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Leicestershire will be hoping to get their promotion charge back on track as they travel to Northampton for the the County Championship fixture starting today (Tuesday). The Foxes drew their last Championship match versus Derbyshire when they had a great chance to win and a win over Northants will be an ideal confidence booster going into the reaminder of the season.

Tom Smith, who joined on loan from Lancashire last month, could be playing his last game for the County before returning to his parent club but their are hopes that his deal could be extended. The 23 year old has impressed with bat and ball since his spell started at the end of June and will no doubt be keen to continue with the Foxes as his chances of first team cricket at Old Trafford look slim. Dillon du Preez could also be back in Championship action after returning in the Pro40 match against Essex and this will give Tim Boon something of a selection headache aswell as Smith and du Preez, Garnett Kruger and Nadeem Malik are both in the squad.

Despite an indifferent and undisciplined bowling performance versus Essex the batsmen finally found some form and will be hoping to take this confidence into the longer form of the game. Indeed, Jimmy Allenby has been back to form with the bat in all forms of cricket after knocking up a career best 138 not out against Bangladesh A last week. HD Ackerman, who has been out of form of late, will no doubt be soon back amongst the runs but Boeta Dippenaar really needs to start justifying his role of overseas player after a very disappointing season so far.

Squad:

Tom New, Matt Boyce, HD Ackerman, Boeta Dippenaar, Jimmy Allenby, Paul Nixon (capt/wkt), Jacques du Toit, Claude Henderson, Tom Smith, Dillon du Preez, Nadeem Malik, Garnett Kruger.

Leicestershire - 255-6 (Boyce 59, Nixon 55, Dippenaar 50, Allenby 46)

Essex - 255-8 (ten Doeschate 99 not out, Gallian 63, Smith 2-34)

Match tied. 1 point each.

Leicestershire once again threw away a totally commanding position with some indisciplined bowling after the batters finally found some form. Ryan ten Doeschate took advantage of some wayward bowling towards the end of the innings, striking a superb unbeaten 99 from just 66 balls to tie the match after Essex recovered from 147-6 to almost impossibly sharing the spoils.

Things looked great for the County as Matt Boyce, with a one day best of 59 and Boeta Dippenaar (50) put them on track for an impressive total and indeed Paul Nixon and Jimmy Allenby made sure the Foxes did just that with some explosive batting at the end of the innings. Nixon smashed 55 from 42 balls, hitting three boundaries and two sixes and Jimmy Allenby, who initially nudged and nurdled, erupted to score 46 from 41 balls, clearing the ropes twice. A total of 255-6 from 40 overs looked mightily competitive and as the match wore on it looked even more likely the Foxes were off to a winning start in the Pro40.

Initally, the County attack did their jobs well, reducing Essex to 147-6 and heading towards defeat but ten Doeschate had other ideas. Dan Rowe, who has failed to impress at one-day level on numerous occasions, sent down four overs for 39 runs and Claude Henderson, usually economical, was hit for 37 from 5 overs but did claim the wicket of Gallian who made 63. Even in the closing stages, the County looked to be in charge especially after Allenby bowled a tight penultimate over and with the visitors needing 16 from du Preez' last over, David Masters was run out off the first ball in the match was swinging further towards the Foxes. But ten Doeschate smashed a six and a four and then hit two runs off the final ball to tie the match and basically resulting in a moral defeat for the Foxes. 

After commanding this match for such a long period and then to once again let another team off the hook, it is becoming increasingly angering and frustrating. Early season it was very much like this match, the batting good but bowling wise we can never finsh anyone off. As the season has wore on, the batting has faltered but the bowling has come on. Now we are back to square one. Where does the blame lie? With the coach? With the players? With both? Whatever the answer, they need to iron out these problems and put in a solid batting and bowling performance....but preferably in the same match!

Player Ratings

Ackerman 7, Boyce 8, Dippenaar 8, Nixon 8, Allenby 8, Taylor 6, Smith 7, Du Preez 5, Henderson 5, Malik 6, Rowe 4.

Scorecard

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 354-4 dec (Allenby 138 not out, Taylor 51)

Bangladesh A - 1st Innings - 330 all out (Naik 3-70, Iqbal 78)

Leicestershire - 2nd Innings - 63-0 (New 44 not out)

Match Drawn

Some of Leicestershire's underperforming batsmen got the chance to get some form under their belts and some youngsters got the chance to impress in a 3 day tour match versus Bangladesh A at Grace Road.

Batting first, 19 year old Leicester born Greg Smith who scored a century on his debut versus Bradford/Leeds UCCE in June, made a fluent 35 and another local lad, James Taylor scored his maiden first class half century, making 51. The real star of the innings was skipper Jimmy Allenby who continued his return to batting form with a superb career best 138 not out as Tom New also looked in good nick with an unbeaten 47 in a total of 354-4 declared.

Bangladesh replied with a total of 330 all out in which Tamim Iqbal top scored with 78 as Jigar Naik took 3-70 for the County, as Tom Smith, Dan Rowe and Sam Cliff chipped in with two wickets each. Leicestershire's second innings lasted just 16 overs before the match was called a draw but the re was enough time for Tom New to impress again with an unbeaten 44.

Player Ratings

Smith 7, Boyce 6, Dippenaar 6, Taylor 8, Allenby 9*, New 8, Cobb 6, Smith 6, Rowe 6, Cliff 6, Naik 7.

Scorecard

Derbyshire - 1st Innings - 208 all out (Allenby 3-19, Smith 3-52)

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 189 all out (Smith 47 not out, Boyce 38, Langeveldt 4-39)

Derbyshire - 2nd Innings - 200 all out (Henderson 3-43, Smith 3-49, Malik 3-62)

Leicestershire - 2nd Innings - 202-8 (Allenby 72 not out, Smith 42, Wagg 4-52)

Match Drawn. Derbyshire 8 points, Leicestershire 7 points.

Leicestershire: New, Boyce, Ackerman, Dippenaar, Allenby, Nixon (capt/wkt), du Toit, Smith, Henderson, Malik, Kruger.

Worcestershire: Mitchell, Moore, Solanki (capt), Smith, Hick, Davies (wkt), Moeen Ali, Kabir Ali, Andrew, Magoffin, Jones.

Day 1

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 120 all out (Jones 5-30)

Worcestershire - 1st Innings - 175-2 (Solanki 93 not out)

Leicestershire made a dreadful return to Championship action by being bowled out for a paltry 120 all out after Worcestershire won the toss. Fit again England fastie Simon Jones ripped through the Foxes to pick up figures of 5-30 as Jacques du Toit emerged as the County's leading scoring, with a quick fire 21.

To make matters worse, at close, the visitors had knocked up 175 runs for the loss of just two wickets and found themselves totally control of the match after only one day of play.

