A lack of neighbourly love as Peterborough outclass Oundle

Cricket - Captain Clarke in the runs again

Peterborough Town skipper David Clarke has praised the attitude of his players following their nine-wicket demolition of neighbours Oundle last Saturday. The city side remain fourth in the Northants Premier Divisiontable, buttheirchancesof claiming a fourth championship in five years are limited.

But any thoughts of Town going through the motionsfor the rest of the summer were dispelled by the performance at Milton Road.

Oundle were restricted to 174-7 in their 50 overs, a total Town passed with almost 20 overs to spare.

Clarke is keen to see that samelevelofcommitmentand formwhenHortonHousevisit BrettonGateonSaturday(July 30, noon).

“It was a very impressive display,” Clarke enthused. “We don’t really need any motivation to beatourlocalrivals, but I wasstill pleased with the waywegotontopearly onand stayed on top all afternoon.

“It was a very decisive display. JamieSmithbowledwell at the start without muchluck before the spinners kept the brakes on in the middle of the innings and Joe Dawborn bowled well at the death.

“And then we batted very well despite the attempts of their overseas player to ruffle us. They have a decent opening attack, but once we saw them off, Alex Mitchell smacked their spinners everywhere. He looked in great touch.

“If we can keep that sort of form upfor the rest of the season we can still finish close to the top, if not top.

“Horton will give us a better game this weekend on what promises to be a flat pitch, but I’d expect us to win with a similar performance.”

Fast bowlerDavidSayerreturns to face Horton House. He replaces Richard Kendall who is unavailable.

Mark Hodgson on his way to 40 for Oundle against Peterborough Town. Town’s wicket-keeper is Chris Milner.