Seconds game fizzles out

Date: Friday 01 July 2011

Leicestershire Second XI shared a draw with Northamptonshire in their latest Championship match.

The teams did their best to set up an exciting game after poor weather badly affected the first day but neither side was able to force victory.

Nevertheless, the game proved a useful workout for Nathan Buck, who sent down 17 overs on his return from an ankle problem.

Leicestershire took a 110-run lead into the final day with all ten second innings wickets intact.

Greg Smith (59) made his second half-century of the game and helped Leicestershire declare on 196-3. It left Northants requiring 288 from 60 overs.

Leicestershire had sights on a victory in reducing their hosts to 80-4 with Alex Wyatt (2), Buck and Jigar Naik among the wickets.

Northants regrouped and were on 146-4 when the captains shook hands.

Leicestershire are now unbeaten in their last five Championship games and have gained victories against Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Durham during the run.

The Second XI's next assigment is a Trophy game against Unicorns at Grace Road on Tuesday (12pm start).