Day 2

Worcestershire - 1st Innings - 379 all out (Solanki 108, Smith 76, Kruger 4-85, Malik 4-107)

Leicestershire - 2nd Innings - 138-4 (Allenby 46 not out, Nixon 30 not out)

Worcester again dominated the second day as they piled on a total of 379 all out to heap misery on Leicestershire. Vikram Solanki completed his century to make 108 and former County star Ben Smith made 76 as Garnett Kruger and Nadeem Malik claimed four wickets a piece.

With the daunting task of catching upto a 259 deficit, the County got off to another awful start, as opener Tom New, who scored just 1 in the first innings, was out for a second ball duck. HD Ackerman, who got off to a great start, then fell to former Foxes trialist Steve Magoffin for 23 and shortly after, Matt Boyce departed, being trapped lbw by Kabir Ali. With the score at 86, Boeta Dippenaar once again failed with the bat but a steady partnership of 53 between Jimmy Allenby (46 not out) and Paul Nixon (30 not out) led the County to 138-4 at close and still over 100 runs behind Worcestershire's first innings total.

Scorecard

Leicestershire return to the first class stage as they entertain Worcestershire in the Championship starting today (Sunday) at Grace Road. The Foxes currently lie in second place in the table behind Warwickshire, but do have a game in hand and will be hoping for a positive result against lowly Worcester to enhance their promotion credentials.

After a generally appalling Twenty20 campaign, the County will be hoping to take some positivity from their final three 20 over matches in which they were unbeaten, but as we all know, the longer format of the game is a different kettle of fish and the Foxes have looked very impressive in the longer form of the game this season.

HD Ackerman returns to the side after resting a troublesome thigh in the last couple of Twenty matches and the best news of all is that the South African has agreed a new one year extension to his contract which will keep him at the club until the end of 2009. HD did make it clear however that he wanted a two year deal and who can blame him? Why on earth the club didn't offer him a two year deal is unbelieveable although Ackerman's decision to sign on is a tru reflection of the great man's loyalty as surely he could have earned much more money a gained a longer contract at a host of other counties. I think the club are forgetting the complete cock up they made of Ottis Gibson's situation a couple of years back. The West Indian had just had a fanatstic all round season and the club reportedly offered him a one year deal instead of the two he wanted. In nipped Durham with an offer of two years, Gibson promptly signed for them and went on to have two sensational years with the Geordies.

With injuries to Dillon du Preez, Ryan Cummins and with Jermaine Lawson back home in Jamaica visiting his ill mother the Foxes' seam options are limited so Tim Boon has completed the month long loan signing of Tom Smith from Lancashire. The 22 year old former England U19 player bowls brishk medium pacers and is also a capable hard hitting batsman and could make his debut today. Despite the injuries, the County have a number of seam options within the club and I would much rather see one of own youngsters, such as Sam Cliff or Harry Gurney in the side as opposed to getting one of Lancashire's match practice.

Likely squad

Tom New, Matt Boyce, HD Ackerman, Boeta Dippenaar, Jimmy Allenby, Jacques du Toit, Paul Nixon (capt/wkt), Claude Henderson, Jigar Naik, Tom Smith, Sam Cliff, Garnett Kruger, Dan Rowe.

v Derbyshire at Grace Road (27/6)
Leicestershire - 149-5 (Allenby 50 not out, Dippenaar 35)     Derbyshire - 126 all out (Allenby 5-27, du Toit 2-15)
Leicestershire won by 23 runs
Player Ratings: Dippenaar 8, du Toit 8, Allenby 10*, Taylor 6, Nixon 5, New 7, Cobb 6, Cliff 6, Malik 8, Henderson 7, Naik 6.

v Yorkshire at Headingley (26/6)
Match abandoned without a ball being bowled

v Nottinghamshire at Grace Road (24/6)
Leicestershire - 131-6 (Allenby 57, Nixon 42)    Notts - 126 all out from 19.5 overs (Malik 4-16, Allenby 3-15, Voges 59)
Leicestershire won by 5 runs
Player Ratings: Ackerman 4, du Toit 4, Dippenaar 4, Nixon 9, Allenby 10, Snape 8, Taylor 5, Henderson 5, Naik 6, Cliff 6. Malik 10.

Leicestershire travel to Leeds on Friday as they face Bradford/Leeds UCCE in a three day match as the Foxes prepare for their Twenty20 opener next week.

The County are expected to name a mixed side which should see some of the crop of promising younsgters a chance to impress. James Taylor, Sam Cliff and Jigar Naik could come into contention as Ryan Cummins and Dan Rowe will get the chance to stake their place for a more regular starting birth.

Young Leicestershire fast bowler Harry Gurney could also be in the side....for Bradford/Leeds though! The 21 year old is currently studying Economics at Leeds University and will be hoping to impress enough to challenge for a first team place for Leicestershire when he returns to Grace Road in a few weeks. Gurney recently claimed three wickets in a match against Yorkshire, claiming the wickets of South African star Jacques Rudolph and Engalnd skipper Michael Vaughan.

Essex - 350-5 (Bopara 201 not out)

Leicestershire - 232 all out (Nixon 62, Boyce 57)

Essex won by 118 runs a progress to the semi finals.

Ravi Bopara destroyed Leicestershire's dreams of Friends Provident Trophy glory as he smashed an astonishing 201 not out at Grace Road. The England youngster was in sensational form as he took apart the very disappointing Foxes attack with incredible ease to set a new record high score for Essex in one-day matches. His innings came from just 138 balls including 18 fours and 10 massive sixes as Essex made a mammoth 350-5 from their 50 overs thanks to Bopara. At one stage, Leicestershire were on top, as ten Doeschate fell with the score 104-4 until Bopara and James Foster shared 190 for the fifth wicket as all of the Foxes bowlers came in for some punishment. Dillon du Preez and Garnett Kruger did manage to take two wickets each as Jeremy Snape struggled on his seasonal debut, getting knocked for 23 from his two overs.

Replying to such a mammoth total was always going to be a near impossible task for the County as, despite smashing the opening ball of the innings for four, HD Ackerman edged the second ball to Foster off Tudor and Leicestershire's main threat was gone and effectively their chances of winning were now nil. Boeta Dippenaar and Jimmy Allenby then fell cheaply but Matt Boyce held firm and with some great help from skipper Paul Nixon, the youngster managed to score his maiden one day half century. Having shared 104 for the 4th wicket with Nixon, Boyce was caught by Foster off David Masters for 57 and then five runs later his senoir, Nixon was bowled by James Middlesbrook for a near run a ball 62. By this stage, the run rate required was not much shy of 10 as Jacques du Toit set about matching it and the South African looked in good nick, smashing 35 from 26 balls before being caught be Pettini off ten Doeschate. Then the wickets crumbled as Snape (21), Henderson (2), Malik (00 and Kruger (2) all fell as Bopara capped a sensational all round game by claiming the wickets of Henderson in successive balls as the County finished on 232 all out, a massive 118 runs runs behind the Essex total.

After such an impressive performance in the group stages of the FPT the County put in a poor bowling and fielding performance and will need to improve both of these disciplines if they are to make progress in the forthcoming Twenty20. The plus points were the batting performances of Boyce, Nixon and du Toit but it is hard to take any more positives from a truely memorable game that the County will want to forget in a a hurry.

