We've done it before - Griffiths

Seamer Gavin Griffiths hopes that Santa Claus will come early as Leicestershire Foxes look to secure a final day Vitality Blast passage for the second year in succession.

The Foxes won their final four games last term, and although it looked as though they would require the same return this year, Wednesday night’s defeat at Durham Jets hasn’t proved fatal to their chances of progression.

Other results have largely gone for the Foxes this week, and last night’s thrilling five-run victory against Worcestershire Rapids meant that the four-point gap to the fourth and final qualification place was halved.

Given tonight’s trip to Derbyshire Falcons (7pm start) - another team facing a must-win scenario - is the only match in the competition on Saturday, a win would guarantee that the Foxes go level with Notts Outlaws and Yorkshire Vikings, who currently have 12 points from 12 games.

With those two teams still having to face one another on the final day, and the fact that nobody outside the top three has a positive net run rate - the deciding factor if points are level - then there is all to play for at the 3aaa County Ground in front of the Sky cameras.

Griffiths bowled a terrific four-over spell at Durham Jets with absolutely no luck, somehow ending with none for 28 despite beating the bat and deceiving batsmen with slower deliveries on several occasions.

He produced a performance of similar quality against the Rapids - and again went at just seven runs per over - but picked up three deserved wickets to end with a career-best return. Griffiths now feels that history could repeat itself in the Foxes run-in.

“We were in a similar position last year and won our last four games to sneak through the back door, and T20 is all about momentum,” said Griffiths. “If you get that towards the backend of the tournament, it can be crucial.

“We’ll do what we can, we can’t control what goes on in other games, and all we can do is win our last two games, starting at Derbyshire. If we get through, it’s Christmas isn’t it!”

Head Coach Paul Nixon, who took a brilliant catch as part of a fateful win in his final victory in a Leicestershire Foxes shirt on Finals Day in 2011, also believes destiny could be with the Foxes – even if it isn’t in their hands.

“It’s tight, and we always knew it would be,” said Nixon. Results have pretty much gone for us the last week which is lovely isn’t it? Who knows what might happen? We need to keep the dream alive, as it all happens for a reason.

“We nipped one brilliantly at the end against Worcestershire, we held our nerve, and again we had a favour from other teams and it kept us within one result of fourth place.

“A win at Derbyshire and we go level with those two teams on 12 points, and although they will then have a game in hand, they still have to play one another. But we have to focus on ourselves - we’ll give it our all tonight at Derbyshire and see where it takes us.”

Griffiths admitted that the team felt that they had come up short in posting 155 for nine on a terrific Fischer County Ground surface, but the Foxes turned the tables on a Rapids side that had defended 137 for eight against the Falcons only the previous evening.

He said: “It was a really good pitch, and we thought 170 or 180 was par, but we spoke about going out and expressing ourselves, giving it our all and trying a few things.

“A couple of early wickets helped and we did well, especially in the middle. Mohammad Nabi, Callum Parkinson and Neil Dexter set it up for the backend of the innings.

“It was probably our best fielding performance; we squeezed hard in the ring, we stopped singles where we haven’t been previously, and our throwing was miles better. It’s a work in progress here, and with each game we’re learning.

“To win a game from that position at half-time shows character. We’re a young group of lads and we’re learning with each game, which will stand us in good stead in the future.”

The young seamer completed a hat-trick of personal highs in 2018 by beating his previous best return in the competition, building on his vast success in the Specsavers County Championship and considerable progress in the Royal London One-Day Cup.

However, although Griffiths is looking for qualification as an early present next Friday, he may not get away with waiting until the festive period to go to the bar.

“It’s great to get another career-best but it means I’ve got to buy another round now, which is not ideal,” he smiled.

“But on a serious note, I played a lot of white ball last season, and although I want to play as much cricket as I can, a break from [the early stages of] T20 has allowed me to reflect on things.

“My slower ball has come on a lot, and it’s always nice to get early wickets. I’m pleased with how the ball is coming out but it was just great to get that first win at home.

“It’s been a largely frustrating campaign, especially at Grace Road, but we’re not out of it yet. The fans keep turning out and it was nice to reward them.”

In squad news, the Foxes will take 12 to the 3aaa County Ground with left arm paceman Dieter Klein travelling with the XI that beat the Rapids.

Foxes (from 12 v Derbyshire Falcons): Ackermann (capt), Chappell, Cosgrove, Dexter, Eckersley, Griffiths, Javid, Klein, Nabi, Parkinson, Raine, Swindells.

* Our final Vitality Blast home game is against Northants Steelbacks on Friday, August 17! The best value tickets are available in advance – a family ticket for 2 adults and 3 under 16s is available for £37 in advance of the fixture. Secure your seat at the Fischer County Ground today HERE