Ton-up Clarke leads his side to victory but title hopes fade

Cricket - Northants League Premier Division

There were mixed emotions for Peterborough Town skipper David Clarke on Saturday. Hewaselatedaftermakinghis best Northants League Premier Division score of 129 not out in a win over NorthamptonSaintsbutatthesametime saddenedtoseethattable-toppingOldNorthamptnianshad won again.

The ONs victory at Rushden means they remain 44 points clear of Townwithfour gamestogoandthey’re racing certainties to take the title.

Town, who were bidding for their fourth title in five years this season, are in third place, eight points behind Finedon.

Clarke said: “I don’t think wecancatchONsnow. It’s atall order. It’s their league to lose. Butwewillfighttotheendand try andfinishsecond. Finedon are in our sights.”

And certainly on the evidence of the form they’ve shownintheirlast twogames, Town are well capable of taking runners-upspot, especially as they still have Finedon to play.

Against Saints on Saturday, Clarke led from the front with the second highest score of hiscareer- hisbestis140for Cambs in 2010.

His 129 not out coupled with 77 not out from Kieran Judd and 59 from Alex Mitch- ell enabled Town to declare at 289-2 after 48 overs.

In reply Saints struggled at the start and were 40-3. But an almighty wallop from Dan Harris - 141 off 96 balls - put them back in contention.

Once he went though, clean bowled by Joe Daw- born, it was effectively game over and their innings ended 37 runs short at 252. Dawborn finished with 6-53.

“There were a few hairy moments,” admitted Clarke. “Dan Harris caught us off guard and gave us a scare. But intheenditwasjobwelldone.”

This Saturday, Town are at hometoRushtonandrevenge is on Clarke’s mind.

He said: “They are a pretty strong side and beat us in the 20/20 so we need to avenge that one.

“We’re l i kely to be unchanged.”

David Clarke made the second highest score of his career - 129 not out - against Northampton Saints.