Innes leads Northants to second victory over Grenada

Northamptonshire all-rounder Kevin Innes put in a dogged performance as Northamptonshire made it back-to-back wins over Grenada as their tour to the island continued to hit the winning note.

On the downside wicketkeeper Toby Bailey tore a hamstring and faces a week on the sidelines curtailing his opportunities on the tour.

But Innes gave the team something to cheer about when he guided them to a four wicket win with a watchful 46 from 73 balls which included five fours.

At 85 for five the County were in a little trouble chasing the 152 target set by the home side but Innes steadied the ship and hit the winning runs with more than three overs remaining.

The all-rounder had earlier taken four for 28 with a tight bowling display which frustrated the Grenadian batsmen. New boy Darren Cousins picked up four wickets in his first match for the County, and Richard Logan bowled an impressive opening display.

Innes said: "The first match was hard because the flight was long and we'd had a tough first training session. It was a lot hotter in this match and if we'd bowled second then it would have been very difficult for us.

"We are not used to this weather but we have adapted well. We used the same wicket for this game as we did in the last one and it got lower as it went on."

A stronger Grenadian team took to the field for the second match with six players having first-class experience with the Windward Isles, and skipper Raul Lewis has played at Test match level. In both matches the County have been given a good run out and the Grenadians have provided relatively stiff opposition.

Director of cricket Bob Carter said: "We've been surprised a bit by them. They can all bat and bowl but the real test for us will come next weekend when we play the Windward Isles. They are a first-class team and have just finished their Busta Cup competition. Those two games will be a good run out for the lads."

Innes has had to be patient at the County Ground after making his Second team debut as 14-year-old but is hoping he will a key man this season following Kevin Curran's retirement.

"This is a big year for me. KC has retired so there will be more opportunities. I will bat at seven or eight and be first change seamer which is a role I'm looking forward to. I've worked with Capes on my technique this winter and spent a lot of time building up my fitness. I broke in last year but now I need to carry on that progress," he said.

Carter has earmarked an important role for Innes and will be hoping he can continue the kind of form he has shown already on the tour.

"He is a very capable cricketer and he made big strides last season. He has worked very hard in the winter and he's going to have a big season. He's put the work in and will hopefully see the rewards that brings," the County chief said.

The County head back to the training ground over the next couple of days and are due to hold coaching clinics with Grenadian youth team.