Player Ratings:

Ackerman 4, Boyce 8, Dippenaar 5, Allenby 5, Nixon 8*, du Toit 8, Snape 6, du Preez 6, Henderson 5, Malik 4, Kruger 6.

Scorecard

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 390 all out (Ackerman 164, du Toit 63)

Glamorgan - 1st Innings - 189 all out (Allenby 3-18, du Preez 3-32, Henderson 3-44)

Glamorgan - 2nd Innings - 185 all out (du Preez 5-48, Malik 3-35, Allenby 2-25, Harrison 64)

Leicestershire won by an innings and 16 runs.

Points: Leicestershire 21, Glamorgan 3.

Player Ratings:

New 7, Boyce 5, Ackerman 10*, Dippenaar 6, Malik 7, Allenby 8, Nixon 7, du Toit 8, Henderson 7, du Preez 9, Rowe 5.

Scorecard

Leicestershire - 147-7 from 35 overs (Ackerman 37, Dippenaar, Swann 3-23)

Nottinghamshire - 47-3 from 12 overs (Kruger 1-9)

Leicestershire won by 12 runs (Duckworth Lewis Method) and qualify for the Quarter Finals after winning the group.

Player Ratings:

Ackerman 7, Boyce 6, Dippenaar 7, Nixon 7, Allenby 7, Du Toit 6, Du Preez 6, Henderson 7, Rowe 6, Malik 6, Kruger 7.

Scorecard

Warwickshire - 187-8 from 49 overs (Cummins 3-50, Allenby 2-40, Frost 55*)

Leicestershire - 53-2 from 19.3 overs (New 29*)

Warwickshire won by 8 runs (Duckworth/Lewis Method)

Points: Warwickshire 2, Leicestershire 0.

Player Ratings:

New 7, Ackerman 6, Allenby 7, Dippenaar 6, Nixon 7, du Toit 6, Boyce 6, Henderson 7, Malik 6, Cummins 7, Kruger 7.

Scorecard

Day 1

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 159 all out (Nixon 57, du Toit 43, Masters 6-24)

Essex - 1st Innings - 134-8 (Malik 5-34)

An incredible 18 wickets fell on the first day at Chelmsford as Leicestershire recovered from an appalling start. After winning the toss and electing to bat, some awful batting reduced the County to 4-4 then 24-5 until a middle order rescue mission from Paul Nixon and Jacques du Toit restored some respectability to the innings. The pair shared 86 until Nixon was bowled by Pallidino for a classy 57 which included nine fours a one six and du Toit followed shortly after for a dogged 43, falling leg before to former County man David Masters. Brief cameo's of 13 a piece from Claude Henderson and Dillon du Preez took the County to a more 'respectable' 159 all out as Masters claimed career best figures of 6-24.

Leicestershire's poor total was put into perspective though as Essex similarly struggled as wickets tumbled regularly with Nadeem Malik being the main thorn in Essex's side by claiming his second five wicket haul of the season. Du Preez also chipped in with three wickets as Essex closed this remarkable days play at 134-8 and 25 runs behind the Foxes total.

Day 2

Essex - 1st Innings - 164 all out (Malik 6-46, du Preez 3-61)

Leicestershire - 2nd Innings - 233-3 (Ackerman 90*)

Leicestershire took control of the match at the end of the day thanks to a career best 6-46 from Nadeem Malik and an excellent unbeaten 90 from HD Ackerman.

The County quickly polished off the rest of the Essex innings, who ended with a 5 run first innings advantage and then Tom New and Matt Boyce set about building a lead for the Foxes. The young pair shared 63 for the opening wicket until new was caught by Jason Gallian off Ryan ten Doeschate for 28 and then Boyce followed shortly after having looked in good nick for 41 to become another victim for ten Doeschate. Then Ackerman and Boeta Dippenaar shared in a third wicket stand of 145 to put the County firmly in the driving seat until the latter was caught behind by Foster off Bopara for a typically patient 64. Malik was then sent in as nightwatchman to help Ackerman to an unbeaten 90 and fast approaching his fifth century this season in all competitions.

Day 3

Leicestershire - 2nd Innings - 449 all out (Ackerman 112, Nixon 92*, Henderson 66, Dippenaar 64)

Essex - 2nd Innings - 69-1

Leicestershire continued to dominate and amassed 449 all out thanks to HD Ackerman, Paul Nixon and Claude Henderson. Ackerman completed his third championship century of 2008 as Nadeem Malik was the first wicket of the day to fall having scored a gritty 19 from 77 balls. Ackerman then followed Malik to the pavilion having scored 112 being trapped lbw by ten Doeschate and Jimmy Allenby fell shortly afterwards, disappointing with a 15 ball duck. Skipper Paul Nixon then came the decrease and despite losing an ally in Jacques du Toit for 4 found a perfect partner in Henderson at the other end as the pair shared 136 for the 8th wicket. The two vastly experienced campaigners did a brilliant job in taking the score above 400 as Henderson finally fell for 66 to Bopara. Unfortunately for Nico, he ran out of partners as du Preez and Kruger could only managed one run each, leaving the former England wicketkeeper stranded on 92 not out.

Being put into bat for the a tricky last hour, Essex emerged with credit as they finished at 69-1 at close with du Preez claiming the wicket of Westley for 12, caught behind by Nixon. The County now need 9 wickets during the final day to secure victory with Essex facing the daunting task of trying to achieve a record second innings run chase.

Day 4

Essex - 2nd Innings - 320-9 (Henderson 4-68, Foster 88, Bopara 87)

Match Drawn

Points: Essex 7, Leicestershire 7.

Leicestershire were left kicking themselves, after once again failing to finish off the opposition. With 50 overs remaining, the County had done a great job in knocking over seven Essex wickets but thanks to gritty knocks from Bopara (87), Foster (88 not out) and lower order blocking from Tudor, Masters and Pallidino, the Foxes could not apply themselves properly as the match scraped to a draw. Henderson, who sent down 40 overs, emerged with great credit by taking 4-68, as did Allenby (2-23) but the pace bowling attack of Malik, du Preez and Kruger, could only manage 3 wickets in the whole innings despite bowling 70 overs between them.

This has to go down as a moral defeat for the County, despite the fact after the first innings debacle they would probably have settled for the draw. The batsmen clawed their way to a commanding position but the pace bowlers poor attempts could not finish off the Essex rearguard. Playing an extra spinner would probably have seen County win the match but the fact that Allenby only bowled 11 overs in the second innings is completely baffling. Having drawn so many matches this season due to the weather, this was the perfect chance for the Foxes to get back to winning ways, but quite simply the County well and truely blew it.

Player Ratings:

New 6, Boyce 7, Ackerman 8, Dippenaar 8, Allenby 6, Nixon 9*, Du Toit 7, Henderson 9, Du Preez 7, Malik 9, Kruger 5.

