Week Ten Round Up – 11th July 2026

Another scorching week in Northamptonshire marked the beginning of the second half of the season. After last week’s tough results, all three teams were looking for change in fortunes and were boosted in the week with the addition of four new players joining the ranks, all of whom made their debuts in the 2nds or 3rds. 

The 2nds hosted Cublington at home. Things didn’t get off to the best start as usual captain Matt Lemon got stuck at Luton Airport and couldn’t make the start time. Step forward James Stopps, who filled Lemon’s shoes and Haidar’s borrowed playing top. Unfortunately, the events of the morning meant no live stream or photographic evidence was taken, but take our word for it – it was the definition of skin tight. 

Bowling first, the hosts made a great start with Deepak Sahagal, freshly signed this week,  taking a wicket in his first over with a vicious yorker. Brackley picked up another wicket thanks to Chris Roshan, leaving the visitors 7-2. However, a steady partnership then ensued as Cublington found the gaps in the field to move past 50. A clever tactical move from stand in captain, Matt Lowe, saw a change of bowling the over before drinks. Having not been given any freebies from Sahagal, the Cublington batter couldn’t believe his eyes when he was given a bit of flight. Unfortunately for him, he hit the ball straight to Sajith in the deep and it was 3 down at drinks. 

Brackley continued to battle after the break and had further success as Cublington were reduced to 104-6 and then 115-7. However, a lower order fightback, combined with the gruelling heat allowed the visitors to reach 164 before being bowled out. A great effort with the ball from the home side in the conditions.

Further misfortune greeted the home side at the tea break as stand in captain, Matt, had to leave the ground to have a family trip to the emergency dentist (we hope everything is ok). A rejigged batting order saw Sajith Reddy and Senthil open the innings, with Sajith playing with typical flair for his 29. Cublington worked hard for their wickets, appealing for anything that looked close to pads, bat and sometimes just thin air, especially from long off, long on and personal favourite, deep midwicket. 

Sahagal, having impressed with the ball, also impressed with the bat. Batting at three, he made a well constructed 40 which included a six into the clubhouse. However, when he fell with the score 94, it started a stream of regular wickets  as Brackley were bowled out for 113. Not the result we wanted, but some impressive personal performances and certainly a bit of a boost going into the rest of the season. 

The 3rds travelled to Old Bradwell New City. Having had a good game against the same opposition in the first week of league, Brackley batted looking to post a big total. At 41-1, things looked promising but regular wickets then followed. Jack Banham and Rajen Mistry both scored 24 as Brackley reached 134 all out. 

The Old Bradwell innings was full of drama, with momentum swinging both ways. Brackley made a great start and were confident of a positive result with the hosts on 43-6. A partnership of 60 then swung the momentum back in Old Bradwell’s favour as they chased down the total. With only 28 runs needed with 4 wickets remaining, it looked like theirs to lose. However, debutant Richard Bloomfield had other ideas with two quick wickets. 109-8.  Advantage Brackley? Maybe not. Another partnership helped Cublington reach 134-8, needing one more run to win. Surely it was game over? Maybe not. 

Step forward Bloomfield, who took the last two wickets for no runs as Old Bradwell were also bowled out for 134. A tied game full of drama and excitement for all involved. 

The 1sts travelled to Leighton Buzzard, and were asked to bowl first. They made a great start, taking 3 wickets for only 13 runs as Josh Markham continued his good form. Further wickets fell as Markham (4-32), Josh Rowland (2-61) and Doug Smith (1-19) reduced Buzzard to 118-6. However, a lower order fightback gathered momentum as further wickets were hard to come by. Buzzard eventually batted out their 53 overs, reaching 224-8.

Brackley’s batting innings didn’t go to plan. Josh Rowland played well for 66, but with only two other players making double figures, it was always going to be a tough ask. Brackley were bowled out for 136. A couple of tricky weeks for the 1sts, but a great chance to make amends at home next week.