NCL ROUND-UP: Brixworth’s Crook wins the battle of the Steelbacks big-hitters

BIG HITTING - Northants' Steven Crook scored 181 not out for Brixworth in their win over Old Northamptonians

And it was Steven Crook who won his showdown with Northants club-mate David Willey as the villagers claimed a 115-run victory.

Crook was in top form as he smashed an unbeaten 181 in Brixworth’s 323 for eight from 55 overs, hammering an amazing 19 sixes and seven fours.

Help for Crook came from James Lucas (40), Tom Worthington (33) and Alex Lacey (35), while for ONs David Wigley claimed three for 56 and Zed Babar two for 72.

In reply, Willey did his best to see ONs close to their target as he struck 94, including eight sixes, but he received little support and Colin Sibley bowled Brixworth to victory by taking seven for 51, including the prize wicket of Willey.

Corbyn Dolley was the star man as Saints claimed a five-wicket win over old rivals Finedon Dolben at Birtchfield Road East.

A fortnight after being skittled for 87 by Brixworth, Finedon men were dismissed for just 92 as the Saints’ spinners wreaked havoc.

Only Andy Daniels (26) passed 20 as Dolley (6-26) and Ali Hasnain (4-28) shared the wickets between them.

Zak Harvey (35) then led the way as Saints reached their target for the loss of five wickets with 47 overs to spare.

Horton House’s unbeaten record came to an end as they lost to Oundle by three wickets.

Horton were bowled out for 100 as the Oundle attack shared the wickets around and Alex Martin then made an unbeaten 45 as, despite the efforts of Charlie MacDonnell (5-30), the hosts got over the winning line with time to spare.

Rushden are now 20 points clear at the summit after a narrow 18-run defeat of Burton Latimer.

Damien Paul took six for 20 as the home side, with Christian Davis making a round half century, were bowled out for 133.

But this proved to be enough as new overseas recruit Will Sheridan snared four for 18 and Simon Branston three for 38 as Burton mustered 115 (Scott Sanders 43).

Rushton had few problems getting the better of Stony Stratford as they claimed a six-wicket triumph.

Jake Higginbotham (6-36) and Marc Jackson (4-35) combined to dismiss Stony for 78 and Ben Mansell then hit 44 as the target was reached in the 12th over.

Asim Butt was the star for Peterborough as they thumped Wollaston by 147 runs.

The opener finished unbeaten on 147 and along with Callum French (82no), led the visitors to 239 for two after 50 overs.

Wollaston were never in the hunt in the reply and were dismissed for 128 (Matthew Jones 54) with Lewis Bruce taking four for 24.