Ackerman propels Foxes

HD Ackerman's century helped the Foxes to see off Ireland

Leicestershire Foxes were made to work hard by Ireland at Grace Road before completing a 39-run victory in the Friends Provident Trophy.

The Foxes made a solid rather than spectacular 251 for six in their 50 overs then faced a determined rearguard action from Ireland before dismissing them for 212.

Leicestershire's total was built around a commanding century from HD Ackerman.

The South African has started the season in prolific form with two hundreds already to his name in LV County Championship Division Two.

He continued that form today, dominating an opening stand of 103 in 25 overs alongside Tom New, who contributed 31.

Ackerman's century included 12 boundaries and a six over square leg - and while it was not his most fluent innings it kept the scoreboard moving at a respectable rate after Leicestershire had been put into bat.

He eventually fell in the 39th over for 103, bowled by Kevin O'Brien, but having guided his side to 190 for two Leicestershire looked poised to post a target of around 300.

James Allenby's 62 from 76 deliveries ought to have taken the home side close to that but the Foxes were pegged back by the accuracy of the Ireland attack in the closing stages.

Leicestershire were only able to advance their total by 23 runs in the final five overs as a succession of batsmen fell looking to play big shots.

Kyle McCallan's off-spin proved particularly difficult to get away mid-innings while West Indian seam bowler Ravi Rampaul, on Ireland debut, and Thinus Fourie found the right length to prevent Leicestershire scoring freely at the death.

Their total still proved too much of an obstacle for Ireland despite a century stand for the sixth wicket between Gary Wilson and Andrew White - who joined forces with their side deep in trouble at 68 for five.

Ireland had made a sound enough start but the loss of three wickets for a solitary run left them staring defeat squarely in the face.

Over the course of the next 20 overs White and Wilson set about repairing the damage and though they were unable to build a winning platform for their side they gave their opponents some worrying moments.

Both hit half-centuries before falling to the medium pace of Allenby, who claimed four wickets for 44 runs to add to his earlier performance with the bat.

Garnett Kruger took 3-25, rounding off the game when he bowled Rampaul in the 48th over.

It gave Leicestershire their first victory of the competition this season after their scheduled opening game in the Midlands Division against Northamptonshire Steelbacks was washed out.