When Yorkshirewoman Lynn Hill founded the first Clandestine Cake Club three years ago, few could have imagined it would turn into a national culinary phenomenon.

But within that time the idea of eating cake together with fellow foodies, while sharing recipes and tips as well as general chit-chat, caught on and the past-time spread like...a particularly runny icing.

Today there are 169 clubs which hold regular meetings across the country, including the Northampton & District group which was founded last year by Gillian Tarry of Higham Ferrers.

Lynn Hill has just published The Clandestine Cake Club Cookbook and three of the Northampton group’s members, namely Gillian Tarry, Carmela Hayes, from Wootton and Vanessa Kimbell, from Pitsford, have had their recipes picked from a national selection for inclusion in the book.

Carmela said: “We meet once a month at a different ‘secret’ location that gets disclosed three days before the event. We are given a theme which could be vegetables, chocolate, fruit cake or something like that and we will take along a cake with that theme. We have tea and share cakes, we have given some to hospices before, if there is no fresh cream. We had one club at Cynthia Spencer Hospice which was really good.”

The local recipes in the new book include Carmela’s fresh cream and amaretto cake and another dark chocolate and amaretto cake and Vanessa’s cardamom, rose and rhubarb cake.

Gillian’s recipes include a lemon, parsnip and hazelnut cake and a sweet potato and pecan cake. But how did the idea of putting lemons and parsnips together come about?

She said: “I had to make it two or three times to get it right but everyone who has tried it seems to like it. I had a cake recipe which included beetroot and thought, if beetroot works then why not other vegetables? Parsnips are quite sweet so I had to think of something else to go with it. There is ginger in there for warmth and the lemon cuts through the sweetness.”

The Northampton and District club alone has more than 70 members, with most meetings attended by about 20.

Gillian said: “Home baking is absolutely huge. I don’t think anyone ever refuses a piece of cake. A lot of cakes we associate with good times such as birthdays, so baking is a special thing to do. I have always been a home cook and baked for my family. I would say one tip for other people would be not to be too frightened of baking, they should give themselves time and really enjoy it.”

Members of the club include those who simply bake for fun as well as food bloggers, cookery tutors and even professional cake bakers.

Best known for her cupcake company Angelina Cupcake, in Towcester, Julie Elliott is one of the members...even though the cakes made for the club are not allowed to be cupcakes.

Julie said: “I just have a passion for cake really and anything cake related.”

The Clandestine Cake Club Cookbook is now available in bookshops, priced £20. To find out where the local meetings will next be held see clandestinecakeclub.co.uk or write to northamptonccc@gmail.com

A suspected fuel thief, who typically wears a ‘bodywarmer’, has been charged with a series of ‘bilking’ offences in Northampton.

Police revealed a 26-year-old man from Kettering has today been arrested and charged with a series of fuel thefts from petrol stations across Northampton.

He has been charged with making off without payment, driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

Detectives have been investigating the thefts, between November 30 last year and January 30, this year.

During the thefts, a man usually drives to petrol stations and discreetly inserts the fuel nozzle into a container in the back seat, which he then fills up and then drives off without paying.

So far officers have connected a series of at least 12 thefts of petrol, eight thefts of diesel.

The thefts have been recorded at Morrisons, in Kettering Road, the BP, in Harborough Road, and the BP garage, in Abington Avenue.

He is set to appear at Northampton Magistrates’ Court this week.

The old cliché about a good team proving their worth by winning when not playing their best has been very well used in the past two Northampton Town matches.

Against Plymouth the Cobblers were some way short of the kind of performance level they are capable of producing, and against Bristol Rovers even further away from it.

They generated almost nothing in open play in terms of attacking opportunites - neither did Rovers, it has to be said, although they were marginally better in possession.

But what this current team has is an exceptional ability when they do not have the ball, especially at home.

Defensively they were as solid as they have been all season.

Clarke Carlisle, who has had his critics, and who Aidy Boothroyd admitted looked like he ‘had his boots on the wrong feet’ in the Plymouth game, was very good and Lee Collins’ ongoing soundness at left-back means Joe Widdowson has not been missed during his suspension.

