Seconds Suffer Final Day Defeat At Kibworth

By Pete Johnson

Northamptonshire beat Leicestershire by eight wickets in the SEC at Kibworth CC. 17-year-old Arush Buchake making a career best 145*, in chasing down the 259 runs needed to win, seeing his side home by eight wickets.

Sol Budinger was absent, having been included in the First Team squad for the trip to play Middlesex at Lord’s. Liam Tew returned to the side after being unavailable on day three.

Leicestershire resumed from their overnight 178/5, leading by 164 runs, Jake Tarling 31*, Roman Walker 25*. Tarling and Walker stayed together for 36 minutes of the morning session before Tarling (44) 123b was bowled by Michael Finan. A good contribution from Tarling whose innings, and occupation of the crease, bolstered the middle order. County on 199/6 from 68.3 overs.

Northamptonshire took the new ball immediately it became available, from the second delivery of the new ball Walker went to his 50 (2x4) 121b when he crisply turned a delivery from Finan on to the onside for two.

A couple of overs later, Walker 59 (2x4/1x6) 128b was caught at short mid wicket by Alex Russell off the bowling of Finan. An important contribution from Walker, greatly helping the Foxes to post a respectable score. Alec McLoughlin (5) 8b was trapped lbw by Finan, and next ball Matt Salisbury was bowled by Finan, leaving Leicestershire on 250-9 from 84.2 overs.

Sam Wood then briefly took on the Northamptonshire attack, lifting Finan straight down the ground for a huge maximum. No mean feat by Wood against the pacey Finan. Wood (30) 57b was last man out when he was caught at long on by Tommy Sturgess off the bowling of Alex Russell. Dinuk de Silva (1*) 17b.

Leicestershire 272 all out from 89.3 overs, Rob Keogh 5-37, Michael Finan 4-52. Northamptonshire requiring 259 to win from a minimum of 64 overs. It was 1.03pm so Lunch was taken.

George Hargrave and Arush Buchake opened the innings for Northamptonshire, and posted a 50 partnership after 13.4 overs. Nine overs later, Buchake went to his 50 (9x4) 67b, when the score reached 86-0.

Hargrave and Buchake then brought up their 100 partnership in the 27^th over. Five overs later, Hargrave went to his 50 (5x4) 88b, the score on 119-0. Northamptonshire into Tea on 120-0, Hargrave 50* Buchake 64*. A further 139 needed to win from a minimum of 33 overs.

In the fourth over after Tea, Hargrave (55) 100b was caught at deep square leg by Liam Tew off the bowling of Matt Salisbury. Northamptonshire 136-1. Justin Broad joined Buchake, and their 50 partnership came up after 47 balls. Northamptonshire on 186-1 from 42.2 overs.

Broad (34) 34b departed soon afterwards caught behind by keeper Harry Swindells from a delivery by Sam Wood. Swindells diving somewhat gracefully to his right, to pouch the ball with both hands, whilst in mid air. One for the cameras, where’s John Mallett when you need him? Northamptonshire 198-2 from 44.4 overs.

Northants skipper Gus Miller joined Buchake, who went to his 100 (12x4/2x6) 135b, when he deposited Tew over deep square leg for a maximum. The last hour arrived with Northamptonshire needing a further 39 runs to win from the regulation minimum 16 overs.

Only seen more were needed however to reach the target. Buchake (145*) 173b. Appropriately a golden innings by Buchake whose initials are AU. If you don’t know where I am coming from on that one check out the old chemical symbols! Miller (12*) 24b. Northamptonshire winning by eight wickets, the game finishing at 5.45pm.

Well that completes our two four-day SEC games at Kibworth for this season. Sincere thanks, on behalf of LCCC, to all staff at Kibworth CC. Especially Tom, Chrissy, and Lorna for all their hard work on the catering side, and to Darren and Steve for their labours on the ground, in all kinds of weather. We will be back of course later this month for two SET20 games.