Second's Tail Wags In Dogged Batting Display
Wed 20 Jul 2022
By Pete Johnson
Leicestershire’s last four wickets added a further 214 runs, the tail wagging like a dog that had not seen its owner for a few weeks. Will Davis 85, Tom Scriven, not out overnight, going on to make 57. Leicestershire dismissed for 497. Yorkshire on 64-1 at close of play, trailing by 433 runs. Regular hydration breaks having been taken throughout the day in view of the sweltering conditions.
Another blisteringly hot morning greeted us when we arrived at Weetwood Sports Ground for Day 2 of the SEC between Yorkshire and Leicestershire. There were some 30 or so spectators present when play commenced, the majority of them taking refuge from the heat, and secreting themselves in the shade of the trees at the Oxley Hall End. A few hardy souls were ‘giving it large’ baring their torsos and sitting out in the open.
Leicestershire resumed on their overnight 283-6. Tom Scriven 7*, Ed Barnes 6*. Barnes (20) 58b went lbw to left-arm spinner Harry Sullivan in the 13th over of the morning. Barnes having added a useful 40 runs with Scriven for the 7th wicket.
Will Davis joined Scriven, and the pair looked extremely comfortable against the Yorkshire attack. Scriven and Davis brought up their 50 partnership from 101 balls, when the score reached 362-7. Scriven having deposited left-arm spinner Sullivan for two maximums during the morning. Leicestershire went into Lunch on 365-7 from 127 overs. Scriven 45*, Davis 29*.
During the luncheon interval, the umpires and coaches agreed that the afternoon session would comprise of two x 90-minute sessions, and play for the day ending at 5.00pm in view of the intense heat.
In the first over after lunch, Scriven went to his 50 (4x4/2x6) 101b. Scriven looking quite at home against the Tykes attack, not surprising really as there is a village called Scriven near to the Yorkshire town of Knaresborough.
Four overs later, Scriven (57) 119b was caught at backward square leg by Alex Cree off seamer Joel Gunn. Leicestershire 380-8 from 131.2 overs.
Davis was joined by Gavin Griffiths, the pair adding 39 for the 9th wicket. Griffiths (18) 17b hitting a maximum, and 2 boundaries before going caught behind by keeper Harry Duke off left-arm spinner Clarke Doughney. Leicestershire 419-9 from 136.3 overs.
Nat Bowley joined Davis, and the pair added 78 for the last wicket. Davis went to his 50 (7x4) 87b. Davis and Bowley brought up their 50 partnership from 45 balls, the score on 461-9. Bowley looking like a ‘ringer’ at Number 11, taking three boundaries off seamer Ben Cliff.
Congratulations Nat, but far from a Summer Holiday for Cliff! Davis (85) 120b went caught at deep mid wicket by Doughney off spinner Yash Vagadia. Leicestershire 497 all out off 149.1 overs at 3.06pm. Bowley (35*) 36b, (6x4). Harry Sullivan figures of 36-12-76-5. Tea was taken.
Finlay Bean and Harry Allinson opened the innings for Yorkshire. Bean having recently made a mammoth, record breaking 441 in an SEC match against Nottinghamshire 2’s. Bean and Allinson posted a 50 partnership after 15.2 overs.
Left-hander Bean (32) 60b was brilliantly caught at cover by Scriven, diving to his right, off the bowling of Nat Bowley. You could say Bowley had Bean on toast, but I won’t go there! Bean no doubt baked in the extremely warm weather.
Allinson (22*) 54b and Gary Ballance (9*) 6b took Yorkshire to stumps on 64-1 from 20 overs. Close of play being called at 5.00pm, Yorkshire trailing by 433 runs. Leicestershire 3 points, Yorkshire 2 points. 22 overs were lost with play being curtailed at 5.00pm. It is hoped to make up the overs lost on day 3, so a late finish beckons.
Finally, as I mentioned earlier, regular hydration breaks have been taken over the last 2 days to combat the excessive heat. All of this needs pre-planning, with ice, water etc being collected from shops local to the area. Special mention to physio, Ollie for all his effort and commitment in ensuring that the well being of players (and officials) is of paramount importance. Also, excellent back up given to Ollie’s initiatives by coaches Dips Patel and Dave Whitmore.
A full scorecard can be read HERE.
