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Jeremy Snape hails Darren Maddy

Leicestershire Foxes captain Jeremy Snape hailed the role played by Darren Maddy in last night's Twenty20 Cup quarter-final victory over Kent Spitfires at Grace Road.

Maddy has had a barren time this season but was back to his best as he hammered an unbeaten 79 from just 59 balls, leading the Foxes to a nine-wicket win and a fourth successive appearance at finals day.

"It couldn't have been better scripted," said Snape. "Darren has had a lean patch of late but his record in one-day competitions is brilliant. It is fitting that it is his innings which has taken us through."

The Foxes join Surrey Brown Caps, Essex Eagles and Nottinghamshire Outlaws on finals day at Trent Bridge on August 12, with the semi-final draw due to be made this evening.

Despite yesterday's overwhelming win against a strong Kent outfit, Snape says there is still room for improvement.

"Our opening bowlers were sensational and got us off to a good start," he said. "But there were little phases when we didn't control Kent as we would have liked.

"It was a good one-day wicket and I wasn't surprised when they put together a partnership - it was a case of how we held our nerve when they did and we managed it reasonably well.

"Then the way the guys played to knock off the runs was outstanding. But there is still room for improvement, and we all know what we have to do."

Maddy deservedly won the man-of-the-match award as he moved past 900 runs in the competition, the highest tally in the country.

"I've had a quiet season so far," he said. "But we have put in fantastic team performances this season. Different people have stood up. It was nice to have my turn today and that has taken us through to the finals."

The Foxes also answered a question as, for the first time this season, they were forced to bat second, although senior coach Tim Boon did not see it as a problem.

He said: "We have got the guys to go out and express themselves, play with intent and confidence. I thought Darren, HD Ackerman and Paul Nixon executed things beautifully."

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