Northampton Saints 1st Xl (h)

On another windy day Horton won the toss and duly opted to bowl. Despite a much improved fielding display, backed up by a good opening spell from the returning Tom Knibbs and a great 15 over effort from Will ‘warhorse’ Smith, Saints posted 299-9.

This was largely down to a good innings from their opener and a well made 100 from Zaakir Khawaja.

In reply, our top order were faced with the task of keeping two of the leagues most effective swing bowlers at bay on a wicket spruced up by a number of rain showers.

Having lost several early wickets to some accurate and testing bowling, Horton were 37-5. James ‘Gus’ Redding (36) and Finlay Moffat (33) then set about counter attacking, putting together an exciting 73 run partnership, Gus providing some entertainment for the watching support whilst Finlay played a very sensible innings. Thanks to a brisk 28 from Liam Redding, and an enterprising knock from Will Smith we finished all out for 170.

It was great to see both Redding brothers and Finlay Moffat on debut, as well as Dan Robinson in his home debut, making big contributions to the team.

We received 5 points and move onto Peterborough away next week.