Peterborough Town want their Northants Premier Division title back, while Oundle Town believe they can challenge at the top

​A powerful Finedon team stopped Town’s bid for a fourth straight table-topping finish, although there were mitigating circumstances for a 26-point gap between the sides.

"We have finished in the top two for the last 10 seasons,” Town skipper David Clarke stated. “That’s success in anyone’s book so why would be change the way we do things?

"Our template works. Finedon were very good last season, but we suffered with injuries and unavailabilities so we hope to get back on top again. I’d expect us and Finedon to be slugging it out again.”

Town have lost their Minor Counties all-rounder Mohammed Danyaal who has returned to Premier Division rivals Brigstock as club professional.

But hard-hitting Zeeshan Manzoor has joined the club from Market Deeping and Danyaal’s bowling duties will be taken by another ex-Deeping player Nick Green who has spent a successful winter as an all-rounder in Australia.

Town will also be without former Cambs skipper Lewis Bruce (personal commitments) and batsman Sulemain Saleem (university commitments) for large chunks of the season.

"They are top players, but we have the strength in depth to cover for them,” Clarke added.

Clarke (58), Manzoor (34) and Green (27 & 4-46) shone as Town won by 55 runs in a friendly at Leicestershire Premier League side Langtons on Sunday.

Town were dismissed for 184 before bowling their hosts out for 129. Josh Smith and Jamie Smith picked up two wickets apiece.

Oundle Town, who finished sixth last season, are confident of a higher finish under new skipper Tommy Simeons.

The Milton Road side certainly look stronger on paper as left-arm spinner Harrison Craig is back after a year away and powerful batsman Pat Harrington has joined from fellow top-flight side Geddington as has slow bowler Chris Murdoch.

I’m hoping for a top three finish and maybe even give Finedon a run for their money at the very top,” Simeons said.

"We have a strong-looking squad that can really challenge. Pat Harrington is a strong batsman who, if he gets in at Oundle, will do a lot of damage and Chris (left arm spinner) is an experienced campaigner.

"We also have (seam bowler) Will Compton who is a strong bowler who suits Milton Road and Josh Hull will be leading the seam attack with his left arm pace.

"We also have high hopes of another good season for Sam Jarvis (opening batsman) who had a very strong season for a young man last year and Harrison Craig (left arm spinner) returning is a big boost.

"It goes without saying Mark Hodgson (batsman) and Conor Craig (all-rounder) will continue to do damage."

Oundle have lost left-arm pace ace Dan Costello to Burghley Park, but have a ready-made replacement in Hull who comes armed with a Leicestershire contract and who took a first-class wicket with the fourth ball of his County Championship debut earlier this month.

Peterborough Town host Kislingbury Temperance at Bretton Gate in their first Premier Division fixture on Saturday (11am) when Oundle Town host Old Northamptonians.