Leicestershire Seniors May Newsletter | June Fixtures

The 2026 season promised much for the seniors with a number of new members joining the ranks. Each of our teams has tasted success to a greater or lesser extent and the weather has intervened in more ways than one to put paid to the odd game here and there. It has rained and it has shined, and in each case, it has done so in excelsis such that the season has made something of a stuttering start. Nevertheless, some twenty games have taken place thus far.

The Over 50s first XI’s record is won two, lost one. A slightly weakened side lost the opening friendly to Nottinghamshire but a fortnight later they met Suffolk at Kibworth CC and produced a disciplined, professional performance and the result was never really in doubt. Our total of 195 was made up of several promising individual knocks led by captain Matt Bashford with 53. An all-round, tight bowling display meant that the visitors were all out for 143 for a comfortable win. A thumping win at Northamptonshire was based on a solid all-round bowling performance, resulting in the home side being dismissed for 153. Prakash Patel, Patrick Latham and Martyn Gidley (two each) and Pete Howard (three) were the main wicket-takers before Chris Grimes (65*) led the way to the victory. The 50s second team have the reverse win/lose record (1–2). Having lost the pre-season friendly to Lincolnshire they were then able to get the better of their Nottinghamshire counterparts having restricted them to 115 for no wicket in 32 overs, then handling the revised DLS target of 167 in 32 overs to win with nine balls to spare. The visit to Yorkshire proved a tough task and resulted in an eight-wicket loss. Craig Hendry (55) and Tom Rowe (45) were chiefly responsible for the 222 total, but it took the Yorkies 33 overs to reach it in relative comfort. There is much to come from our ‘juniors’ though, and we look forward to reporting brighter news next month.

The Over 60s first XI have won three games and lost one. A strong Oxfordshire side won the opening encounter of the summer, but consecutive wins over Worcestershire, Staffordshire and Shropshire sees the team placed handily in third spot in their group. If we talk about a champagne moment of the season so far, then look no further than a stupendous run out effected by Duncan Kingham in the Shropshire innings. Fielding at mid-wicket he made a diving stop and, in the same movement whilst spreadeagled on the ground, managed to get off a lightning throw for a direct hit at the non-strikers end with the batsman two-thirds up the pitch. Next up will be Warwickshire who always prove to be a challenging opponent. The 60s seconds have won one and lost two games as we go into June. Last year’s bogey side, Lincolnshire, once again came to Aylestone Road and this time our lads managed the win. Rod Wood (63*) and Malcolm Butcher (44*) put together an unbroken fifth wicket partnership of 110 and the total of 217 for four proved to be 20 runs too many for the visitors. The 60s third XI won the two friendlies against Warwickshire but lost the opening league game against Hertfordshire. Ashok Patel started the campaign in sparking form with 93 and, along with Amarjit Lall compiled 124 for the first wicket in the opening game. Ash continued his fine run with 48 in the loss to Hertfordshire and 52 not out in the second win against the Bears.

The Over 70s overcame Cambridgeshire by 202 to 148 to start with a win. Mick Bradshaw led the way with four for 13 and word has it that this could be the first time in a while that the side has won the opening game of the season. A loss by 29 runs to Worcestershire was followed by a bit of a whipping by Norfolk in which the toss proved crucial, our boys having to encounter a damp and slow pitch having lost the toss. The Icenis cantered to a win as the pitch eased and scoring became a much more comfortable occupation.

Previous instalments of the seniors’ news have mentioned players who have achieved international call-ups and this month we have one more to add to the list. Steve Matthew (Kibworth CC) was invited to represent Scotland Over 50s in their game against India Over 50s at Oakham CC. The official match report headline reads “Incredible Matthew sets up historic Scotland victory”. The article goes on to describe Steve’s astonishing debut innings of 137, including 13 fours and 10 sixes. With the Scotsmen on the ropes at 81 for five, Steve came in at number 7 and, facing the Indian total of 273, he blazed away for an hour and a half to lead his side to a remarkable and unlikely one-wicket victory. It’s likely to be a day that Steve will remember.

The seniors’ fixtures for June are alongside here and it would be great to see some new supporters at any of the listed games.