Wakely salutes centurions as Northants secure draw at Gloucestershire

Skipper Alex Wakely hailed the spirit shown by centurions Rob Newton and Steven Crook as Northants secured a draw at Gloucestershire.
Rob Newton hit a hundred for Northants at Gloucestershire (picture: Kirsty Edmonds)Rob Newton hit a hundred for Northants at Gloucestershire (picture: Kirsty Edmonds)
Rob Newton hit a hundred for Northants at Gloucestershire (picture: Kirsty Edmonds)

Newton hit 108 and Crook, who made 60 in his side’s first innings 176 all out, was unbeaten on 103 as the County ensured they would not be beaten on the final day at Bristol.

Northants had gone into the final day on 120 for three, 122 runs behind, knowing they faced an uphill task to avoid defeat.

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But Newton dug in and Crook then showed his skill as he kept the innings together to frustrate the home side.

“It was really pleasing to see us bat with so much spirit today,” said Wakely.

“Rob Newton played superbly and Steven Crook produced exactly the type of innings we needed.

“A draw feels like a small victory from the position we were in. But we cannot forget that we again batted poorly in our first innings, giving wickets away through poor shots.

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“Chris Dent and Michael Klinger showed for Gloucestershire the benefits of playing late and not pushing at the ball.

“We need to learn from that because we are nicking too many catches behind the wicket.”