Seconds have thrilling tie

Date: Friday 19 August 2011

Leicestershire Second XI had a thrilling tie against Yorkshire at Hinckley Town CC as they made it seven games unbeaten in the Championship.

The Seconds made 379-9 in their first innings with Ned Eckersley cracking an unbeaten 133.

Slow left armer James Sykes took two wickets as Yorkshire moved to 148-5 on a rain-affected second day and the visitors declared overnight.

Leicestershire scored a quickfire 71 on the final morning to set their opponents a testing 302 to win from 84 overs.

Sykes was again in the wickets in the Yorkshire second innings. He took 6-102 as Yorkshire moved to 301-9 with an over to go.

Alex Wyatt delivered three dot balls before claiming the final wicket to end a tremendous final day in style.

Rob Taylor and Kadeer Ali were County's other wicket-takers as the team had a spirited end to their competitive fixtures. There is one three-day friendly to play at Nottinghamshire (starts at Lady Bay Sports Ground on Wednesday August 31)

The Seconds had four wins, two draws and a tie after losing their opening two Championship games. The team also won two out of three friendlies, qualified for t20 Finals Day and had some good results in the Second XI Trophy.

Coach Lloyd Tennant is extremely proud of their efforts. He said: "It was a terrific game to finish with and we've had a really good season.

"Ned Eckersley and James Sykes have been outstanding throughout, and Alex Wyatt has been a real unsung hero in chipping in with wickets throughout the season.

"We lost the first two Championship games but have been unbeaten since, which is a great achievement. It was also pleasing to qualify for t20 Finals Day - the lads have done really well."