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Articles by Dan Balliston
Steelbacks Women Match Preview: Herefordshire
Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women begin their Vitality T20 County Cup campaign on Sunday as they host Herefordshire Women at The County Ground. After kicking off their season with a victory in the One Day Cup over Kent Women earlier in the month, David Ripley’s side are looking to start strongly in both formats by putting themselves in the hat for the next round of the County Cup.
Northamptonshire And Middlesex Draw On Final Day
Northamptonshire drew with Middlesex on the final day after Sam Robson hit a determined 162 to defy the Northamptonshire bowlers. Robson batted for over six hours, showing great patience as he waited to put the bad ball away, stroking 21 boundaries all around the wicket. He and Max Holden (86) had resumed this morning with Middlesex on 109 for one and a slim lead of 41 as they looked to make the game safe.
McSweeney And Sales Share Fruitful Partnership On Second Day
Nathan McSweeney and James Sales combined in a commanding unbeaten century partnership to put Northamptonshire firmly back in contention at the close of day two of this Rothesay County Championship match against Middlesex at Wantage Road. https://youtu.be/28wD5mcAEY0 Australian international McSweeney hit a sparkling 87, while Sales struck 78, including 16 boundaries, as the pair helped the hosts recover after losing early wickets, adding 131 off 177 balls.
Bowlers Work Hard On Even First Day
Ben Sanderson took three wickets as he and Harry Conway struck with the new ball before a Middlesex fightback left the first day evenly poised. Zafar Gohar and Joe Cracknell both hit unbeaten sixties in an enterprising seventh wicket stand of 120 to prevent Middlesex from being bowled out cheaply on day one of this Rothesay County Championship encounter at Wantage Road.
Warwickshire 2XI Complete Chase On Final Day
Warwickshire 2XI chased down 74 on the final day to beat Northamptonshire 2XI by eight wickets. Having battled with tricky conditions and unfortunate weather throughout the first three days, Northamptonshire were sat at 162/4 and ten runs ahead going into today, with Broad and van der Merwe at the crease on 69 and 34 respectively. The pair added just seven runs in the morning before Broad was caught at slip for a well-made 74 off the bowling of the threatening Simmonds.
Northamptonshire Match Preview: Middlesex
Northamptonshire return to The County Ground after a week on the road as they welcome Middlesex for the third game of the County Championship season. After a fantastic effort in Canterbury last week, where only the rain stopped Northamptonshire from securing an innings victory over Kent, Darren Lehmann’s side are back at home with plenty of positives with bat and ball to take. Northamptonshire sit 4th in Division 2 with 28 points.
Broad And Van Der Merwe In The Runs But Weather Dominates Day 3
Justin Broad and Stuart van der Merwe shared a productive partnership but more rain dented Northamptonshire 2XI’s chance to set a score on Day 3 against Warwickshire 2XI. With the final two hours of play cut short due to weather yesterday evening, Louis Kimber and Rob Keogh looked to set Northamptonshire on their way to a big second innings score. The pair added 17 before Keogh was caught at slip for 15 by Jani off the bowling of Trodd, leaving the visitors 43/3.
Guthrie Takes Five Wickets As Rain Affects Day 2
Liam Guthrie starred with the ball for Northamptonshire 2XI, taking five wickets as Northamptonshire and Warwickshire 2XI played out an entertaining, albeit rain-affected day at Edgbaston Community Sports Ground. Resuming on 165/4 overnight, trailing by 22 and with Malik playing fluently on 66, Guthrie claimed the scalp of Dandy, feathering behind to Alex Corbett behind the stumps to leave Warwickshire 169/5.
Steelbacks Women Match Preview: Kent
Northamptonshire Steelbacks Women get their season underway as they host Kent Women in the opening match of the Metro Bank One Day Cup. After reaching the semi finals of this tournament in an impressive 2025, David Ripley’s team will be looking to earn some silverware in the 50 over format. Wicket-keeper Chloe Hill has signed permanently after a loan spell from Worcestershire and will be available alongside Liz Russell. The experienced bowler is in line to make her Steelbacks Women debut.
