The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Reigning champions are here so time for Town stars to shine
Cricket - Win or bust game at Bretton Gate
Peterborough Town skipper David Clarke has ordered his big players to turn up and perform against reigning Northants Premier Division champions Rushden at Bretton Gate on Saturday (noon start). Rushden have won the last three meetings with the city side and if they make it four in a row, Town’s season, as far as winning trophies is concerned, will be over.
Town, who are fourth, are 44 points behind leaders Old Northamptonians and 15 points adriftof second-placed Rushdenwithjustsixmatches to go.
“It’s a must-win game for both teams,” Clarke stated. “I still believe we can win the league, but only if we win all our remaining games.
“Rushden are a top quality side and they’ve had the edge on us in recent matches, but only by narrow margins.
“The difference has been their better players out-per- f0rming ours and that will have to change if we are to get the result we want.
“There is nodoubtwehave the ability to beat Rushden and we just have to prove it on Saturday. Andthebetterplayers need to lead the way.”
Town laboured to a three- wicket win at Brixworth last Saturday.
Vete r a n A j a z A k hta r missedthatmatch, butissetto return against Rushden with Clarke making a late decision on who to leave out.
Mystery bowler Richard Kendall and middle- order man Marcus Howard could be the players under threat.
Fast bowler Jamie Smithis still unavailable. YoungKieran Judd is expected to stay in the side afterapromisingdebutat Brixworthyielded34runsina low-scoring game
“Kieran deserves another go,” Clarke stated. “He played very well.”
Top run-scorer Asim Butt, Clarke himself, all- rounder Lewis Bruce and opening bowler Joe Dawborn are the players Town will look towards as they attempt to gain a rare win against Rushden.