COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION TWO, Grace Road:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY THREE: Leicestershire 177 and 154-2, Derbyshire 478-8 (Derbys 8pts, Leics 2pts)
11-14 August 2009

Chris Rogers struck 13 fours and one six in his 309-ball 163

Matt Boyce hit an unbeaten 72 on day three to lead the Leicestershire recovery, but Derbyshire still hold the advantage at Grace Road.

Boyce shared a second-wicket stand of 107 with Boeta Dippenaar (37) as the hosts closed on 154-2, to trail by 147.

Earlier, after Derbyshire resumed on 277-2, Chris Rogers (163) and Greg Smith (95) extended their third-wicket partnership to 189.

The visitors declared on 478-8, a first-innings lead of 301.

With Derbyshire looking for quick runs in the morning session, Smith was bowled by AJ Harris five short of a century, while Rogers skied a catch to James Taylor at deep square leg off Wayne White (2-89).

The lower order continued to put pressure on the Leicestershire bowlers, with Wavell Hinds making 40 and James Pipe an unbeaten 32 before the visitors declared 40 minutes after lunch.

Leicestershire were then immediately under pressure when opener Greg Smith was caught at mid-wicket off the bowling of Steffan Jones from the second ball of the first over.

Boyce, who was dropped by wicketkeeper Pipe on 17, and Dippenaar then combined, but when the South African was caught by Garry Park off the bowling of Dan Redfern, HD Ackerman (29 not out) accompanied Boyce to the close.

As they look to bowl the home side out on the final day, Derbyshire will be without the services of Graham Wagg, who suffered a shoulder injury on the day one.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version