Leicestershire lose pre-season opener

Date: Friday 03 April 2009

Leicestershire lost their pre-season opener to a strong Warwickshire outfit by seven wickets at Grace Road.

Although the day ended in glorious sunshine, it was overcast and cool early on, hence Warwickshire's decision to invite County to bat.

It was an inspired decision as Leics were reduced to 35-6 early on. James Anyon (3-23) and the ever-impressive Chris Woakes (2-12) did the early damage, with another youngster, Andy Miller, also bowling well.

However, James Taylor anchored the innings impressively with a mature unbeaten 68. He was well-backed by triallist Wayne White, who chipped in with 38 batting at number eight to ensure County got a reasonable total of 169.

Sam Cliff made that score look better when he claimed an immediate breakthrough - having Jon Trott caught behind - but his opening partner Neil Carter smashed 45 with eight fours and two sixes in no time to take the game away from County.

When he was removed by Neil Saker, another triallist in the attack, he had paved the way for a comfortable chase. Former-Fox Darren Maddy carried on the good work with an unbeaten 72, and although White cliamed the scalp of Jim Troughton, the Bears eased to their target in 27.2 overs.

Warwickshire then carried on their innings as everyone had more useful match practice.

County: Boyce (c), Smith, Cobb, Allenby, J.Taylor, du Toit, New, White, Saker, Naik, Cliff.

Warks: Trott, Carter, Troughton, Maddy, Ambrose, Clarke, Piolet, Johnson, Woakes, Miller, Anyon.