Seconds Conclude Season With Resounding Victory Over Northants

By Pete Johnson

Leicestershire recorded a comprehensive victory on day four of their SEC clash with Northamptonshire, winning by an innings and 76 runs, and only requiring 26 overs today to take the remaining seven Northants wickets.

Matt Salisbury, Roman Walker and Pip Jackson all picking up three wickets to bowl Dips Patel’s side to a third win in a row to end their campaign.

After no play was possible on day three due to overnight rain seeping under the covers, and more overnight rain prior to day 4, a pitch inspection took place at 10.30am, following which a further pitch inspection took place at 12 noon. An early Lunch was taken, and play commenced at 12.40pm, with a minimum of 72.1 overs available.

Sam Wood replaced Ben Mike, and 16-year-old Arnav Rai kept wicket in place of Harry Swindells. Rai making his debut for Leicestershire 2^nd XI.

Northamptonshire resumed on their overnight 6-3, needing a further 157 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Arush Buchake 0* was joined at the crease by skipper Freddie Heldreich.

Matt Salisbury bowled the first over of the morning from the Bowling Green End, and with his 5^th delivery Buchake (0) was bowled. Northants 8-4 (2.5 overs) soon became 13-5 (5.5 overs) when Jack Bates was caught at short mid wicket by Liam Tew off the bowling of Wood.

Heldreich (12) 21b was next to go pinned in front lbw by Salisbury. Northants 33-6 from 12.1 overs. Alex Corbett and Shaynan Patel then posted a partnership of 28.

Pip Jackson was introduced into the attack, taking over from Wood, and with his second delivery bowled Patel (11) 33b. Northants 61-7 from 22.2 overs.

Jackson then proceeded to take two wickets in his next over. Arafat Bhuiyan (0) 6b was lbw, swiftly followed by Alex Corbett (29) 56b who was caught by keeper Arnav Rai. Rai running back towards the leg side to take the catch, the ball looping up into the air. Northants 73-9 from 24.6 overs.

The curtain came down on the Northamptonshire innings when Freddie Fowler (14) 16b was caught by Sol Budinger off the bowling of Walker. Fowler got bat to ball, keeper Rai leaping in the air, just got his finger tips to the ball, it travelled skywards, and towards the boundary, Budinger running round from fly slip taking the catch in a position from one’s childhood, in the area of long stop!

Northamptonshire 87 all out from 27.5 overs at 2.47pm. Sam Keeling-Wright ((3*) 3b. Leicestershire winning by an innings and 76 runs.

Special mention for 16-year-old wicket keeper Arnav Rai, who gave a polished performance behind the stumps, keeping wicket very tidily, and not letting any byes through.

Walker 5-59 (match figures of 8-87) Jackson 3-16 (match figures of 6-43), Salisbury 3-18 (match figures of 4-68). Sam Wood 1-24 picking up the other 2^nd innings wicket.

Well, that’s it then the curtain comes down on the 2024 season for Leicestershire 2^nd XI. However, I would just like to put on record, purely from a personal point of view, my observations of the contribution made by members of the support staff over the season.

Dips Patel, 2^nd XI Coach, it is phenomenal the amount of effort, commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm that Dips puts into the role. All those attributes combined with his guidance, and leadership skills. An absolute privilege to see such an outstanding mentor at work.

Dips has been ably assisted throughout the season by Phil De Freitas, who in his distinguished professional career has been there, seen it, done it. Phil quietly, but extremely efficiently goes about his work, a fine role model for any cricketer at any stage of their career.

Jigar Naik has also assisted on occasions, a wonderful figure head for members of LCCC Academy, and Emerging Players Programme (EPP). Physio’s Lloyd, and Madhan who have ensured that players in the 2^nd XI have had immediate, and satisfactory attention to any injuries, niggles etc when required, in addition to putting players through their pre match warm up routines.

Thanks to John Mallett for turning up at occasional games, when his 1^st XI commitments allowed. John’s photography skills are second to none.

Finally, thanks to two unsung heroes behind the scenes. Dan Nice, Cricket Operations Manager, it is impossible to list the amount of tasks Dan deals with in addition to his cricket responsibilities, ranging from hotels, and transport, to unlocking gates at Grace Road at around 11.00pm to let returning buses in from away games, so that players on board can pick up their cars. I can best describe Dan at work as someone who is juggling, whilst completing a jigsaw puzzle at the same time.

Finally, and by no means least sincere thanks to Jack Gabriel, Communications Lead, for putting all the 2^nd XI match reports on to the club website, and social media, in addition to occasional censorship of my match reports! Jack finds time to always publish them, even when his time is limited due to 1^st XI, and other commitments.

Before signing off, 2024 has been my 13^th season scoring for the 2^nd XI. This game v Northamptonshire at Peterborough Town CC was the 93^rd different ground that I have scored on for the 2^nd XI on during that time, it’s been an absolute pleasure, and I look forward to notching up my century!