Wagging Tail Boosts Second XI on Day Two

By Pete Johnson

Northamptonshire closed day 2 on 34-1 in their 2nd Innings, having earlier ended their first innings on 362. Leicestershire making 249 in reply, thanks to half centuries from Gavin Griffiths and Alex Evans. Northants holding a lead of 147 runs, with nine wickets in hand.

After a few days’ ‘sabbatical’ I am back at the ‘coal face’ for day 2 of the 4-day SEC fixture between Leicestershire and Northamptonshire at Kibworth CC.

Yet another chilly spring morning lay in wait for the players, and spectators, as proceedings got underway. Northamptonshire resuming on their overnight 325-8, skipper Charlie Thurston 134*.

It took County 67 minutes to take the remaining two Northamptonshire wickets. Thurston (145) went caught at deep cover by Nick Welch off Griffiths, and last man Alex Russell (6) was caught behind by Sam Bates off Tom Scriven.  Northamptonshire 362 all out from 111.5 overs. Eight of the nine Leicestershire bowlers used registering success in the wickets column.

Leicestershire had 42 minutes to bat before lunch, but went into the Interval on 24-2. Jack Nightingale 10*, Ben Mike 10*. Welch (0) and Bates (4) both being lbw victims.

My opposite number for Northamptonshire was ‘Q’ who you may remember, from my previous match reports, (or there again you may not), is the chap who can recite the shipping forecast areas off, around the UK in clockwise order, all 31 of them!

Anyway, I was in a pub quiz the other week, and one of the questions was: ‘What was shipping forecast area Finisterre renamed back in 2002?’ During the morning’s play I slipped Q a curve ball and asked him what Finisterre was now known as. He mulled over it for 10 minutes or so, mumbling to himself, then ‘back of the net’ he came up with Fitzroy!! He has subsequently kindly offered to email me photographs of his vast collection of anoraks to look at. I politely declined. However, top bloke is Q.

After a further 20.5 overs post-lunch, Leicestershire found themselves on 113-7, and looking down the barrel at a heavy first innings deficit. Mike (40), Scriven (20) contributing the majority of the runs. Nightingale, and Nat Bowley having made a dozen apiece.

Leicestershire then put up spirited resistance Roman Walker (25) 36b looking solid, but then going to a catch at second slip by Urush Buchake off CJ White. Freddie Fallows (6) then went to a ‘worldie’ a stunning one-handed catch by Buchake at deep backward square leg off leg spinner Russell. Leicestershire on 175-9 from 43.3 overs.

We then had a pulsating last wicket stand of 74 between Griffiths and Evans. Tea was delayed for 8 overs, or 30 minutes, but the pair negotiated ‘extra time’, and went in for some ‘scran’ with the alliance still intact.

Evans helped a short ball from George Gowler on its way to the third man boundary to bring up their 50 partnership from just 52 deliveries, 227-9 from 51.4 overs. Leicestershire into tea on 235-9 from 54 overs. Griffiths 49* (59b) Evans 40* (44b).

Evans went to his 50 (9x4) 48b, from the last ball of the first over after tea. Evans giving a short ball from Brandon Glover, a Tyson Fury type uppercut, guiding it to the third man boundary. His first half century for the 2nd XI. A great effort from the Bedford Bradman!

The first ball of the next over saw Griffiths go to his 50 (7x4/1x6) 62b, when he pushed spinner James Cronie into the cover area for a single. Leicestershire 247-9 from 55.1 overs. Griffiths also registering his first half century for the 2nd XI. The officious Ormskirkian playing a captain’s innings. If Gav’s Everton show as much application in their final few games of the season, they will be fine.

A couple of overs later the Leicestershire innings came to an end when Evans 52 (60b) was lbw to Cronie. Griffiths 50* (63b). Leicestershire 249 all out from 57.2 overs. Northamptonshire having a first innings lead of 113 runs.

A minimum of 18 overs remained in the day, and Northamptonshire closed on 34-1. Gus Miller 10*, Ben Curran 15*. County picking up the wicket of Harry Gouldstone (8) bowled by Scriven. Northamptonshire going into day 3 leading by 147 runs with nine second innings wickets in hand. Leicestershire 4 points, Northamptonshire 7 points.

The match scorecard can be viewed HERE