A classy half-century from young all-rounder Damien Brandy was the highlight of the second day of Leicestershire Second X1's clash with Essex at Oakham School.

It kept them in the match, and then some excellent bowling from Jamie Grove, George Walker and Ian Flanagan provided the ideal follow-up.By the close Essex were 176 for seven in their second innings, giving them a lead of 282.

Brandy hit an unbeaten 57 in Leicestershire's first innings total of 176,a knock made even more enjoyable for the 20-year-old because it was against the county where he began his career.

Coach Lloyd Tennant said;"Damien came through the Essex youth system before coming to us last season.There is no doubt at all that he has a lot of class and style, and he showed it in this knock. Sometimes a lack of concentration lets him down."

When Essex batted again with a lead of 106, Grove took two more wickets to add to the four he claimed in the first innings, and there were two apiece as well for Walker and Flanagan.

© Leicestershire CCC