NCL ROUND-UP: White the all-round star as ONs start season with easy win

ON TARGET - Afaq Babar in bowling action for Old Northamptonians in their win over Wollaston (Picture: Dave Ikin)

White was on song with the ball to clear up the tail as Wollaston were bowled out for 140, with the earlier damage being done by another ex-County man in David Wigley (2-14) and younster Aiden Fowkes (2-25).

White then opened the innings and scored 71 from just 83 balls to steer his side home at 141 for five, with support coming from Dan Harris who made 38.

Rushden’s return to the top flight of the NCL produced an encouraging opening as they squeezed past Brixworth.

Having been put into bat, the visitors recovered from 91 for seven to post a competitive 235 for eight in their 55 overs.

Peter Caunt was mainly responsible as he made an unbeaten 79 and he was assisted by Sam Bold who chipped in with 38 not out.

Opener Mike Phillips then hit 88 in the reply, but Brixworth chipped away and at 227 for nine they would have fancied their chances, but Oliver Woodhouse and Simon Childs saw the home side over the line.

Peterborough’s defence of the title began in frustrating fashion as Rushton ground out a draw at Bretton Gate.

Callum French’s 77 dominated the hosts’ 163 (Jake Higginbotham 5-49) but this total proved to be out of Rushton’s reached as they closed on 111-7 with only Jon Carpenter (44) making much impression.

Finedon recorded a comfortable 80-run victory over Stony Stratford.

Ben Howgego got his year off to an excellent start with an unbeaten 154 - Greg Evans adding 82 - as the home team declared on 252 for two.

Will Sneath (5-20) then reduced Stony to 49 for eight, and although Edward Tate and Jarrod Pretorious made half centuries, they were bowled out for 172 in the 52nd over.

Oundle got the better of Saints at Birchfield Road East as they claimed a tight one-wicket victory.

Luke Cummins, on his Oundle debut, took five for 41 as Saints were restricted to 167 for nine in their allocation, with Zak Harvey the mainstay of the innings with 74.

At 58 for five and new Saints skipper Mark Wolstenholme proving a handful, Oundle were in a spot of bother.

But Phil Adams’ undefeated 67 thwarted the efforts of Wolstenholme (6-40) as they edged to victory.

The other game of the round saw Horton House record a three-wicket win over Burton Latimer at Hall Field.

Will Smith took six for 27 as Burton could only manage 140, and Jack Johnson then top scored with 43 as Horton reached their target with more than 12 overs to spare.