Scorecard

 

Garnett Kruger returns to the Leicestershire side for today's Championship versus Essex at Chelmsford. The South African, who has been rested for the last two matches, replaces Jermaine Lawson who endured a torrid time with the ball in last weeks draw against Northants.

Kruger's inclusion is likely to be the only change in the side as the County will look to continue their unbeaten run in the Championship. After a good batting performance against Northants in which HD Ackerman, Jimmy Allenby, Boeta Dippenaar and in particular Jacques du Toit all scored runs, the bowlers will now be looking to get themselves back amongst the wickets.

Squad

Tom New, Matt Boyce, HD Ackerman, Boeta Dippenaar, Jimmy Allenby, Paul Nixon (wkt/capt), Jacques du Toit, Claude Henderson, Dillon du Preez, Nadeem Malik, Garnett Kruger, Ryan Cummins, Jermaine Lawson.

Leicestershire - 245-5 (Dippenaar 69, Ackerman 54, Nixon 48)

Ireland - 164 all out from 42.5 overs (Henderson 4-30, Porterfield 65)

Leicestershire won by 81 runs

Points: Ireland 0, Leicestershire 2.

Leicestershire went back to the top of the table after a convincing win over Ireland at Stormont in Belfast.

The County rattled up 245-5 from their 15 overs despite losing Tom New to the first ball of the match as Boeta Dippenaar top scored with a cautious and patient 69. HD Ackerman continued his great season by scoring 54 and Paul Nixon hit a typically fluent 48 from 45 balls. Jacques du Toit (26 not out) and Matt Boyce (18 not out) rounded off the innings with an impressive flurry as the South African hit two sixes.

Despite a stand out innings of 65 from the impressive Will Porterfield, Ireland never looked like reaching the target as they lost wickets regularly. Claude Henderson was the pick of the bowlers, taking a superb 4-30 as Nadeem Malik, Dillon du Preez and Jimmy Allenby shared four wickets. The homes side were all out for 164 with little over 7 overs to spare as Leicestershire looked in good nick as they bid to qualify for the quarter final stage.

Player Ratings:

New 4, Ackerman 8, Allenby 7, Dippenaar 8, Nixon 8, du Toit 8, Boyce 7, du Preez 7, Henderson 9*, Malik 7, Cummins 6.

Scorecard

Leicestershire: New, Boyce, Ackerman, Dippenaar, Allenby, du Toit, Nixon (capt/wkt), Henderson, Du Preez, Malik, Lawson.

Northants: Peters, White, Wessels, Sales, Boje (capt), O'Brien (wkt), Klusener, Hall, Van der Wath, Lucas, Brown.

Day 1

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 288-4 (Dippenaar 80, Ackerman 62, Allenby 63 not out)

Leicestershire enjoyed a fine day at the crease as they won the toss and elected to bat. Despite losing Tom New early on for 11, Matt Boyce and HD Ackerman made swift progress before the former fell to Andrew Hall for 37. Ackerman and Boeat Dippenaar then shared in a stand of 109 until HD fell for not so fluent as usual 62. Dippenaar kept up the good work with his new partner Jimmy Allenby as the South African reached his first Championship half century, going on to make 80 before being bowled by Lance Klusener. Allenby was joined by Jacques du Toit and the pair made slow but steady progress together as Allenby continued his fine all round season by reaching his second Championship half ton of the campaign and remained unbeaten at close on 63. Du Toit was the slower of the pair, but his unbeaten 73 ball 20 could prove crucial in the innings. At close, the County finoshed on 288-4 and will hoping to go on to make a 400+ score on day two.

Day 2

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 527 all out (du Toit 103, Nixon 79)

Northants - 1st Innings - 144-1 (O'Brien 76*)

Jacques du Toit hit his first ever first class century as Leicestershire reached a massive 527 all out. The South African scored an excellent 103, which he compiled with a great deal of patience with some classy shots thrown into the bargain as he shared in an seventh wicket stand of 129 with Paul Nixon who made a swift 79. Jermaine Lawson, restored to the starting line up, provided a great cameo role batting at number eleven, smashing a career best 35 from just 29 balls.

Northants replied in a confident manner despite losing Steven Peters to a Lawson yorker with the score at 49, as Niall O'Brien's quickfire 76 not out took the visitors to 144-1 at the close of play. Lawson, despite claiming the only wicket, struggled with his rhythm, sending down five no balls and with an economy rate of nearly ten runs per over.

Day 3

Northants - 1st Innings - 276-3 (White 56 not out)

Dillon du Preez and Nadeem Malik struck early to remove O'Brien and Rikki Wessels but Northants recovered to dominate. David Sales and Robert White both hit unbeaten half centuries, as once again Jermaine Lawson struggled with his rhythm. The West Indian conceded 96 runs from his 13 overs and will need to improve if he is to keep his place in the side. Claude Henderson and du Preez both bowled tightly, but after the early wickets, the bowlers did not have any joy as the rain brought an early end to the third day.

Day 4

Northants - 1st Innings - 302-3

Only 14.2 overs were possible during the final day due to rain as the match predictably ended as a draw with Northamptonshire finishing on 302-3. The result means that the County are still unbeaten in the County Championship so far this season but the Foxes will be hoping that the weather improves so that they can add to their single win in this competition so far.

Jacques du Toit takes the plaudits for his maiden first class century but Boeta Dippenaar, Jimmy Allenby, HD Ackerman and Paul Nixon all played big parts in compiling a huge score.

Player Ratings:

New 6, Boyce 7, Ackerman 8, Dippenaar 8, Allenby 8, du Toit 9*, Henderson 7, Nixon 8, du Preez 7, Malik 6, Lawson 5.

 

Scorecard

West Indian fast bowler Jermaine Lawson returns to the Leicestershire squad as they entertain Northamptonshire in the Championship starting tomorrow (Tuesday).

The 26 year old comes back into the squad after losing his place in the side following the win against Middlesex in the first match of the season. After a spell in the seconds and then suffering a bout of sinusitis, Lawson will be hoping to get his Leicestershire career on track and is might replace the rested Dillon du Preez. The South African seems to have suffered from the strain of back to back South African and English domestic seasons in the last couple of one day matches and might benefit from a break. The County will be hoping to have a rain free match for once as they bid to continue their unbeaten Championship and also get back to winning ways.

Matt Boyce and HD Ackerman will be hoping to build on their excellent form and Boeta Dippenaar will look to improve after a slow start to his Leicestershire career. Northants boast boast a very impressive squad and like Leicestershire, field many South Africans in their line up. New skipper and all rounder Nicky Boje has started off the season in brilliant form with the bat and fellow 'Saffers' Andrew Hall, Johann Van der Wath and the world class all rounder Lance Klusener make them on paper, a force to be reckoned with.

Leicestershire Squad:

Tom New, Matt Boyce, HD Ackerman, Jimmy Allenby, Boeta Dippenaar, Paul Nixon (wkt/capt), Jacques du Toit, Claude Henderson, Dillon du Preez, Ryan Cummins, Nadeem Malik, Garnett Kruger, Jermaine Lawson.

