Seconds sunk by brilliant Barker

Date: Sunday 01 May 2011

Matthew Boyce made a fine 99 and Josh Cobb and Paul Dixey also posted half-centuries but Leicestershire 2nd XI lost by 9 wickets against Warwickshire at Moseley CC.

Warwickshire Second XI made 452-6 declared on the first day with Laurie Evans (211*) and Keith Barker (143) sharing 246 for the third wicket. Sam Cliff and Alex Wyatt took two wickets apiece while Jamie Sykes also claimed one and a run out rounded off the wicket-taking.

Leicestershire were 20-2 overnight and susequently dismissed for 147 with Barker continuing his marvellous game in taking 6-37. That meant the team were following on and had five sessions to save the game.

Leicestershire made a much better fist of their second innings with Boyce leading the way. He and Cobb (56) shared a vibrant third-wicket partnership after opening batsmen Ned Eckersley (37) and Kadeer Ali (29) also batted well as the team moved to 242-3 by stumps on day two.

Boyce was 91 not out overnight but fell agonisingly short of his ton after being adjudged leg before. Warwickshire made steady progress throughout the day in taking Leicestershire wickets despite 'keeper Dixey's unbeaten 53.

Left arm seamer Barker was again in the wickets - his 4-50 ensured he had a ten-wicket game to go with his hundred - as Leicestershire were dismissed for 342.

That left Warwickshire needing 37 to win and although County struck early, former Leicestershire favourite Darren Maddy and Evans steered their side home during the final afternoon. Dixey then came to Grace Road to cover for the injured Tom New.