LEICESTERSHIRE – Leicestershire wobbled briefly but regained their balance to force a draw against West Indies 'A' on the final day of their three-day match at Grace Road yesterday.

Resuming at one without loss and still 143 runs in arrears, the east Midlands County slipped to 51 for three before a 162-run stand between wicketkeeper Tom New and Darren Maddy pulled them around to 271 for five declared at the close.

The 21-year old New cracked 85 from 204 balls in 238 minutes, striking nine fours while Maddy's 92 required 135 balls in 168 minutes, containing 13 fours and one six.

They were paired after seamer Darren Sammy, who finished with three for 39, plucked out two of the three early wickets to fall.

After pacer Andrew Richardson got the breakthrough by having Steven Clark caught at the wicket for 10 with the score on 16, Sammy then bowled Jim Allenby for 22 and trapped Paul Harrison lbw for five as Leicestershire stumbled.

New and Maddy however defied the visitors' attack, pushing the score to 209 for three at tea and ensuring safety for Leicestershire.

By the time Sammy claimed Maddy early in the final session and New fell to medium-pacer Dwayne Smith, the match was headed for a stalemate.

Batting first, Leicestershire had been dismissed for 205 with Windies "A" responding with 349. (CMC)