Castor off to Gloucestershire for village game, Peterborough Town face a tough test at Bretton Gate

Peterborough Town host Old Northamptonians in what should be an entertaining Northants Premier Division match at Bretton Gate tomorrow (August 8).

Town will be hoping for some more hot form from 20 year-old opener Josh Smith who cracked a superb ton in last weekend’s win over Desborough.

Town skipper David Clarke reckons Smith, who was denied action against first-class counties with Bradford and Leeds MCCU this summer because of the coronavirus crisis, is one of the best young players he’s seen.

“Josh is so talented. He’s right up there with the best young players I’ve seen,” Clarke stated.

“He looked in great nick against Desborough again. He only batted for 30 overs.

“It’s usually a good game against ON’s, but we are a confident side especially at our place.

“The wicket is good and we’re comfortable chasing or batting first. We have a good side and we’re playing well.”

Teenage leg-spinner Karanpal Singh will again be in action for Town. He bowled tidily against Desborough before taking 5-30 in a Rutland Division One win over King’s Keys the following day.

“KP is another top young player,” Clarke said. “He can turn the ball both ways which is a great skill to have.

“He’s only 15 and I’m amazed one of the first-class county academies haven’t picked him up.”

LEADING WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday, August 8

(11am) Northants Premier Division - Oundle Town v Overstone Park, Peterborough Town v Old Northamptonians.

(Noon) Lincs Premier Division - Bourne v Grantham, Woodhall Spa v Market Deeping.

(12.30pm) Cambs Division One - Histon v Wisbech Town. March Town v Eaton Socon.

Cambs Division Two - Ufford Park v Castor, Wisbech 2nds v Orton Park, Kimbolton v AK 11.

Sunday, August 9

(1pm) National Village Cup - Dumbleton v Castor.

(Noon) Rutland Division One - Barnack v Peterborough Town, Burghley Park v Market Deeping, Oundle Town v Uffington, Wisbech Town v King’s Keys.