Northants Squad:

Steven Peters, Robert White, Rikki Wessels, David Sales, Niall O'Brien (wkt), Nicky Boje (capt), Lance Klusener, Andrew Hall, Johan Van der Wath, David Lucas, Jason Brown, Johann Louw.

Leicestershire - 197 all out from 48 overs (Nixon 75, Dippenaar 51, Pattinson 4-35)

Nottinghamshire - 198-8 from 50 overs (Allenby 4-27, Malik 3-21, Wood 50)

Nottinghamshire won by 2 wickets

Points: Notts 2, Leicestershire 0.

Match report to follow.

Player Ratings:

New 6, Ackerman 5, Allenby 9*, Dippenaar 8, Nixon 9, du Toit 6, Henderson 6, du Preez 5, Cummins 6, Malik 8, Kruger 6.

Scorecard

Leicestershire - 268-6 (Ackerman 139)

Northants - 261-8 (Cummins 2-35, Henderson 2-38, O'Brien 95)

Leicestershire won by 7 runs

Points: Leicestershire 2, Northants 0.

Match report to follow.

Player Ratings:

New 6, Ackerman 10*, Allenby 6, Dippenaar 6, Nixon 7, Du Toit 6, Henderson 8, Du Preez 6, Cummins 8, Kruger 7, Malik 7.

Scorecard

Tim Boon has named an unchanged Leicestershire squad for their two Friends Provident Trophy matches this weekend. The County travel to Northamptonshire today (Saturday) and play Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on Sunday as they hope to extend their lead at the top of the table.

Boon has a tough selection headache as has to pick eleven inform players from a squad of twelve and his decision will come down to the choice of either the extra batsman or the extra bowler. Tom New, who lost his place at Edgbaston to Nadeem Malik despite performing well against Ireland, will come back into the equation and it might be the case that Matt Boyce misses out. Boyce, although in top Championship form, has come in at 8 and 9 in the batting order in the last two one-day matches behind Dillon du Preez and Claude Henderson, which suggests New might get the nod ahead of him.

Squad:

Tom New, HD Ackerman, Jacques du Toit, Jimmy Allenby, Boeta Dippenaar, Paul Nixon (wkt/capt), Matt Boyce, Dillon du Preez, Claude Henderson, Ryan Cummins, Nadeem Malik, Garnett Kruger.

Meanwhile, County star HD Ackerman has strongly hinted that he wants to extend his stay at Grace Road beyond this season, when his contract expires. The 35 year old, who has been a revelation at County told the Leicester Mercury. "I'm ready to sign for longer. If the club want me I am here. I want to continue playing for Leicestershire. I just hope that something is offered to me sooner rather than later."

I think it's time to start negotiations and very soon as there are bound to be vultures lurking. Hopefully his future can be sorted out within the next month, as the longer it drags on, the more uncertainty of whether HD is staying will set in.

Leicestershire - 148-6 from 23 overs (Du Toit 34, Allenby 32, Dippenaar 32)

Warwickshire - 103 all out from 21.5 overs (Cummins 3-21, Malik 2-20, Henderson 2-23, Kruger 2-23)

Leicestershire won by 45 runs

Leicestershire completed a double over the Bank Holiday period by hammering Warwickshire by 46 runs in reduced over match.

Play did not get underway at Edgbaston until mid afternoon due to rain and when things did get underway the match was reduced to 23 overs per side with the Bears winning the toss and sending the Foxes into bat. The County did not find it easy at the crease as boundaries were hard to come by and HD Ackerman was the first to fall for 12, stumped by Ambrose off Botha. Jacques du Toit, opening for the first time for Leicestershire, finally get himself in on some runs as he top scored with 34, hitting three fours and a six as Jimmy Allenby and Boeta Dippenaar added impressive innings, both scoring 32 at around a run a ball. After the 23 overs were up, the County had managed a modest total of 148-6, probably around 20 or 30 short of what they should have scored.

As it turned out though, 148 was more than enough as Warwickshire endured a torrid time at the crease thanks to some excellent bowling from the Leicestershire bowlers. The Bears were never close to reaching their target and were bowled out for a paltry 103 and only Darren Maddy and Tim Ambrose could offer any kind of resistance by both scoring 28. Ryan Cummins was the pick out of the impressive Foxes attack as he claimed figures of 3-21. Garnett Kruger, Nadeem Malik and Claude Henderson all chipped in with 2 wickets a piece and Dillon du Preez bowled a beautiful spell, taking 1-8 in three overs.

An excellent two wins in two days for the County now means that they top the table in both the Championship and the FP Trophy! Jacques du Toit will have been happy to contribute the top score of the day as Jimmy Allenby and Boeta Dippenaar earnt their corn with the bat. The bowling attack were superb and it is good to see Ryan Cummins, after being left out of the side recently, returning with good effect.

Player Ratings:

Ackerman 6, Du Toit 8, Nixon 7, Allenby 8, Dippenaar 8, Du Preez 8, Henderson 8, Boyce 6, Cummins 8*, Malik 8, Kruger 8.

Scorecard

Leicestershire - 251-6 from 50 overs (Ackerman 103, Allenby 62)

Ireland - 212 all out from 47.4 overs (Allenby 4-44, Kruger 3-25, Wilson 58)

Jimmy Allenby produced a fantastic all round performance as Leicestershire gained their first win of the season in the Friends Provident Trophy. The all rounder hit 62 and took 4-44 in a match winning show at Grace Road.

Batting first, the County started superbly with HD Ackerman dominating an opening stand of 103 before Tom New was bowled by McCallan for 31. Another big partnership between HD and Allenby of 87 looked set to give the County a big score as Ackerman raced to his second one day century, continuing his sensational early season form, hitting 103 from 129 balls before being bowled by O'Brien. Boeta Dippenaar, making his debut made a swift 20 before being run out, as at the other end Allenby hit two fours and two sixes until being caught by Fourie off O'Brien for his 62. By this time the County's progressed had been slowed down by some economical bowling by the Irish as only 23 runs were scored from the last five overs, with the Foxes scoring 251-6 from their 50 overs when the total really should have been closer to 280.

The Foxes quickly made progress down the Ireland batting line up as the visitors were reduced to 68-5 thansk to some smart bowling. But, in true Leicestershire fashion, Ireland were let off the hook as White and Wilson added 109 for the sixth wicket and the County's problem of not being able to finish teams off surfaced once again. It was upto to Jimmy Allenby to remove both men in quick succession as the tail crumbled and despite Irelands middle order revival, the Foxes were never in any danger of losing the match as the visitors were bowled out for 212 with a little over two overs remaining.

Allenby was most definitely the star of the show with a fine all round performance and HD Ackerman was in sensational form and looks like being back to his brilliant best. Garnett Kruger claimed 3-25 in a very economical spell, as he and Allenby thwarted Irelands hopes.

Player Ratings:

New 7, Ackerman 10, Allenby 10*, Dippenaar 6, Nixon 6, Du Preez 6, Du Toit 6, Henderson 6, Boyce 5, Cummins 6, Kruger 9.