As well as their first-rate defence, the other reason for the win was the one cited by Boothroyd after the match – an ability to cause problems at set-pieces.

Steve Mildenhall in the Rovers goal had the measure of the inswinging corner, taking cross after cross even with Clive Platt breathing down his neck.

He was in no mood to make the kind of mistake Jake Cole did for Plymouth in the previous match and it was clear John Ward had done his homework in that area.

With the current Northampton side, though, teams have to deal with substantially more balls into the box than they do from other teams because of the Ben Tozer throw.

While defending corners can be practised to the nth degree in training (because the ball is always coming from the same place), the throw can come from a wide variety of angles.

It is a vital weapon.

On countless occasions in football, and especially at the lower levels, teams profit from their ability at the set-piece.

Lots of games in the past two seasons have seen Northampton compete strongly in matches only to be undone by a corner or a free-kick (think Adam Barrett).

So they have mastered that element of the game and they also seem to be well tuned in to the knack all good sides have of winning games when not playing well.

In the past two matches, the team has collected six points from 180 minutes of football that barely merited mention never mind league victory.

A 46-game season is a grind and the Cobblers are really grinding the wins out now.

Who knows where such attributes will take them this season...

Player ratings

LEE NICHOLLS

Kicking slightly off but that may have been down to the conditions. Everything else spot on ...7

BEN TOZER

No negatives at all in general play and the throw is a key piece of the team’s attacking armoury ...8

CLARKE CARLISLE

Quite possibly the best game of his second spell at the club, a vast improvement on Saturday ...8

KELVIN LANGMEAD

Wrongly awarded the goal initially but will have been happy just to collect another clean sheet ...8

LEE COLLINS

Has added steel and spite to the backline, never panics and always recovers position when he has to ...8

JAKE ROBINSON

Will look back on this game as an opportunity lost. Never really involved in the game for a long spell ...5

LEWIS HORNBY

Struggled against opponents who pressed him and was often ponderous in possession ...5

BEN HARDING

Superb technique for the goal and competed well with his opposite number on a tricky night ...6

ROY O’DONOVAN

As with Robinson, found himself isolated out wide and didn’t leave an impression on the match ...5

CLIVE PLATT

Several moments of good link-up play but faded in the second half with Akinfenwa off injured ...5

ADEBAYO AKINFENWA

Unfairly penalised for fouls – as usual – and Town’s attacking threat definitely diluted when he was substituted ...5

Substitutes:

ISHMEL DEMONTAGNAC (for Akinfenwa, 46mins)

More of the sublime than the ridiculous on this occasion and actually defended pretty well ...6

LUKE GUTTRIDGE (for Robinson, 72mins)

Added a little spice and snap to midfield, giving the team some momentum towards the end ...6

JOHN JOHNSON (for Platt, 90+2mins)

Not used: Snedker, Dias, Oyeleke

CCTV images of a man wanted in connection with two armed robberies in Northamptonshire have been released by police.

The image on the left shows an armed robbery in progress at the Cottage Stores and Post Office, in High Street, Potterspury on New Year’s Eve, last year.

Detectives are trying to identify the man in the floppy hat.

The second image, on the right, relates to another armed robbery a week earlier, on Christmas Eve, at the Premier Stores, in Towcester Road, Old Stratford.

Police want to identify the man wearing the hat with tassles.

In the Old Stratford robbery a hammer was used and a member of staff suffered minor injuries.

The robberies have been linked by detectives with two further offences in Milton Keynes.

PC Cheryl Thompson, of the Serious and Organised Crime Team, said: “These were two very serious armed robberies, whereby the offenders used weapons to assault staff working at the shop before making off with cigarettes and cash.

“It is likely that the cigarettes have been sold in the Thames Valley and Northamptonshire area.

“There were another two offences committed in the Milton Keynes area at the start of January which we are linking to those in Northamptonshire.”

Police have appealed for help in tracing a man who has been missing for more than a fortnight.

