Scriven Century Sets Up Intriguing Final Day For Seconds

By Pete Johnson

A delayed start was again on the agenda for day three of the SEC match between Lancashire and Leicestershire at Southport & Birkdale CC. The ground had been subject to heavy overnight rain, catching the tail end of Storm Noa, and an amount of the precipitation had found its way under the covers, the result of which was a large wet patch on the wicket! 

After a couple of Inspections, the umpires ruled that an early lunch would be taken at 12.30pm, with play commencing at 1.10pm. A minimum of 80 overs available in the day, which would consist of 2 x two and a half hour sessions, with the tea interval set at 3.40pm.

It proved to be a good day for Leicestershire, who posted a first innings score of 316-8 declared, thanks to fine unbeaten century by Tom Scriven, ably backed up by skipper Will Davis who weighed in with an unbeaten half century. Lancashire closed on 133-6, trailing the Foxes by 183 runs. Davis, and Louis Kimber picking up two wickets apiece, and wicket keeper Harry Swindells being involved in 4 of the 6 dismissals.

Ed Barnes had been called up into the 1st XI squad, so had headed back south.

A big yellow thing up in the sky greeted the players when they took to the field, its name escapes me as I have not seen it for quite a while. However, a very chill wind was still evident, more in keeping with the South Pole rather than Southport.

Leicestershire resumed on their overnight 189-6, Scriven 48* Nick Welch 1*. In the second over of the morning Scriven went to his 50 (7x4) 59b, when he steered Matt Parkinson into the cover area for a single. Welch (12) 25b went caught at mid wicket by Tom Aspinwall off Parkinson some 6 overs later. Foxes 212-7 from 63.1 overs. 

A further couple of overs had elapsed when Roman Walker (1) 2b was caught behind by keeper George Lavelle, again off Parkinson. Leicestershire 218-8 from 65.1 overs. It proved to be the last success of the day for the Lancashire attack as Scriven and Davis then dominated proceedings.

Scriven and Davis posted a 50 partnership from 81 balls, the score having reached 268-8 from 78.4 overs. Scriven, from the final delivery of the ‘old ball’, went to a splendid 100 (10x4/2x6) 124b, when he drove Parkinson for two through the extra cover area. Although Scriven has a 2nd X1 century to his name, this was his first century for the Foxes. A fine contribution from the talented all rounder.

Lancashire took the new ball immediately it was available. It posed no threat however to Scriven and Davis who plundered 39 runs off the four overs, in which the new ‘cherry’ was dispensed in their direction. Davis went to his 50 (5x4/1x6) 68b, taking two runs through the covers off Harry Birkman.

As soon as he had reached his half century Skipper Davis declared the innings. Scriven & Davis having posted an unbeaten partnership of 98 (113b). Leicestershire 316-8 from 84 overs, the clock showing 2.46pm. Lancashire having 44 minutes to bat before tea.

In the 44 minutes available, Leicestershire took one wicket when George Lavelle (9) 21b was caught behind by Harry Swindells off Davis. Swindells diving to his right to take the catch. Lancashire into tea on 20-1 from 11 overs. Harry Singh 6*, Arav Shetty 5*. 

During the afternoon session a news flash appeared on my phone sadly announcing the death of Dame Mary Quant, aged 93. Many fond memories of this lady, an ‘icon’ of the Swinging Sixties, and very much a part of the youth of my day. 

In the second over after tea, Singh (6) 39b was another victim of the Swindells/Davis combination. Swindells grazing the ground with his gloved knuckles as he took the catch going across towards first slip. Lancashire 24-2 from 12.5 overs. 

Shetty and Luke Wood then occupied the crease for some 14 overs until the left-handed Wood (15) 35b was yet another victim for Swindells, this time off the bowling of Roman Walker. Swindells taking the catch down the leg side. Lancashire three wickets down, all three victims for Swindells. I must say it is an absolute pleasure to feast one’s eyes on the graceful agility of The Swindler when he has got a set of cricket stumps in front of him. Lancashire 52-3 from 26.2 overs. 

A partnership of 42 then evolved between Shetty and Danny Lamb. Skipper Davis then produced a master stroke, introducing an all-spin attack for eight of the last 10 overs of the day, which claimed three wickets.

Left-arm spinner Harry Sullivan had Shetty (44) 110b stumped by Swindells. Louis Kimber then replaced Sullivan at the Tennis Courts End with Sullivan being deployed at the Houses End. Kimber served up a couple of ‘Aces’. First up, Big Louis bowled Tom Aspinwall (2) 8b with his third delivery leaving the Red Rose County on 114-5 from 45.3 overs. In the penultimate over of the day it was ‘Advantage’ Kimber when he trapped Lancashire Skipper Saqib Mahmood (3) 15b in front. Lancashire 128-6 from 49.6 overs. 

Lamb 49* and Jack Blatherwick (4*) 4b, saw Lancashire into stumps on 133-6 from 51 overs trailing Leicestershire by 183 runs. Lancashire 2 points, Leicestershire 4 points.

A full scorecard can be viewed HERE.