Scorecard

Fourteen years ago, in one of his first matches for Leicestershire, Phil Simmons hit 64 and picked up the man of the match award as Leicestershire thrashed Ireland by nine wickets in a Benson and Hedges Cup tie at Grace Road. This will be the first time that Ireland have faced the Foxes at Grace Road since that match back in 1994 and ironically their coach just happen to be a certain Mr Philip V. Simmons!

The Leicestershire legend is sure to receive a fantastic reception from the crowd and his performances, that won the Foxes two County Championship titles back in 1996 and 1998, are always taked about and will always be remembered. Phil was genuine all rounder - a fantastic batsman with a ruthless aggressive streak, a deceptively fast bowler who took loads of wickets and a world class slip fielder with hands twice the size of Monty Panesars!

Leicestershire name an unchanged squad for the Friends Provident clash between the two sides which starts today (12pm) at Grace Road. Ryan Cummins might be given the nod after being harshly dropped from the team for the Championship match at Edgbaston. It remains to be seen who opens the innings for the County as Boeta Dippenaar opened regularly for South Africa in one-day internationals.

Ireland while give a debut to West Indies and Trinidad fast bowler Ravi Rampaul and will be skippered by highly rated batsman William Porterfield.

Meanwhile, Jeremy Snape continues his absence from the Foxes one-day side after agreeing to stay on as performance coach for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL until the end of May.

Squad:

Tom New, Matt Boyce, HD Ackerman, Boeta Dippenaar, Jimmy Allenby, Jacques du Toit, Paul Nixon (wkt/capt), Dillon du Preez, Claude Henderson, Nadeem Malik, Ryan Cummins, Garnett Kruger.

Leicestershire: New, Boyce, Ackerman, Dippenaar, Allenby, Du Toit, Nixon, Du Preez, Henderson, Malik, Kruger.

Warwickshire: Westwood, Maddy, Bell, Trott, Powell, Ambrose, Botha, Salisbury, Carter, Zondeki, Anyon.

Day 1

Warwickshire - 1st Innings - 128-4 (Du Preez 2-21)

Debutant Dillon du Preez got off to a flying start to his Leicestershire career in a rain effected day at Edgbaston. The South African grabbed a wicket with only only his second ball by clean bowling former Fox Darren Maddy for a duck. Ian Bell then entered the fray to add 70, amongst breaks for rain, for the second wicket with Ian Westwood before the England man was trapped leg before by Garnett Kruger for 42. More rain followed, and amongst the further breaks, du Preez picked up his second wicket, having Westwood caught at htird slip by Tom New for 39. Jimmy Allenby, who has been in superb form with the ball, then struck in his first over by removing Michael Powell, caught behind by Nixon for 5.

The weather made it difficult for Warwickshire with much stopping and starting in play due to the rain, much the same conditions as Leicestershire experienced last week at New Road. Take nothing away from new boy du Preez though, who sent down 13 overs, picking up a superb 2-21.

Day 2

Warwickshire - 1st Innings - 197-4

Only 19.4 overs were possible to the rain, as Warwickshire added 69 to their score without the loss of further wickets.

Day 3

Warwickshire - 1st Innings - 433-8 declared (Ambrose 156 not out, Carter 84, Du Preez 3-72, Kruger, 3-117)

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 125-1 (Ackerman 82 not out, Boyce 32 not out)

Leicestershire endured a tough day in the field as Warwickshire piled on the runs thnaks to a record partnership from Tim Ambrose and Neil Carter. The pair added 157 for the 8th wicket to leave the Foxes frustrated, as Carter smashed 4 sixes and 7 fours in his typical powerful style and England man Ambrose made an unbeaten 156. Garnett Kruger picked up tow more wickets and Dillon du Preez added a further scalp but all bowlers found it a struggle and as the Bears moved up a gear in mid afternoon, Kruger and Jimmy Allenby took some punishment at the hands of Carter. Jacques du Toit then picked up his first wicket for the County as Carter skied one to Kruger to give the South African medium pacer his first wicket for the club. This signalled the declaration at 433-8 and Leicestershire's reply could not have got off to a worse start. Tom New lasted just seven balls before misjudging a scare cut, bowled by Zondeki caught by Botha but thanks to some luck and some excellent batting, the County got themselves back on track. HD Ackerman, in typically fluent and eye catching fashion made an unbeaten 82 from 98 balls, hitting 14 boundaries and it was Matt Boyce once again who played the anchor role, remaining unbeaten at close on 32.

At 125-1 at close and 308 runs behind Warwickshire's total, the County will be happy to get some batting practice and play out the day for a draw tomorrow. Boeta Dippenaar needs an innings to find his feet in English conditions and it would be good to see Allenby and du Toit in the runs.

Day 4

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 357 all out (Boyce 106, Ackerman 104, Nixon 63 not out, Salisbury 5-67)

Match Drawn

Points: Warwickshire 12, Leicestershire 10

Matt Boyce lit up a tame draw by scoring his maiden first class century in the the final day of play at Edgbaston. The 22 year old showed his concentration and determination for over five hours to compile his 106, which included 12 fours and 2 sixes. Boyce, who was finally bowled by James Anyon, has made a superb start to the season and his big a real surprise story this season after launguishing in the second team for the last couple of years. HD Ackerman was not to be outdone though as he raced to his second century of the season and his the eleventh championship ton of his Leicestershire career. The South Africans 104 came from 137 balls and included 17 fours before he became one of veteran leg spinner, Ian Salisbury's five wickets. Salisbury removed debutant Boeta Dippenaar for just 14 and Jimmy Allenby for 6 before Boyce departed and then further wickets started to crumble as Jacques du Toit made only 6 and Claude Henderson, just the one. Luckily for Leicestershire, the old stager and skipper, Paul Nixon was at hand to push the runs up and to record his first half century of the season, making an unbeaten 63, scoring 10 fours. Dillon du Preez added 15 quick runs to the score until he became another scalp for Salisbury and when the Foxes were all out for 357, the two skippers and good friends, Nixon and Maddy, shook hands on the draw an hour or so early.

Despite remaining unbeaten and sitting proudly at the top of the table, the County will need to improve on this performance if they are to add to their one win so far. It has been a long standing problem, that clearly needs some thought and work, that they are unable to finish off teams and seem to let the opposition off the hook. The record stand from Ambrose and Carter should have been broken sooner and some of the bowling was disappointing. Batting wise, great tons from Boyce and Ackerman and an unbeaten 63 from skipper Nixon were the only contributions as more batsmen failed than thrived in particularly batter friendly conditions.

Player Ratings:

New 4, Boyce 10*, Ackerman 9, Dippenaar 5, Allenby 5, Du Toit 5, Nixon 8, Henderson 5, Du Preez 8, Malik 5, Kruger 7.

