In the last five Twenty20 Cup encounters they have averaged only 145 in their innings.

And although a terrific display in the field almost pulled off a remarkable win against Gloucestershire last night, there was not enough of a total to defend.

"Losing wickets at crucial stages and only getting 130-odd on a good cricket wicket is just not good enough," Boje said. "The bowlers and fielders did really well to give us a chance. But you're only going to win those type of games about one in 20.

"Lessons need to be learnd – and learned very quickly. The other sides are catching up. We need to look at our batting. It's disappointing, it's frustrating.

"We've got our gameplans and we're just not following through on them at the moment."

It was a sentiment echoed by Northamptonshire coach David Capel.

"Too many people holed out when we needed them to go on.

"They were in but didn't carry it through.

"It's no good looking at each other. We need someone to take reponsibility in those sort of situations.

"Having said that, I thought the spirit we showed in the field to almost defend that small total was exceptional.

"It showed we really are a team out there and to nearly win it was very impressive."

Meanwhile, Niall O'Brien has been ruled out of the remaining games in the group stage of the Twenty20 Cup.

He missed last night's game against the Gladiators and will not play in either of the matches against Somerset, Glamorgan or Worcestershire.

"He's out for a couple of weeks," said Capel.

"We'll re-assess him ahead of the next Championship game but he is out of this section of matches."

And skipper Nicky Boje admitted it was a big blow.

"Niall's a key performer for us – a quality player," Boje added.

"He bats up front for us and also keeps wicket.

"He keeps the team going and is bubbly on the field. It's just adds to a disappointing day."

n NORTHANTS collected the narrowest of win's over Surrey in the Second XI Trophy.

The sneaked home by one run at Wellingborough School having posted a target of 224 for victory.

David Wigley (4-40) and Jack Chopping (3-32) were responsible for restricting the visitors to 222 all out in their 50 overs.

Earlier Graeme White (42no), Nathan Hawkes (39no), Paul Harrison (37) and Ben Howgego (31) had helped the County score 223 for nine.