Second XI Fall to Northants on Final Day

By Pete Johnson

Northamptonshire recorded a resounding victory over Leicestershire, winning by 267 runs, the game coming to a conclusion some 75 minutes after lunch.

A little ‘Brucie Bonus’ awaited me before play began. Ray Medland, legend amongst the local umpiring fraternity, dropped off a consignment of confectionary for the exclusive consumption of the two scorers. Also, one of the match umpires has interests in a microbrewery, said umpire magnanimously brought along some samples of the product for us to take home.

Northamptonshire declared on their overnight 287-9. Leicestershire challenged with making 401 to win from a minimum of 96 overs.

Yet another cold, grey overcast day greeted the players when they took to the field, a day more suited to polar bears and penguins.

Northamptonshire took control of the morning session with Leicestershire into Lunch on 79-5 from 28 overs.  Brandon Glover, working up a lively pace, dismissed the first three Leicestershire batsman, Jack Nightingale (7) pinned in front, two balls later Tom Scriven (0) suffered the same fate, Sam Bates (6) going caught by an air bound second slip.

Sam Wood and Scott Steel set about a salvage operation, and slowly began to rebuild the innings. Wood and Steel had been together for just over 10 overs when Steel (26) 31b was another lbw victim, the beneficiary being pace bowler George Gowler.

Four overs later, Wood (16) 48b was caught behind by keeper Harry Gouldstone, again off Gowler. Leicestershire went into lunch on 79-5 from 28 overs. Nat Bowley 7* Roman Walker 5*.

In the 5th over after lunch Walker (7) 28b was trapped in front by CJ White. Gavin Griffiths (0), who made an undefeated half century in the first innings, then followed the same fate, from the second ball he received.

Bowley (29) 76b was offering the most resistance of all the Leicestershire batters, he had got himself in, but contrived to get himself out. Bowley attempted a reverse scoop shot off spinner Alex Russell, but the ball ballooned up towards the second slip area where Urush Buchake pouched the catch. Foxes on 126-8 from 43.2.

Alex Evans (0), who had also made a half century in the first innings, then became the third County batter to get out second ball. Evans caught at cover by James Cronie off Russell. Also, the third time in the innings that two wickets fell in the same over. Leicestershire 126-9 from 43.4.

Freddie Fallows (17) 42b was having a go at the bowling, but his brief cameo came to an end when he was caught at mid on by James Sales off Russell. Abidine Sakande 1*. Leicestershire 133 all out from 45.4 overs. The match coming to a conclusion at 2.57pm. Northamptonshire winning by 267 runs. Leicestershire 4 points, Northamptonshire 23 points.

Yet again, tip top service at Kibworth CC from catering guru Tom, and his trusty ‘wing women’ Chrissy and Jan. Groundsman Steve Pollard, and his crew again doing exactly what it says on the tin. Sincere thanks to you all, and the many unseen volunteers, from everyone at Leicestershire CCC.

Right, matters KP calling for yours truly......

The match scorecard can be viewed HERE