Seconds Record Emphatic Victory Against Kent
Fri 23 Jun 2023
By Pete Johnson
Leicestershire recorded a resounding victory beating Kent by 197 runs on day four at Polo Farm, Canterbury in the SEC. Roman Walker and Uttan Ramji picking up 4 and 3 wickets respectively, ably supported by Scott Steel, and Uday Modhwadia.
Kent required a further 336 runs to win from a minimum of 96 overs, an asking rate of 3.81 per over, at the start of the day. Overnight, Matt Quinn had been called into the Kent 1st XI squad, and was replaced by Will Harvey. Kent resumed 46-0. Marcus O’Riordan 17*, Ben Compton 24*.
O’Riordan and Compton brought up their 50 partnership in the second over of the morning. In the 6th over, County got their initial breakthrough when Compton (36) 56b was caught behind by keeper Vikai Kelley off the bowling of Roman Walker, Kent 68-1 from 15.3 overs.
Harry Finch, who had played an obdurate unbeaten innings first time round, joined O’Riordan. 48 runs had been added when Finch (25) 42b was caught behind by Kelley off Modhwadia. Kelley having taken to standing up to the stumps to seamer Modhwadia. Kent 106-2 from 27.6 overs.
O’Riordan went to his 50 (6x4) 89b when the score reached 127-2 from 34.2 overs. Kent went into lunch on 152-2 from 41 overs. O’Riordan 62*, Singh 23*. In the first over after lunch, O’Riordan and Singh posted a 50 partnership (84b).
Four overs later Singh (28) 50b went lbw to Scott Steel. Kent 162-3 from 45.2 overs. O’Riordan (67) 126b was then caught by Sol Budinger in the mid wicket area from a delivery by Steel. A good catch by Budinger as the ball was hit with force off the middle of the bat. Kent 167-4 from 47.2 overs.
Leicestershire then began a successful victory charge picking up 6 wickets for 47 runs. Jaden Denly (3) 10b was caught just behind square by Chris Sanders off Ramji, not the easiest of chances, but The Colonel safely pouching the catch.
Walker then returned at the City End, and bowled an inspired spell. Will Harby (7) 17b was comprehensively bowled. Kent 203-6 from 57.3 overs. Ramji who was bowling excellently from the Tennis Courts End then had Gareth Severin (34) 54b caught in the gully by Budinger. Kent 211-7 from 60.6 overs.
Walker then picked up two wickets in three deliveries, Oli Curtiss (0) 1b was bowled, and Jaz Singh (0) 2b pinned in front lbw. Kent 212-9 from 61.4 overs. It was fitting that Ramji sealed victory for the Foxes when he caught and bowled Max Wood (8) 23b. Kent 214 all out from 64.1 overs. Arafat (0*) 4b. Leicestershire winning by 197 runs. Leicestershire having taken eight wickets in 23.1 overs after lunch, for 62 runs. The game concluding at 3.07pm.
A complete team performance by Leicestershire with each one of the players making important contributions over the four days. In this appraisal, one should not forget coaches Dips Patel and Phil de Freitas, whose guidance and mentoring is not to be underestimated.
Roman Walker with impressive figures today of 8-1-19-4, to go with match figures of 16-2-36-5. Uttan Ramji also gave a very impressive performance 19.1-0-58-3 today, to go with his lengthy first innings bowling stint. Ramji returning match figures of 38.1-4-109-4, an economy rate of 2.86. A fine effort from the unassuming 18-year-old leg spinner.
A full scorecard can be viewed HERE.