Top Three All Hit Centuries As Northamptonshire Enjoy Memorable First Day
Northamptonshire’s top three batters all hit centuries as they battered Kent on day one of their Rothesay County Championship Division Two match at Canterbury, posting 409 for one. Openers Ricardo Vasconcelos and Luke Proctor hit 127 and 131 not out respectively, as part of a record-breaking stand of 224 for the visitors against Kent – and when the partnership was finally broken, Calvin Harrison blazed an unbeaten 124.
Northamptonshire Match Preview: Kent (A)
Northamptonshire are on the road for the first time this season as they travel to Canterbury to take on Kent in search of their first win. After a thrilling and unlikely draw against Lancashire last weekend, where George Bartlett batted heroically for four and a half hours in the Easter Monday sun to defy a James Anderson led Red Rose, Darren Lehmann’s side turn their attention to Kent.
Brilliant Bartlett Secures Draw On Day 4
George Bartlett defied a vintage bowling performance from Lancashire captain Sir Jimmy Anderson (3-45) to secure an unlikely, but hard-earned draw for Northamptonshire with a valiant, rearguard 95 (197 balls, 12 fours) on day four of this Rothesay County Championship match at Wantage Road. In a tense final session with a packed infield, Anderson claimed his 400th first-class wicket for the Red Rose as Northamptonshire slumped to 181 for nine chasing a notional 321 to win.
Northamptonshire Fight Back To Set Up Intriguing Final Day
Northamptonshire’s Australian quick bowler Harry Conway claimed four wickets for 38, including three in one over, on a dramatic third day of this Rothesay County Championship match against Lancashire at Wantage Road. Bowling aggressively and finding plenty of bounce and movement, the tall Australian’s initial burst either side of lunch helped reduce Lancashire to 18 for four and while Luke Wells made 40, no top-order batter looked comfortable, leg-spinner Calvin Harrison also claiming 4 for 55.
Northamptonshire Match Preview: Lancashire
Northamptonshire kick off their Rothesay County Championship season at Wantage Road as they take on Lancashire. After a productive pre-season concluded against Cardiff UCCE on Monday, Darren Lehmann’s side open their competitive campaign on Friday against the Red Rose with nearly a fully fit squad to select from. Justin Broad misses out with a small back problem.
Warm-Up Match Ends In Draw
Northamptonshire and Cardiff UCCE played out a productive draw on Day 3 in the final act before the County Championship season begins. After a heavily rain affected second day, the away side resumed on 186-4 and added 29 runs before a James Sales beauty took Joe Willis’ off stump, one short of his half century.
Rain Spoils Progress On Day 2
Rain was ultimately victorious on Day Two at Wantage Road with only two hours of cricket played between Northamptonshire and Cardiff UCCE. After an hour’s burst with the ball yesterday evening, Dom Leech and Liam Guthrie resumed under cloudy skies today with the former taking an early scalp, bowling Crofton Keyes to leave Cardiff 52-2. Reeve Evitts’ half-century slowed the bowler’s momentum, however, as he and Henry Hurle put on 59 in an impressive stand.
Bartlett Impresses On First Day
George Bartlett struck an unbeaten 88 as both teams batted on a productive first day between Northamptonshire and Cardiff UCCE. Northamptonshire batted first at a breezy Wantage Road and looked to survive an impressive opening burst by Caniston Gunaratnam and Joe Davies who made notable use of some helpful conditions early on. Gus Miller and Ricardo Vasconcelos were removed early and when Calvin Harrison was caught behind off Gunaratnam, the home side were 32-3.
Northamptonshire Match Preview: Cardiff UCCE
Northamptonshire return to action at Wantage Road for the first time in 2026 as they take on Cardiff UCCE in their final piece of preparation before the domestic season gets underway next Friday against Lancashire. After five months of pre-season both in the county and overseas, Darren Lehmann’s side are back at home for a three-day fixture beginning on Saturday. Lehmann has announced a thirteen man squad with all players given the opportunity to bat or bowl throughout the match.
Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and cinch Strengthen Partnership Ahead of 2026
Following a hugely successful initial four years of working together, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club is delighted to announce an expansion of its partnership with cinch ahead of the 2026 season. As part of the enhanced agreement, cinch branding will now feature on the Men’s training and travel apparel. This development marks the next chapter in an already thriving relationship.
