Butt signs off in style with a century

Peterborough Town skipper Dave Clarke insists he is happy with a second-place finish in the Northants Premier Division. Town thrashed relegated Wellingborough Town by 169 runs in their final fixture last weekend to ensure runnersup spot behind unbeaten champions Old Northamptonians.

That extended Town’s superb recent record of a top two finish in each of the last five seasons. Since winning the title for the first time in 16 years in 2012, Town have finished 1st, 1st, 2nd and 2nd.

And Clarke reckons his side will be a good bet for the title next season.

“To finish second without (injured professional) Paul McMahon was a good effort,” Clarke stated.

“I’m happy with the way we played generally and Paul should be back next season which will obviously improve us greatly.”

There were i ndividual winners within the Town set- up as Asim Butt’s 107 against Wellingborough propelled him to to the top of the Premier Division run charts with 778 at an average of just under 46.

And fast bowler Joe Dawborn’s 5-36 as Wellingborough were shot out for 96 confirmed his status as leading top-flight wicket-taker for the second successive season with 57.

It wasn’t all good news for Town last weekend as their seconds lost by six wickets in a Division One relegation battle and will drop down to Division Two next season. This Town team didn’t win a game after June 25.

Elsewhere Burghley Park sealed promotion from Rutland Division Three with a nine-wicket demolition of Long Sutton and Market Dee ping escaped relegation from Division One by picking up enough bonus points from a 111-run drubbing at Town for whom impressive teenager Kieran Judd cracked 80. Ufford Park go down as a result.

Baston were well beaten by 84 runs by Freiston in the South Lincs CupFinal despite five wickets for Adam Hilless.

Long Sutton were relegated from Division One after losing by 23 runs at Bourne seconds.

Asim Butt on his way to a sparkling 107 for Peterborough Town against Wellingborough.