Nixon strikes but County lose at Bristol

Date: Thursday 13 May 2010

Leicestershire slipped to a nine-wicket defeat at Bristol as Gloucestershire registered their third LV=County Championship victory on the spin.

After seeing out 50 minutes last night, Matthew Hoggard was dismissed seven minutes into the morning session to leave Gloucestershire a target of 12.

There was a great moment as Paul Nixon claimed his maiden first-class wicket by trapping Will Porterfield leg-before but the home side went on to record their win.

In a career glittered with many triumphs, a first-class wicket was one thing that had escaped Nixon, largely due to the fact he has been a gloveman for most of his career. He can now tick it off the list!

Hoggard was caught by Jon Batty of the bowling of Anthony Ireland – who finished with 4-85 and took seven wickets overall – for six. du Toit was unbeaten on a patient, determined 33.

It was a good knock from the batsman. He faced 170 balls and batted for three hours. Curbing his natural attacking instincts, du Toit struck only two boundaries and it was a real gutsy effort.

Still, despite facing 127 overs in the second innings, it had been the first knock where the damage had been done.

The team lasted 34.3 overs as they went a third successive Championship game without a batting point. Each of the defeats against Sussex, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire can be largely attributed to that fact.

In the second innings of each game, the team have put up some great resistance. The challenge now is to convert second innings form into first innings totals and points.

That will be crucial with back-to-back Championship games coming up.

Before that, the team face Clydesdale Bank 40 games against Scotland at home on Sunday and Durham away on Sunday week.

Please get down on Sunday and support the lads if you can as they look to return to winning ways. The game starts at 1.45pm.