Peter Drinkwater has been missing from the area of Harpole since February 11.

Mr Drinkwater, aged 67, was last seen at the Turnpike Inn hotel and restaurant on the A45 at Harpole.

He is 5ft 5ins, of slight build, with straight, short, grey hair.

A police spokesman said: “When he was reported missing, he was wearing an olive-coloured winter jacket, dark trousers and a dark-coloured beanie hat.

“We are concerned for Mr Drinkwater’s welfare as his disappearance is out of character and he has now been missing for more than a fortnight.”

“Dis...aaaaabbblleed,” Nigel Holland said out loud, elongating the last two syllables and putting on an artificially sympathetic voice.

Nigel hates when people say that word in that way.

Technically, he and his 10-year-old daughter Ellie are disabled. They have Charcot-Marie-Tooth, an inherited disease that means the nerves don’t tell the muscles what to do. But that does not mean they can be written-off from doing exciting things.

It was a little over a year ago when Wellingborough web developer Nigel Holland set out to prove to his daughter that anything is possible.

With his 50th birthday looming, he set himself the challenge of completing 50 tasks before he reached this milestone age.

And the story has now been told in book form as Nigel today publishes The 50 List: A father’s heartfelt message to his daughter.

Nigel said: “It was October 2011 when someone said to me, you are going to be 50 next year. I thought ‘I don’t mind getting old but I refuse to grow up’. I thought ‘I have to celebrate the 50th and decided to do 50 things to mark it’. I thought that would be a great way to inspire Ellie.”

Nigel, who is married to Lisa and also father to 13-year-old Amy and 15-year-old Matthew, said: “I was the first one in my family to have this condition, it was like a mutant gene and there was always the chance I could pass it on to one of my children. I was diagnosed at four years old.

“The nerves aren’t telling the muscles what to do and that results in weakness of the muscles in the extremities. In my case it affects my legs and below my knees I can’t move anything. It doesn’t affect my shoulders and chest muscles. My throat sounds like I have a bad cold, but only one of my vocal cords works.

“I hate the term disabled, especially when people say the second syllable in a sympathetic way. I like to think everyone has a disability in different forms. Mine is a wheelchair, my wife has to wear glasses. It is all about attitude.”

The challenges on The 50 List range from the everyday to the extraordinary, including such tasks as learning to make a creme brulee, and visiting the capital cities of Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, to indoor skydiving, dragster racing at Santa Pod, driving at Rockingham Race Circuit, hot air ballooning, zorbing, indoor skiing and completing a 1,000-piece jigsaw puzzle.

Nigel, who is also a press photographer at Santa Pod, said: “Ellie wouldn’t want to get into a dragster like I did, but I’m an adrenalin junkie. When people hear you are a wheelchair user and an adrenalin junkie, they can’t see the two going together. I love excitement but Ellie is not me and I do not expect any of my children to do the things I have done. But what I hope is that they will seize every opportunity that comes their way.”

Nigel explained: “Making a creme brulee, that is one of the best desserts you can eat and that was one of the things I wanted to do, but there are things on the list for everyone, things I wanted to do, things I wanted to try again.”

Out of all the items on his list, indoor skydiving in Milton Keynes was Nigel’s favourite. “It was liberating, it was just the air keeping me up and it was an experience.”

But, bearing in mind the physical nature of some challenges, how easy was the act of arranging the 50 tasks? Nigel said: “With some of the physical things I would have expected to hear the words ‘I’m not sure you will cope with that,’ but I did not come across any discrimination.

“The only problem I had was when I went to give blood as they wanted a letter from my doctor. I had a needle phobia and wanted to get rid of that. They did not want to take the blood from me so I scratched that one out and replaced it with wood turning.”

The book itself also ticks one of Nigel’s 50 challenge boxes. Nigel is happy to have achieved most of the tasks on the agenda and is impressed his daughter Ellie now wants to put together an ‘11 List’ of things she wants to do before her 11th birthday.