Scorecard

Boeta Dippenaar and Dillon du Preez are both set to make their Leicestershire debuts at Edgbaston versus Warwickshire in the County Championship today. The South Africans, who on friday, flew into the UK after reaching the Pro20 semi finals back in their homeland with the Eagles.

Dippenaar, who skippers the Eagles, will come into the side for young James Taylor, who returns to to school to start his A-Levels and the Springbok is set to bat at number four. All rounder Du Preez, who smashed 40 from just 16 balls in a Pro20 match two weeks ago, should come into the side to bat at number eight and it will be a tough decision for Tim Boon on who to leave out. The most likely man to miss out would be Ryan Cummins, although it would be harsh as he has had a fine start to the season.

After an unbeaten start to the season, the two new players will further strengthen an in form Foxes side and with both of the South Africans having fine seasons in their homeland, their arrivals are a major bonus.

Warwickshire are now skippered by former County favourite Darren Maddy who is in good shape after smashing 130 against Northants at the weekend and Englands Ian Bell is set to be named in the side and will be a major threat.

Leicestershire Squad:

Tom New, Matt Boyce, HD Ackerman, Boeta Dippenaar, Jacques du Toit, Jimmy Allenby, Paul Nixon (capt/wkt), Dillon du Preez, Claude Henderson, Ryan Cummins, Nadeem Malik, Garnett Kruger.

 

 

Day 1

Worcestershire - 1st Innings - 258-7 (Allenby 3-37, Henderson 2-36, Kruger 2-77)

Leicestershire gained the upper hand at the end of encouraging opening day at New Road.

After winning the toss and electing to field first, Garnett Kruger, making his seasonal debut, grabbed the two early wickets of Daryl Mitchell and Stephen Moore. Then former Fox Ben Smith and Vikram Solanki stabilised to add 96 before Claude Henderson picked up both of their wickets in quick succession. Jimmy Allenby, who won the match for the County with the bat last week, then showed his all round talents by bagging a trio of quick wickets to dismiss Moeen Ali, Gareth Batty and Kabir Ali. At the end of the day, Worcestershire had made 258-7 and Leicestershire will be hoping to wrap up the rest of the innings early in the morning.

Day 2

Worcestershire - 1st Innings - 275-7

Only 8.1 overs were possible due the rain on day two as Worcestershire added 17 without further loss.

Day 3

Worcestershire - 1st Innings - 300-8 dec (Davies 78 not out)

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 170-7 (Ackerman 46)

Worcestershire added a further 25 and then declared at 300-8 with Stephen Davies frustrating the Foxes attack with 78 not out.

County's response was not impressive, although the conditions were hardly ideal. Due to the rain, the County were forced on and off the pitch at regular intervals and it was impossible for the Foxes to maintain any kind of momentum. HD Ackerman was the only batsman who made a significant score, falling just short of his half century on 46, trapped leg before by Steve Magoffin. Jacques du Toit played patiently for his 20 until he was caught behind off Whelan by Davies and Jim Allenby made 18 before being bowled by Kabir Ali. Tom New, Matt Boyce, Paul Nixon and James Taylor all fell in single figures as the County finished the day on 170-7, still 130 runs behind.

Day 4

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 193 all out

Worcestershire - 2nd Innings - 174-4 dec (Henderson 2-52)

Leicestershire - 2nd Innings - 62-1 (Boyce 35 not out)

Match Drawn

Points: Worcestershire 10, Leicestershire 6.

Without any interruptions on the final day, Leicestershire crumbled to 193 all out in their first innings and Worcestershire set about giving the Foxes a target to chase. Ryan Cummins and Jimmy Allenby grabbed the early wickets of Stephen Moore and Vikram Solanki and then Claude Henderson grabbed the two wickets of Daryl Mutchell and Ben Smith before Moeen Ali (42 not out) and Stephen Davies stabilised the innings before declaring at 174-4 and setting Leicestershire an improbable target of 282 in a little over two hours.

As seemed likely, the County were happy to bat out for the draw, and despite losing Tom New for 16, Matt Boyce showed maturity by scoring an unbeaten 35 as the two captains shook hands on the draw an hour or so early with the Foxes on 62-1.

This match wasn't played in the easiest of conditions as New Road hosted it's first match since the devastating flooding of the ground last year. Leicestershire will be very happy in the sense that they gained a draw as Worcestershire had the upper hand for the majority of the match and a share of the spoils means that the County now top division two of the Championship - long may it continue!

Player Ratings:

New 6, Boyce 7, Ackerman 7, Du Toit 6, Allenby 8*, Nixon 5, Taylor 5, Henderson 8, Cummins 6, Malik 5, Kruger 6.

Scorecard

James Taylor is set make his Leicestershire debut in today's Championship match at New Road versus Worcestershire starting today (Weds). The 18 year old has been drafted into the squad despite currently sitting his A-Levels and could replace Dan Rowe in the side to bat at number seven.

The Melton lad recently starred for England U-19's at the World Cup in Malaysia and comes into the squad along with key paceman Garnett Kruger who replaces Jermaine Lawson who will play for the second team this week.

Worcestershire's Graeme Hick misses the match due to an elbow problem as former Foxes Ben Smith and former County trialist Steve Magoffin line up for the home side. Ex England batsman Vikram Solanki is skipper and Worcestershire boast an impressive opening bowling pair of Kabir Ali and Simon Jones.

Meanwhile, South African stars Boeta Dippenaar and Dillon du Preez are expected to arrive in the UK on Friday and should make their debuts on Sunday as the County entertain Ireland in the Friends Provident Trophy.

Leicestershire Squad:

Matt Boyce, Tom New, HD Ackerman, Jacques Du Toit, Jimmy Allenby, Paul Nixon (capt/wkt), James Taylor, Claude Henderson, Dan Rowe, Ryan Cummins, Nadeem Malik, Garnett Kruger.

Worcestershire Squad:

Daryl Mitchell, Stephen Moore,Vikram Solanki (capt), Ben Smith, Moeen Ali, Steve Davies (wkt), Gareth Batty, Gareth Andrew, Kabir Ali, Steve Magoffin, Simon Jones, Chris Whelan.

Sunday's Friends Provident Trophy opener at home to Northamptonshire was abandoned on Sunday without a ball being bowled due to the rain.

The match was to have seen the return of key paceman Garnett Kruger, who has just arrived in the country after playing in South Africa's domestic Twenty20 competition. He will have to wait for until Wednesday for his seasonal debut as the County travel to New Road for the Championship match versus Worcestershire. Leicestershire are still awaiting the arrivals of new signings Dillon du Preez and Boeta Dippenaar who are still involved in the South African domestic Twenty20 campaign.

This years Friends Provident Trophy takes on a different and better format after poorthe poor structuring of the competition last year. The Foxes will face Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Ireland and Northants on a home and away basis as they top two from each regional group will qualify for the quarter finals.

