Peterborough Town prepared to put in some hard yards

Peterborough Town are ready to put in the hard yards as they attempt to win the Northants Premier Division for the fourth time in six years. Town have moved back to the top of the table after back-t0back wins against the worst two sides in the competition.

But captain David Clarke is taking nothing for granted as they approach a much tougher run of fixtures, starting with a trip to neighbours Oundle on Saturday (July 22, noon).

Oundle remain on the outskirts of the title race in fifth position, but in this most unpredictable of seasons Mark Hodgson’s men can’t be ruled out of a first top-flight championship.

“If they beat us they will be right back in the hunt,” Clarke admitted. “But if we beat them they can probably be ruled out.

“It’s obviously a game of huge significance for both teams and it should be a cracker. We fancy our chances against anyone, but Oundle are the strongest they’ve ever been at this level.

“They have a lot of depth to their batting as a they’ve proved a couple of times recently.

“But we will have a strong side out and we are in the middle of a good run of form.”

Oundle were 123-6 chasing 215 at Rushden last weekend before winning by three wickets as under-rated Ben Groom cracked a fine unbeaten half century.

Town were also pushed by lowly Stony Stratford for half of their game at Bretton Gate before easing to an eight-wicket win.

Town are without dashing batsman Alex Mitchell on Saturday, but hope to have opening bowler Jamie Smith and all-rounder Lewis Bruce back.

Town’s quickest bowler David Sayer is struggling with a bad back.

Fast bowler David Sayer in action for Peterborough Town against Stony Stratford.