The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Town out to right a wrong against big rivals at Bretton Gate
Cricket - Rain ruins another top batting display
Last summer was a glorious one for Peterborough Town, apart from one miserable day.
Town hosted nearest challengers Finedon late in the Northants Premier Division season knowing a win would have clinched the title.
Instead the city were crushed by nine wickets and failed to pick up a single point leaving them with a nerve-jangling couple of weeks before top spot was finally sealed.
And this Saturday they can right a wrong as Finedon are back at Bretton Gate (11am).
“It wasn’t a good day when we hosted Finedon last season,” Town skipper David Clarke admitted.
“But to be fair we didn’t have many bad ones and we played extremely well when we won at Finedon earlier in the summer. The bad home performance is certainly something we want to put right this weekend, although we will need to be at our best against a very good side.
“They have lost a couple of players from last season and they started this summer slowly, but they have hit some form in recent weeks so it should be a great game as we are also playing well.
“I can’t believe we aren’t top as we are the only unbeaten side in the competition, but it’s just about finishing in the top four of the mini league and guaranteeing a home draw in the first play-off match.”
Town lost top spot as their game at Rushden last weekend was abandoned with Clarke’s men in a dominant position.
That’s the second time
Town have been frustrated by the weather this season whereas new leaders Geddington have completed all five of their fixtures.
Town finish their short league season against Geddington at Bretton Gate on August 29 before the play-offs start the following weekend.
Town were 222-1 from 35 of their 40 overs when the heavens opened at Rushden, an innings which featured a second ton in three weeks for opening batsman Josh Smith.
Smith was 110 not out from 113 balls and Clarke was unbeaten on 78 from just 68 balls when play was halted. Their unbroken second wicket stand was worth 176
“We batted superbly on a very poor wicket,” Clarke added. “It was very wet before we started.
“I think water had seeped under the coveers, but Josh knuckled down and then took advantage later on.
“It was another classy knock from a very classy player.”
Smith is now averaging 81 for the season, the best in the top flight.
Town seconds extended their lead in Division Two to 15 points, but not in the manner they would have wanted.
Sheduled opponents Earls Barton couldn’t raise a side so the city side were awarded 20 points without playing.
Town seconds are at midtable Kettering Town this Saturday.