Seconds make it 3 from 4
Tue 3 May 2016
REPORT | By Pete Johnson
Leicestershire comfortably won both SET20 encounters against Worcestershire today, taking their record to three wins from four matches. The matches were played at the home of Kibworth CC, which surely must be one of the best club grounds in the country.
The early morning journey through Leicester City Centre was magical for this lifelong Leicester City supporter after having won the Premier League the evening before. There was blue and white all over the place, and countless happy faces. A once in a lifetime achievement by Leicester City FC, it was like all your Christmases and a special birthday rolled into one.
In Game 1, Tom Wells won the toss for Leicestershire and elected to bat. County made 156-6 from their 20 overs, getting off to a flyer with Aadil Ali and Adam Tillcock putting on 60 for the first wicket from 42 balls.
Ali departed for 34 from 22 balls and shortly afterwards Tillcock fell for 31 from 26 balls. Worcestershire stemmed the flow of quick runs after the opening pair had departed, and County were reduced to 133-6 from 18.3 overs.
Former Worcestershire all-rounder Gareth Andrew (21* from 9 balls) gave the innings a healthy finish by hitting three fours and a six from the final over bowled by Russell.
County made light work of the Worcestershire innings dismissing them for 102 from 20.4 overs. The pick of the bowlers was Tillcock with 3-18 from his left arm spin. Young ‘keeper Harry Swindells weighed in with four catches and a stumping, Leicestershire winning by 54 runs.
In Game 2 Worcestershire won the toss and elected to bat. They made 143-5 from their 20 overs. Again Tillcock proved a thorn in their side with 2-17 from his 4 overs, ably supported by left arm spin twin James Sykes who took 2-26 from 3.4 overs.
After the early loss of Tillcock and Ned Eckersley, Ali and Wells put County in the driving seat, adding 91 for the third wicket. Ali hit a majestic 60 from 44 balls, his half-century taking just 36 balls (3x4/3x6).
Ali’s shots with a white ball are sometimes more spectacular than those of Mark Selby. He hit three huge sixes on his home ground, clearing the pavilion on a couple of occasions. Ali departed caught on the long-off boundary.
Wells cruised to his 50 from 46 balls (1x4/2x6), and shortly afterwards was caught in the deep for 55 with the game all but won. Tillcock (10*) and Rob Sayer (4*) saw County home with two balls remaining by 6 wickets.
Sincere thanks to all at Kibworth CC for hosting the game, and we look forward to seeing you next week.
* Due to the recent unseasonal weather, Leicestershire is now playing tomorrow’s Championship game against Worcestershire at Oakham School. The postcode for the ground is LE15 7QH.