Northamptonshire Squad Take Part In Charity Challenge
Ahead of the upcoming season, members of the Northamptonshire first-team men’s squad are participating in a charity fundraising challenge. Four teams led by James Sales, Justin Broad, Dom Leech and Saif Zaib have been tasked with fundraising for a charity of each team’s choice. The four charities selected are Breast Friends Northamptonshire, The Brain Tumour Charity, Kelly’s Heroes and Delapre Abbey Preservation Trust.
Domestic Fixtures Announced for 2026
The ECB have confirmed domestic fixtures for the 2026 season with Northamptonshire beginning the campaign at The County Ground against Lancashire on 3rd April. The opening match on the road for Darren Lehmann’s side is a trip to Kent on the following weekend.
Northamptonshire Match Preview: Leicestershire
Northamptonshire take to the field for the final time in the 2025 season as they host Division 2 champions, Leicestershire, at Wantage Road in the Rothesay County Championship. In a season dominated by the thoroughly entertaining run to Vitality Blast Finals Day, Northamptonshire’s 4-day season has been one of inconsistency.
Steelbacks Finals Day Preview: Hampshire Hawks
Northamptonshire Steelbacks arrive at Edgbaston for the greatest day in the domestic cricket calendar. After a memorable performance and result at The Oval last week, Darren Lehmann’s side qualified for T20 Vitality Blast Finals Day in style. In all formats this summer, it has been the Vitality Blast that has captured the attention of the county, with thrilling performances and victories littered across the summer.
FA Cup - The Courier Online
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Dan Balliston - The Courier Online
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Coventry revolutionising the FA Cup or a one-off memory?
The midlands took centre stage of the curtain-raiser as championship side Coventry City, made the short trip to Wolverhampton in what looked to be an ideal route to Wembley for Gary O’Neill’s high-flying Wolves. This opening tie would set the tone for a top-flight derby of the takeovers, with the Saudi Arabian Newcastle United travelling to Manchester City, the flag-bearers for Arabian owners.
Diallo delight - United and Chelsea restore the old guard
On a day that would end in sensational style at Old Trafford, Sunday kicked off at Stamford Bridge, playing host to a seemingly straight-forward Chelsea victory over Leicester City, 2-0 to the good, thanks to goals from Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer. Championship high-flyers, Leicester, had started well but had been exposed by Chelsea’s firepower and the Blues were forty-five minutes from their second domestic semi-final of the season.
Five games from Wembley- Newcastle Uni AFC progressing against the odds
Newcastle University pride themselves on their sport and its football first team have risen to the top of the Northern BUCS league in what is turning out to be a memorable campaign for the very best of the pool of Newcastle University footballers.
End of an era - Tired England exits World Cup with a whimper
England’s defeat to Australia last Saturday followed the five defeats that the Three Lions have suffered in just one month of fifty-over cricket. Six losses in thirty-four games preceded this tournament, and against the very same set of opponents, Matthew Mott’s team have equalled that number of defeats in just seven matches.
Premier League Predictions: Who will claim top spot in 2024?
The day the world has been waiting for since May has finally come: Premier League football is back, and we couldn't be happier for it. As the 31st season of the world's finest football gets underway, The Courier's new sport editorial team has dusted off the crystal balls to have a crack at predicting the campaign's outcome.
The Hundred maintains the old and captures the new as cricket has a new love affair
The Hundred returned for its third season in the English domestic cricket calendar and this year’s tournament for both men and women looks to have finally put the Hundred in the conversation amongst the top tier domestic competitions in cricket. Since its establishment in 2021, it attempted to capture a new audience through subtle alterations of the rules, between innings entertainment and a new wave of current players and television personalities simplifying the commentary.
Gunners look to fire past Haaland's unbeatables
Image: Twitter @FabrizioRomano Offer an Arsenal fan a Premier League title showdown away at Manchester City at the end of April back in August 2022 and every one of them will snap your hand off. As the Gunners prepare for their biggest game since the Arsene Wenger era, they find themselves in the title race for the first time in over a decade.
Emphatic England crush sorry Black Caps
Image Credit: Twitter @IndySport England produced yet another masterclass with bat and ball as they convincingly eased past New Zealand in just three and a half days of cricket. After losing the toss and being put into bat, Ben Duckett was the pick of the England batsman as he looked in supreme touch, effortlessly scoring eighty-four from sixty-eight balls.
