Nottinghamshire picked up their first victory of the season with a comfortable eight-wicket win over Leicestershire in their first B & H group match. Having bowled out their opponents for 170, the home side made light work of knocking off the required runs with more than 18 overs to spare.

With 171 needed for victory, the early stages of the Notts innings were characterised by several chancy singles, pushed by Guy Welton, and some fine strokeplay from Darren Bicknell. The Notts skipper took 12 from Devon Malcolm's third over, with a straight drive followed by well—struck boundaries either side of the wicket.

The pair raced past the 50 mark before Bicknell edged the bell on to his stumps from the bowling of James Ormond.

Welton, in his first B & H match, grew in confidence and quality of strokeplay, and with Greg Blewett continuing his fine start to the campaign the run rate accelerated out of Leicestershire's control. Daniel Marsh was brought into the attack but fellow-countryman Blewett soon lofted him straight over the long-off boards.

The South Australian had a narrow escape on 25 when a top-edged pull was spilled by Ormond, although the fielder was almost toppling over the boundary rope as he attempted the catch.

Welton then advanced to a well—deserved 50 (85 mins, 64 balls, 6 fours) before tucking in to an over from Billy Stelling which went for 13 including a huge legside pull for six. Devon Malcolm's return brought the Foxes the wicket they had needed much earlier, when the opener chipped to Ormond at mid-off for an excellent 71.

Blewett, whose last appearance in the competition was in the `99 Super Cup Final for Yorkshire, moved to his half century (58 mins, 43 balls, 6 fours, 1 six) with successive boundaries off Dakin.

Victory was clinched in the 31st over when Blewett smashed Malcolm through the covers for four.

Earlier Leics had reached 95—2 before slumping to 119—6. Ben Smith with 51 and Darren Maddy with a patient 30 had held the innings together, but after that middle-order collapse the tail failed to extend the innings into the final over. Greg Smith picked up 4 wickets for Notts whilst Richard Logan completed a miserly spell of 2—19. The bowling was aided by some excellent outcricket with both Blewett and Welton holding stunning diving catches.

Notts next match in the competition is on Wednesday, against Yorkshire at Headingley.

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