Day 1

Middlesex - 1st Innings - 257-5

Middlesex elected to bat after winning the toss and Leicestershire struck early to remove Billy Godleman and Andrew Strauss to leave the visitors at 95-2. Owais Shah led a recovery though and made 1116 before being dismissed by Jim Allenby with the score at 240-3. Ryan Cummins and Nadeem Malik then claimed the further wickets of Nick Compton and Ed Smith to finish the day off with Middlesex on 257-5. Claude Henderson shined as he sent down 27 overs for just 41 runs and picked up the wicket of Godleman.

Day 2

Middlesex - 1st Innings- 312 all out (Malik 3-68, Cummins 3-73, Henderson 2-41, Shah 116)

Leicestershire - 1st Innings - 246-1 (New 104*, Boyce 69, Ackerman 63*)

The County quickly mopped up the rest of the Middlesex batting line up as they were bowled out for 312. Ryan Cummins (3-73) and Nadeem Malik (3-68) were the pick of the bowlers in an encouraging bowling performance.

Leicestershire's reply could have not started better as Tom New and Matt Boyce shared an opening stand of 143 before the latter fell young Steve Finn for an impressive 69. Hd Ackerman then came to the crease and helped Tom New upto his century - his first ever in the the Championship. New had previously scored 125 against Oxford UCCE last season but this was his first in this form of cricket and it was thoroughly deserved. At the end of play, the Foxes were in a very strong position at 246-1, with New (104) and Ackerman (63) both unbeaten.

Day 3

Leicestershire 1st Innings - 405 all out (Ackerman 140, New 109)

Middlesex - 2nd Innings - 112-5

After a splendid century the day previously, Tom New added just 5 more runs to his overnight score, being caught behind by Nash off Silverwood for 109. HD Ackerman held firm despite du Toit, Allenby and Nixon falling around him cheaply and the South African went on to make a superb 140 and was backed up well by Henderson (26) and Cummins (22). The County were finally all out for an impressive 405 giving them a lead of 93.

By the end of the days play the Foxes had reduced Middlesex to a paltry 112-5 as Henderson ripped through the top order and left the County very much smelling the scent of victory as they approached the final day.

Day 4

Middlesex - 2nd Innings - 258 all out (Malik 5-51)

Leicestershire - 2nd Innings - 168-4 (Allenby 69*, Boyce 66)

Leicestershire won by 6 wickets

Points: Leicestershire 22, Middlesex 6

Despite an infuriating late rally by the Middlesex lower order, Leicestershire recorded their first win of the season thanks to some patient batting by Matt Boyce and some hard hitting by Jimmy Allenby.

Shaun Udal was the main thorn in the Foxes side as he made 55 batting at 9 as Middlesex progressed to an unlikely 258 all out having been 112-5 overnight. Nadeem Malik though, on his debut, finally wrapped up the innings with a five wicket haul to cap a very encouraging debut.

Set 166 to win and with dark clouds looming, the County stuttered to a dreadful start as New, Ackerman and du Toit fell cheaply to leave the Foxes at a worrying 36-3. Boyce, though with some incredibly patient batting, scored his second half century of the match as Allenby, at the other end, offered more frequent runs as the pair took the County to the verge of victory. It was unfortunate that Boyce was not there to see the match through to the end as he fell to Udal for 66 but Allenby's unbeaten 69, a real confidence booster for him after failing to score in the first innings, which included two big sixes, won the game for Leicestershire. In reality, the match should have been over a lot earlier but that shouldn't take away the fact that this was a an excellent team performance in the majority of the side contributed greatly.

The two young openers, New and Boyce, look a great pair and both delivered the goods. HD seems to be back to his best, Jimmy Allenby showed his match winning qualities and Nadeem Malik bagged 8 wickets on his debut. These five were the outstanding contributers but the others played their part in a great start to the season.

Scorecard

Player Ratings:

New 9, Boyce 9, Ackerman 9, du Toit 5, Allenby 8, Nixon 6, Henderson 7, Rowe 5, Cummins 8, Malik 9*, Lawson 5.

Jacques du Toit once again staked his claim for a first team spot by hitting 64 against Nottinghamshire at Grace Road yesterday. The South African, followed up his century versus Worcestershire last week with a classy half century as Tom New made 50 and Paul Nixon 47 not out as the County made 184-4 from 60 overs.

Spinner Jigar Naik claimed two wickets as Nottinghamshire 153-5 from 30 overs during two days of quality practice for the two counties. Today (Friday) the two sides were due to meet for a 50 over a side match at Grace Road but due to rain, no play was possible in the morning and a pitch inspection at 2.30pm saw no change in the weather and the match was called off.

Leicestershire have snapped up 23 year old opener Ed Foster on a three month contract. The left hander, who can also keep wicket, made his debut for County in the current freindly with Nottinghamshire at Grace Road.

Foster was released by Worcestershire at the end of last season after struggling to make the first team, but has impressed for both Minor County Shropshire and Loughborough UCCE, with whom he scored a first class century.

The youngster has just spent the winter in Perth playing for Claremont Nedlands, scoring alot of runs, and will be hoping that he impresses enough in his three months to earn a longer contract at Grace Road.

 

Ryan Cummins claimed 4-41 as Leicestershire restricted Nottinghamshire to 254-7 on the first day of the two day friendly match at Grace Road.

The 23 year old seamer, who had limited chances last season, gave Tim Boon something to think about as he was the pick of the County attack as Nadeem Malik, Dan Rowe, Claude Henderson, Harry Gurney and Jigar Naik also got a run out.

The Foxes included 23 year old left handed opener Ed Foster in their line up and the new man made 10 before he became the first wicket to fall in the County's reply. Wicketkeeper Foster has had spells with Worcestershire and Shropshire and has scored a first class century for Loughborough UCCE. Tom New, opening with Foster, made 22 before HD Ackerman combined well until the South African fell for 58. Jimmy Allenby remained unbeaten at close on 35 with the County at 180-4.

Jacques du Toit and Matt Boyce impressed with the bat as Leicestershire scored 380-6 in a warm up innings versus Worcestershire at Grace Road last week.

South African du Toit, who has been awarded a first team contract for 2008, made an impressive century as Boyce weighed in with a patient 89. Paul Nixon made a half century and Tom New made 44 in a productive day for the County batsmen.

The day previously the Foxes travelled to New Road for a day of bowling which was originally due to be staged at Grace Road but was moved due to the poor weather. Nadeem Malik, Dan Rowe and Ryan Cummins had to spearhead the attack as the frontline of Garnett Kruger, Jermaine Lawson and Dillon du Preez are yet to arrive in the UK.

Meanwhile, HD Ackerman returns to the club in time to face Nottinghamshire at Grace Road, who the County face in a series of practice matches starting on Wednesday.

Leicestershire's pre-season preparations have been dealt a blow, with Wednesday's match versus the Second XI and Thursday's match against Worcestershire, both at Grace Road, having to be cancelled due to a wet outfield.

The County still hope to entertain Worcestershire on Friday though before entertaining Nottinghamshire over three days from next Wednesday 9th, in a series of one-day matches.

The majority of the Foxes squad, returned to pre-season training on March 19th, but their entire programme has been confined indoors due to the wet weather.