requiring a further 25 runs to win.

In the next but one over Ben Mike picked up 3 wickets in 4 balls. National Counties XI now on 130-4 from 12.5 overs. Lincoln departing for (53) 22b. A match winning innings from the National Counties XI skipper. Lincoln is also a semi professional footballer, having played in goal for Slough Town FC in the National League South last season. 

National Counties XI scored the winning runs in the 15th over, winning by five wickets. Connell (27*) 32b, Nils Priestley (11*) 6b. Ben Mike 3/43 the leading wicket taker for the Foxes.

A completed scorecard can be viewed HERE.