Northamptonshire have retained their place in Division One for 2023.

The side currently sit fifth in the table and are mathematically not at risk of falling into the relegation places with one round to play.

“We’re safe and what a feeling it is, it’s fantastic.” Head Coach John Sadler said.

“It’s a credit to the players, the coaching staff, the club and everybody involved because there’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes as well as on the field.

“We’ve got some tired minds and tired bodies around the dressing room, the lads have played a lot of cricket and I can’t fault any of them, they’ve given their all every single day.”

“I’m absolutely delighted and buzzing that we’re staying up.”

This is a historic moment for the club who have never previously avoided relegation from Division One after appearances in 2001, 2004 and 2014.

Sadler spoke to what the feat meant to the playing group.

“Ultimately it’s for the people of the club, the members, the fans, the spectators, the people who are there on the cold days and the dark days.”

“When it’s windy and rainy and there’s a rain break and they’re waiting four hours to see some cricket but they’re still there, it’s for people like that who have a real deep, long and emotional connection with the club that we feel most pleased for.

“It’s everybody connected to this side, young and old that deserve a pat on the back for this year.”

Northamptonshire have defied the expectations of many this summer. Despite only securing victory twice, the side hold the equal highest number of draws with an impressive haul of bonus points.

Sadler believed the approach and attitude of the squad had made them a tough unit to beat this summer.

“We spoke at the start of the year about over a long four days being prepared to win a game off the last ball of the last over in the last session of the last day.

“We embraced that mindset, over the course of four days if you hang in there and compete hard long enough and refuse to be beaten then you’re going to find yourselves in positions to win.”