Steelbacks dedicate Blast win to County legend David Capel

There was a minute's silence in memory of David Capel ahead of the Steelbacks' game on Thursday night

Capel sadly passed away on Wednesday morning following a lengthy illness, at the age of just 57.

And an emotional night at Edgbaston was capped with one of the players Capel nurtured through the club's youth system, Alex Wakely, who was at the crease with another academy graduate Graeme White, hitting the winning runs in the final over.

The match was preceded by a minute's silence, with the players from both sides lining up around the boundary at both ends of the ground.

Many of the Northants contingent were visibly emotional, with two of Capel's closest friends, Steelbacks head coach and umpire Rob Bailey, standing virtually side-by-side, flanking another of Capel's former team-mates, Nick Cook, who was the other umpire.

It was moving moment, with all three men struggling to contain their emotions.

Northants went on to secure their fourth win on the spin in the competition, claiming a tense four-wicket success to stay clear at the top of the Central Group and on course for the quarter-finals.

"It was a very sad day for the club, and everybody who knew Capes," said skipper Josh Cobb.

Alex Wakely and Graeme White were batting together at the end as the Steelbacks won in the last over

"To get the win for him, that was what we wanted at the beginning of the day, and it was very fitting for those two boys to be there at the end."

And Cobb's words were echoed by players past and present, on social media, with Wakely writing: "I think it’s the first time me and Whitey have batted together in a professional game, having both been given our chance by Capes on the Academy.

"Today was for him."

Gareth Berg added: "I know you were watching from the heavens above.

"After my very average over you would of been screaming for someone to get your bowling boots! That win was for you Capes."

Former player Lee Daggett, who played for the club under Capel, said: "Fitting couple of blokes to bring the game home for @NorthantsCCC in @AlexWakely1 and Graeme White.

"Two blokes that would, I’m sure attribute a large amount of their success to David Capel’s involvement. Well done @NorthantsCCC, Capes would be proud!"

Northants are planning a club tribute to Capel ahead of their next home game, which is next Friday at the County Ground when Gloucestershire are the visitors in the T20 Blast.