Seconds Edge T20 Nail-Biter at Notts

By Pete Johnson

Leicestershire won a tense, low scoring game by three wickets in the SET20 at Notts. The outcome of the fixture not being decided until the final over. Bowlers having the upper hand during the day’s proceedings, considerable bounce generated from the wicket throughout.

Yet another chilly morning greeted the players when they took to the field, weather totally alien to what is expected on June 1. Lewis Hill captained the Foxes, won the toss, and asked Nottinghamshire to bat.

Nottinghamshire made 116-9 from their allotted 20 overs. Josh Hull and Tom Scriven both returning figures of 2-16 from their 4 overs. Mike Finan picking up 2-24 from 4 overs, including that rarity in T20 cricket, a maiden over. Matt Salisbury 1-19 from 4 overs, Ed Barnes 1-32 from 3 overs, and Uttam Ramji 1-8 from 1 over. 

3 catches in the innings for both Finan and Ramji, including a caught and bowled each. Louis Kimber again kept wicket for Leicestershire, back to back games with no byes recorded against ‘Kimber the Keeper’. You will not hear much of the Bay City Rollers singing their Number One hit, Bye Bye Baby, Baby Bye Bye, when Kimber has the gauntlets.

In reply Leicestershire appeared to be making light work of reaching their target going to 56-3 from 6.5 overs. Hill (21) 12b, and Kimber (22) 8b, clearing the ropes on three occasions. Sam Evans (8) 15b also back in ‘the hutch’. 

A clatter of wickets then followed, but Zen Malik stood firm, not setting the scoreboard alight, but doing what was needed, occupying the crease, taking singles here, and there. Scriven (3) 12b, Joe Johnson (4) 7b, and Ed Barnes (2) 4b, departed after brief stays at the crease. 

A collectors’ item amongst those 3 dismissals, Johnson stumped off a wide. Leicestershire 77-6 from 11.4 overs, a further 40 runs required for victory from 8.2 overs. 

Finan joined Malik, and proved a staunch ally, the pair adding 20 runs for the 7th wicket. Malik (21) 28b went to a brilliant diving catch by Jake Ball, at mid on off the bowling of Toby Pettman. An excellent contribution from Malik, who arrived at the crease after 6.5 overs, the score on 56-3, and departed after 16.2 overs, the score now on 97-7 from 16.2 overs. 

Malik’s contribution absolutely vital in the scheme of things and going a long way towards winning the match for County. 19 runs now required for victory from 3.4 overs. 

Finan and Josh Hull then saw the Foxes home. Finan taking a fearsome blow to the helmet during his stay at the crease, but remaining resolute, and completely focused on the job in hand. The final over arrived with Leicestershire requiring 7 runs for victory. 

Hull drove the first ball, delivered by seamer James Hayes down the ground for a boundary, and launched the second ball over long off for a maximum. Obviously no rail strikes today, as the big fella appeared to have a train to catch! Leicestershire 120-7 from 19.2 overs, winning by 3 wickets. Finan (17*) 18b, Hull (14*) 12b. Leading wicket taker for Nottinghamshire Pettman with 3-23 from 4 overs.

The fixture was played at The John Fretwell Sporting Complex, home of Welbeck CC. After doing a bit of pre match research, I found out that John Fretwell is a retired local businessman, who wanted to create a new facility for the local community. Mr Fretwell embarked on a project, which culminated in the completion of construction of this splendid complex in 2006, Cricket having been played here since 2007. 

Previous to today, apart from the MOD establishment at Woodhouse Eaves, my only knowledge of Welbeck was of a bloke playing up front for Brighton & Hove Albion, having previously been at Man Utd, Arsenal and Watford. I digress, cricket match incoming.

A full scorecard can be viewed HERE.