He said: “I hope it does inspire more people as life is too short, you only get one go at it so you need to make the best of it. Too many people just sit around thinking about things and what is the point? There is too much arguing, too many wars and battles. Life has to be enjoyed and appreciated.”

Extract from Nigel’s 50 List

1. Do an indoor skydive.

2. Go powerboarding.

3. Take a 4x4 off road.

4. Play the drums.

5. Teach someone to balance on two wheels in a wheelchair.

6. Take part in a half marathon.

7. Make a creme brulee.

8. Be a member of the audience for Top Gear.

9. Take part in the Waendel Walk.

10. Race a Volvo S60 around the Rockingham Race Circuit.

11. Pay a visit to London’s famous Ace Cafe.

12. Sell the Mustang.

13. Encourage someone else with a disability to do one of my extreme 50 List.

14. Swim in the sea after a gap of 30 years.

15. Go scuba diving.

Nigel’s adrenalin junkie side definitely comes out in one passage in his book in which he talks about his day spent driving a Volvo S60.

He wrote: “Being a motor racing fanatic, I could sit and watch most types of motorsport till there’s a winner, however long that takes, but I would always much rather take part.

“So when there was an opportunity to add driving a race car round a circuit to my list of challenges, I obviously jumped at the chance.

“Today was that day, and what a day it’s been! I am buzzing as I write this, and it’s not because I’m parked up close to the washing machine when it’s on a spin cycle. It’s because when I’m driving round a race circuit, I feel so alive.

“Best of all, I was able to forget all about my ‘disability,’ as the car I was lucky enough to drive, a Volvo S60 – courtesy of a great guy called Steve Collett – is one that can be adapted to suit the individual driver.

“In my case, this meant I could brake using the hand controls – something that made driving a great deal easier.

“I couldn’t race anyone else (this was a track day and as that meant members of the public would be involved, it has to be time trials only) but that didn’t mean I couldn’t race myself. In fact, in some ways, that was an even greater thrill because I was racing my own mind, fine-tuning my technique around the corners, improving both the entry and the exit, so that with each successive lap I could shave seconds off my time. And I like to think I did OK; that if I were racing another driver, I’d hold my own. With a little more practice, at any rate. Definitely doing it again.” For a video of the challenges, see www.northantstelegraph.co.uk.

A £5,000 reward has been put up by Northamptonshire Police matching a similat Crimestoppers reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for the murder of Corby businessman David “Les” Ross.

Officers investigating the death of Mr Ross say they are pleased with the response received from the public since his death on Monday, December 17, 2012, but Detective Chief Inspector Martin Kinchin, who is leading the inquiry, said the number of mourners who attended his funeral last week highlighted how only a fraction of people who knew him had so far spoken with the police.

He said: “This is key, because we know that Mr Ross was a private man who did not share the all the details of his life with many people, instead choosing to tell different people about different aspects of his life, his relationships and most importantly his concerns and fears.

“Setting up the Rubix Nightclub took a considerable amount of his time and finances. We know that Les had to borrow money to fulfil his ambition, but it is still unclear whether we have accounted for all his borrowing or whether or not this is related to the fatal assault he suffered.

“As well as the burglary to his home on Friday, December 14, we are aware that at various times in the past he had received threats and occasional damage to his vehicles.”

While detectives are investigating whether the assault might be linked to his involvement in the Rubix club, they are also looking to see if it is linked to his work as a doorman and taxi driver or is linked to a relationship.

DCI Kinchin added: “I hope that this reward will encourage people who know who is responsible for his death, or who know of any issues faced by Les, to come forward.”

Following the case appearing on Crimewatch, officers believe they have traced and eliminated the Nissan Qashqai vehicle seen in CCTV footage at the scene.

But they still believe it is likely that somebody in The Jamb witnessed the attacker entering or leaving the Village Inn Express between 7.30am and 8.15am on December 17.

Anyone with information about the death of Les Ross can contact Northamptonshire Police’s murder incident room on 101, or, on an anonymous basis, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The most incredible and moving story in the 28 years of the Chronicle & Echo Naps Table... that was the case on Saturday surrounding the 33/1 success of Such A Legend for the Go Getters.