'BazBall' returns as England look to do the double over New Zealand
Image: Twitter @YaariSports Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum are looking to become the fastest captain and coach to pick up ten test match victories as they travel to New Zealand to face the side that were the first team to fall victim to the new rage of cricket: ‘Bazball.’ Whilst this term has now turned into a satirical jest, disliked by McCullum, and joked about by players and pundits, the style of cricket that it refers to has revolutionised test cricket and seems to overcome every hurdle...
Eagles are the bogey of Casemiro as he lets United down again
Image: Twitter @OrangeMentosSzn Casemiro’s red card during Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace once again highlighted the fickle nature of football. Three weeks ago, a Casemiro-inspired United overcame arch-rivals, Manchester City, in a thrilling victory that saw the Red Devils enter the title race for the first time this season. The Brazilian then even further endeared himself to the Old Trafford faithful has he netted twice to break down a stubborn Reading side in the FA Cup.
Magnificent Magpies soar to Wembley for a 1999 League Cup Final replay
Image: Twitter @vocketfc One of the biggest clubs in England, Newcastle United, are back in the big time and where they belong. A world class stadium and loyal fanbase has been combined with an expensive Saudi Arabian takeover and it has taken just over one year for the Magpies to reach their first major domestic tournament final since 1999.
England defeat Pakistan to become World Champions
Image: Twitter @Shoaibahmadktk England overcame Pakistan in a raucous atmosphere in Melbourne as the 2019 World Cup winners became only the second country to hold both the ODI and T20I world titles. After progressing through the semi-finals earlier in the week, Pakistan packed out the 90,000 capacity Melbourne Cricket Ground to face off against the tournament favourites and form side, England.
Man United's Antony - admirable or arrogant?
Why is football called the ‘beautiful game’? There are countless examples and explanations that have given this great game its nickname. Diego Maradona, Pele, and Lionel Messi all are players that have made an entire population understand and appreciate this sport with their wonderful flair and mesmeric ability. Fans around the world cherish moments of pure genius and obscenity, so why has showboating in football gained such a negative reputation and is it good for the game?
England batting for glory down under
Image Credit: Twitter @TNEchoSport As the second T20 Cricket World Cup in as many years has come around, fans around the world are set for yet another tournament of big hitting, fast bowling and, of course, a sprinkle of unexpected genius and drama along the way. This year, the hosts Australia are the widely received favourites to go all the way. They were the team who lifted this exact trophy nearly twelve months ago and have only strengthened what was an already strong squad of players.
'Too many slip-ups' - Gerrard sacked by Aston Villa
Image: Twitter @CBSSportsGolazo Steven Gerrard was sacked by Aston Villa just forty minutes after their dismal 3-0 defeat at the hands of Fulham after exactly eleven months in charge; thus becoming the forty-third manager to leave Aston Villa after being founded in 1874.
Is there a changing of the guard, in the Spanish side?
Image credit: Wikimedia Commons David de Gea has been a stalwart for Manchester United and Spain since 2012 and looks to be hitting close to his best form in a United shirt. Why, then, has de Gea been left out of the Spain squad for this winter’s World Cup?
England's World Cup dreams dampened by shock loss to Ireland
Image Credit: PNBS_India England’s Cricket World Cup campaign so far has been rather difficult to assess. It was initially looking positive after they blew Afghanistan’s batting line-up away in their opening match, bowling them out for just 112, with Sam Curran becoming the first England player to take five wickets in a T20I match, thus setting England’s in-form batsmen up to comprehensively chase down a below-par target set by their opponents.
Qatar World Cup - What's different?
‘Jules Rimet ’still gleaming, ‘thirty years’ of hurt. A line chorused by an entire nation as World Cup fever sweeps the nation once more. The most contagious fever of them all, it is simply impossible to avoid the tides of passionate England supporters backing their players to the end. This time, though, as another Football World Cup looms, it feels rather different. Firstly, this is the first ever winter World Cup in the tournament’s 92-year-old history.
A sobering day for football: Brighton's Mwepu forced to retire
Image: Twitter @RichieMills2 Brighton midfielder Enock Mwepu has tragically been forced to retire aged 24 after being diagnosed with a hereditary heart condition. "Chambishi to the Premier League. Your dream came true.
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