Leicestershire stayed on top of the Norwich Union League by retaining their 100 per cent First Division record against one of the chasing counties

Batting second for the fifth successive game, the Foxes continued their winning habit by overhauling Warwickshire's total of 221 for 7 to win by five wickets with 12 balls to spare.

In another example of their ability to withstand pressure, Ben Smith and Darren Maddy retrieved a desperate-looking situation at 132 for 5 and turned the match round with an unbroken partnership of 90 in only 11 overs.

Warwickshire had one chance to break the stand but Neil Smith, tracking round the long-on perimeter, could only help the ball over the rope as Maddy (37 ) charged along in support of Smith's unbeaten 65 from 59 balls.

In contrast, Leicestershire's early struggle had been due to exceptional catching, first when Vasbert Drakes took a one-handed effort at mid-off from Vince Wells and again when Dominic Ostler twisted backwards to hold a drive from Daniel Marsh at long off.

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