Justin Broad hit a magnificent 171 as Northamptonshire 2XI piled on the runs on Day 2 against Loughborough UCCE.
Broad played beautifully and smashed 23 boundaries during his 233 ball innings as the 2XI finished the day on 524/9.
The 2XI started the second day 46/0 with George Hargrave and Arush Buchake looking to build on their solid start on Day 1.
It wasn’t the start Buchake had in mind however as he was trapped in front for 15 and had to depart. Justin Broad was in at 3 and immediately got to work on the Loughborough bowlers.
Broad and Hargrave scored brilliantly in the morning session, putting on a 112 run partnership before Hargave was dismissed in the penultimate over before lunch.
Hargrave impressed, scoring 80 with eleven 4s and one 6 from his 115 ball innings.
Justin Broad continued to push into the afternoon session and in the 64th over, Broad brought up his century in 149 deliveries, striking 14 boundaries.
Useful scores from Sales (27), Bopara (42) and Heldreich (26) kept the scoring going alongside Broad who continued to dismiss any opportunities the Loughborough bowlers gave him.
After 301 minutes in the middle, Broad brought up his 150 with 21 boundaries in a show of real determination and class.
Broad shared a 61 run partnership with Michael Finan as the 2XI passed 400, building their lead over the bowling side. It wasn’t until the 99th over where Broad got dismissed, trapped lbw for 171 and departing after a brilliant innings with the 2XI on 459/8.
Tommy Sturgess had a late blitz at the crease and with great impact as he smashed an unbeaten 28 ball half century, including five 6s and three 4s to propel the 2XI past 500.
Sturgess and Russell stayed strong for the last wicket as the 2XI ended the second day 524/9, leading by 231.