SEC v Northamptonshire CCC 2nd XI Day Four Report

It was yet another grey overcast morning when we arrived at Desborough Town CC for the fourth, and final day of the SEC match between Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.

Upon arrival at the ground we were very surprised to find that heavy localised rain had been evident in the immediate area. Mick, Tony, and their band of helpers were calmly working away to ensure that the ground was fit for play to start on time.

Leicestershire recorded a comprehensible victory, winning by nine wickets. County claimed the remaining three Northamptonshire wickets in the first hour's play in the morning, and required 132 runs to win. Abi Sakande taking all three of the wickets to fall this morning, returning innings figures of 5 for 52.  The target was reached with the loss of only one wicket. Sam Evans and George Rhodes both posted undefeated half centuries.

Northamptonshire resumed from their overnight 137 for 7, leading by 102 runs. Ethan Rice 3 not out, Henry Warren 1 not out. Rehan Ahmed re-joined the Leicestershire side following his illness on day one, in place of Lewis Hill. Simon Kerrigan was absent injured, for Northamptonshire. A very sparse crowd, just nine spectators after a recount, were in attendance at the start of play.

Abi Sakande and Gavin Griffiths opened the attack for the Foxes. In the fifth over of the morning Rice (4) 41b was bowled by Sakande. Freddie Heldreich joined Warren, the pair having added a 50 partnership for the 10th wicket in the first innings.

The partnership lasted six overs, adding just 18 runs when Warren was bowled by Sakande. Incoming batsman George Gowler was bowled first ball by Sakande. Northamptonshire all out 166 from 70 overs, at 11.46am. Sakande getting all three wickets this morning, clean bowling all of them. Sakande not so much mopping up the tail, but giving it a thorough deep clean. Sakande’s figures 20-6-52-5. I must mention his opening partner this morning, Gavin Griffiths. The big fella bowled an excellent spell, with no luck whatsoever, batsmen playing and missing on countless occasions. I would not bother buying a lottery ticket this week Gavin if I were you! Griffiths' figures 13-5-18-0.

During the first hour's play I took delivery of a couple of packets of Werther’s Original from the Northamptonshire based Umpiring legend that is Ray Medland. I reckon Ray could have been that bloke who delivered boxes of Cadbury’s Milk Tray chocolates, on the TV advert back in the 1960’s.

Leicestershire requiring 132 runs to win from a minimum of 83 overs. Hassan Azad and Sam Evans opened the innings, and had an hour to bat until lunch. In the seventh over Azad (4) 22b was caught at point by James Cronie off Gus Miller. County 14 for 1 from 6.5 overs. George Rhodes joined Evans, and the pair safely took Leicestershire into lunch on 46-1 from 15 overs. Evans 16* Rhodes 20*.

My fellow Scorer, the redoubtable Q, and I had an unexpected bonus at lunchtime as one of the Umpires was fasting, and our table now of only three people, had food laid out for four people. Enough said, you know the rest.

Over the four days at Desborough Town CC the Desborough President, a spritely octogenarian, has been in attendance every day. We noticed that he has an uncanny facial resemblance to the much respected, late, Duke of Edinburgh. All of the Desborough Town CC match day staff thought so as well. He even walked liked the late Duke, arms behind his back, slightly leaning forward. The President, who I was informed is an ex Mayor of Kettering, was regally patrolling the immediate area to the left of the scorebox on all four days, politely greeting any spectator that came within earshot of him. Splendid fellow! I digress, back to the cricket.

Evans and Rhodes’ partnership flourished after lunch, both batsmen accumulating runs on all sides of the wicket, and both finding the boundary on regular occasions, Evans (9x4) 96b went to his half century, when he took a single from a shot into the covers off seamer Warren. This also brought up the 100 partnership between the pair. The score on 114 for 1 from 34.5 overs. In the next over Rhodes (7x4) 93b went to his half century when he stroked Heldreich, to mid-wicket for a single.

The victory target was reached when Evans drilled occasional spinner James Cronie through extra cover for four. Leicestershire 134 for 1 from 37.5, winning by 9 wickets. Match completed at 2.58pm. Evans 64* Rhodes 55*.

A good all round team performance, Sam Evans the top run scorer in the match with 76 and 64*, Hassan Azad the highest individual innings 91. Abi Sakande four wickets in the first innings, and five wickets in the second innings, match figures of 39-8-125-9. There is rumour that there is a park in Leicester named after him.............Abbey Park............ear splitting groan very every reader!

Northamptonshire 5 points, Leicestershire 23 points.

By Pete Johnson