A lively crowd witnessed Grenada take on Northamptonshire Second XI at The County Ground.
The Steelbacks Second XI, under the guidance of stand in head coach David Ripley, powered to victory by 50 runs as all 20 wickets were claimed during an entertaining match at Wantage Road.
There was a fantastic turnout around the ground and the atmosphere built nicely as Caribbean food was served out of the Hevey Suite, a steel drum provided the soundtrack and entry was free for all spectators.
Northamptonshire set a competitive total of 277 in the first innings, as Saif Zaib top scored with a stylish 74.
James Cronie and Gus Miller built a solid foundation before both falling having been caught by Nedd off the bowling of Thomas. Cronie was on the front foot early, lacing four consecutive boundaries through the off side as the Steelbacks flew out of the gate.
Hankins and Zaib secured the majority of the runs with a partnership of 112 that drove Northamptonshire up to their total. Once Hankins was trapped lbw and Zaib was run out, the rest of the middle order fell quickly.
Nathan Buck fired an impressive 43 off just 26 balls to give the Steelbacks a final push, his swashbuckling knock including five sixes as he sent the ball to all parts of Wantage Road.
The chase got off to a stuttering start as Gowler and Buck bowled Jeremiah and Cato for 15 and 8 respectively.
Fletcher and Nedd entered the middle and formed Grenada’s most productive partnership – both players striking the ball impressively to add 93 runs to their total.
When Northamptonshire Academy bowler George Weldon took the valuable wicket of Fletcher, the momentum of Grenada’s chase slowed.
Northamptonshire’s bowlers found their form and Heldreich, Buck and Zaib all took quick wickets to move closer to victory.
17-year-old Academy prospect George Weldon took two further wickets with Nathan Buck securing victory for Northamptonshire win by 50 runs.