Madan Makes Half-Century But Seconds Fall Agonisingly Short In Low-Scoring Thriller

By Pete Johnson

Leicestershire suffered a narrow seven-run defeat to lost Gloucestershire in the Second Eleven Championship meeting at Kibworth CC.

Jay Madan (55) made the highest individual score of the game on a testing wicket for the batters, but the Foxes fell agonisingly short in their pursuit of the 137-run victory target during the dying embers of day three. Earlier in the afternoon, Sam Wood picked up four wickets to take his tally to eight for the match.

Play commenced with Leicestershire on 122-9, leading Gloucestershire by 12 runs on first innings. Chris Wright and Ali Farooq added a further 32 runs before Farooq (5) 14b was dismissed. Wright (42*) 45b. Leicestershire taking a lead of 44 runs on first innings.

Gloucestershire batted for 20 overs prior to the luncheon interval, and in that time they were reduced to 51-4. Wood again in the thick of it picking up two of the wickets to fall, Matt Salisbury and Roman Walker one each. 

In the afternoon session, County took a further four wickets, Academy scholar Raiffe Headley taking three, and Walker the other one. Gloucestershire into Tea on 173-8. Jonny Bushnell, who went on to make 52*, was put down at 2nd slip off the bowling of Headley when on six.

Just a further seven runs were added after tea before the Foxes wrapped up the innings, Gloucestershire 180 all out. Wood taking both wickets, returning figures of 4-40 from 10 overs, match figures of 8-74 from 23.2 overs. Headley 3-33 from 9 overs, Walker 2-31 from 9 overs, and Salisbury 1-33 from 12 overs. 

Leicestershire required 137 to win with a minimum of 38 overs remaining in the day. It transpired that the opening partnership of 31 between Sheridon Gumbs and Usman Minhas would be the highest of the innings. 

Wickets fell at regular intervals against the incessant pace battery of the Gloucestershire attack, but Madan bating at number three stood firm, and took County to within a whisker of victory. Madan receiving a number of painful blows from the pace barrage during his innings. 

The 19-year-old brought up his 50 (5x4) 60b with Leicestershire on 108-5 from 28.2, just a further 29 runs required for victory. Madan (55) departed caught in the gully, by Daaryoush Ahmed, from a rising delivery from Bushnell. 

Upon Madan’s departure, County were 114-7, with a further 23 runs required for victory. Day 3 ended as it had begun, with Wright and Farooq at the wicket. Leicestershire now on 126-9 requiring 11 runs to win. 

The pair were served a ration of constant short deliveries by the pacey left-armer James Trodd, and fellow pace bowler Bushnell. Wright (4) 11b was bowled by Bushnell, Leicestershire 129 all out, from 33.5 overs, Gloucestershire winning by 7 runs. Farooq (1*) 6b. 

Thank you to all at Kibworth CC for hosting Leicestershire 2nd XI this season. Special mention to Tom, Chrissy and Ian for all their hard work on the catering side, and to Darren and Steve for their efforts on the ground, not to mention a host of volunteers for their unseen work behind the scenes.

A completed scorecard can be viewed HERE.