Town edge closer to a hat-trick ahead of a crunch weekend

Peterborough Town edged closer to a hat-trick of Northants Premier Division titles with a comprehensive 163run win over a depleted Rushden side at Bretton Gate last Saturday.

The visitors arrived without their first-choice opening bowlers and it showed as Town piled up 290-6 in their 50 overs.

Town now go into the final three matches of the season with a 14-point lead over Finedon and this Saturday could prove decisive in the title battle.

The city side shouldn’t have any problems at lowly Horton House, but Finedon host third place Old Northamptonians who have hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks.

Opener Chris Milner top scored with 70 for Town against Rshden before gifted teenager Sulemain Saleem struck a run-a-ball unbeaten 54. Mark Edwards then claimed 5-38 in 10 overs, large

ly spent practicing his bouncer as Rushden were rushed out for 127.

Peterborough Town seconds sealed the Division Two title last weekend easily picking

up the three points they required from their final game at Great Houghton.

Youngster Sam Jarvis has enjoyed a fine first full season for Town and it continued with an innings of 91 not out in a team total of 220-5.

Stuart Williams also batted well for 54 before Sreehari Subramonian claimed 4-39 as Town completed a 48-run victory.

The seconds now go on to compete for the Division Two KO Cup and they start with a home match against Heyford (11am).

And it could be a title treble for Town who retained their unbeaten record in Rutland Division One with a nine-wicket stroll against Burghley Park at Bretton Gate.

Sulemain Saleem enjoyed a rare bowl and took 4-32 in nine overs as Burghley were despatched for 111.

Scott Howard (51no) and Karanpal Singh (34) batted briskly to ensure Town picked up maximum points.

The reigning champions are 15 points behind Wisbech, but have two matches in hand. The teams are due to clash at Bretton Gate on September 12.

Town travel to March this Sunday, while Wisbech entertain City at Harecroft Road (noon).

Chris Milner on his way to 70 for Peterborough Town against Rushden. Photo: David Lowndes.