Hull is star of the show as big win keeps Foxes running at top of table

20-YEAR-OLD RIPS THROUGH NORTHANTS OPENING ORDER TO SET UP VICTORY IN THREE DAYS

- JOHN MALLETT

JOSH Hull reminded England's selectors of his potency as Leicestershire cemented their place at the top of the Rothesay County Championship Division Two with a 132-run victory over Northamptonshire, writes John Culley.

Chasing 289 at the Uptonsteel County Ground, Northamptonshire were bowled out for 156 after Hull took out three of their top four in his first four overs.

The 20-year-old ended with three for 13, the spearhead of a seam quintet, all of whom took wickets in an excellent collective effort.

Leicestershire's lower order had doggedly extended their second innings to 175 all out (Ben Sanderson six for 72, Harry Conway three for 43) in the morning.

That elevated the target to 289 in five sessions and there was no way back for the visitors after Hull's blitz.

Leading by 113 on first innings, Leicestershire resumed on the third morning on 96 for six in their second and their lower order knuckled down diligently to bat until the brink of lunch. Ian Holland's 113 minutes' resistance for 11 ended when he nicked an outswinger from Conway but Logan van Beek (27, 84 balls) and Ben Green (32, 56) also batted for more than 100 minutes.