The tragic premature loss of Juanita Rogers on Friday left grieving husband Andrew with the task of selecting a horse which would have fitted the psychology of Juanita to the letter, and he had no doubt the Kim Bailey runner fitted the bill exactly.

He said: “There is no way I would have picked that horse in a million years but Juanita would have done.

“When the result came through I was sitting with our daughter Samantha and we laughed and screamed and cried.”

The result pushed Go Getters into fifth place with eight weeks remaining.

The Naps Table club is also a much poorer place this week following the death on Saturday of former tipping champion George Ward (The Viking).

Next Saturday, selections can be made at Doncaster, Kelso and Newbury.

Winter Naps Table

*Denotes non runner switched to race favourite

Manor Mayhem L’Unique +36.50

King’s Head Utd FORGOTTEN VOICE (9/2) +28.90

Bugbrooke Badgers Oh Crick +26.50

Growly Bears Wyck Hill +25.13

Go Getters SUCH A LEGEND (33/1) +19.88

Dave’s Doublers Renard +19.82

Nag Nappers OPENING BATSMAN (12/1) +17.50

Trinity Old Boys Brick Red +16.25

Got Potential Hollow Penny +15.00

Spinaclean OPENING BATSMAN (12/1) +15.00

Tailor’s Dummies Lac Fontana +14.50

Miracle Workers Cheat The Cheater +13.75

T&S Racing Filbert +13.63

Max Brick Red +12.88

Snowy’s Daughter IRISH SAINT (5/4) +12.39

Riches’ Floretunes VIRGINIA ASH (11/4) +12.00

Warkton Fields Same Difference +11.76

Queen’s Park Snooker Same Difference +11.50

Evertonians Hollow Penny +10.75

Simple Minds Quaddick Lake +10.66

Loco Saints Nacarat +9.63

Shonkies Lad De Blacksmith +9.50

Abington LTC Gormanstown Cuckoo +9.00

S&D Racing Same Difference +9.00

TP Racing Katkeau +8.80

Barley Hill Punters Dunowen Point +8.57

M & B Racing Roberto Goldback +8.25

T&J Club Kaylif Aramis +8.13

Crown And Anchor Renard +7.83

3 Ms GRANDIOSO (9/4) +7.23

Health Matters Quinz +7.00

NCT Racing Rolling Aces +6.83

Postman Pat OPENING BATSMAN (12/1) +6.83

Sons of Black Sam Wyck Hill +6.75

The Nap Hand Partnership Hollo Ladies +6.00

Midland Band Pool Duke Of Lucca +5.88

Wright Nag VIRGINIA ASH (11/4) +5.75

Mr Grumpy Malin Head +5.63

K9 Walkers Same Difference +5.50

Cassandra Same Difference +4.75

Happy Dave Vasco Du Ronceray +4.75

CJ’s Pickles Kaylif Aramis +4.00

Gayton Bill Wyck Hill +4.00

Brinley’s Banker Same Difference +3.53

Blue Diamond Fair Trade +3.40

Moulton Mules Hollo Ladies +3.25

Overstone Caravaners Pay The King +3.05

Not Too Sad Phare Isle +3.00

Phoenix Golf Gormanstown Cuckoo +3.00

Ajay Club OPENING BATSMAN (12/1) +2.90

Diamond Girl Hollow Penny +2.33

Yeoman Boys Beat That +2.15

Mayfield Park God Of The Kop +1.75

Zulu Warriors Quinz +1.75

Plough Inn Everdon Chemistry Master +1.68

Admiral Rodney Quaddick Lake +1.38

Golfing Gourmets Nacarat +1.35

Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid Hollow Penny +1.21

KAB Hollow Penny +1.00

The Wife Can Do Better Kinkeel +1.00

West Haddon Bowls Brick Red +1.00

Duston Con Club Orchard Boy +0.50

Goody Goody GRANDIOSO (9/4) +0.46

B C Magpie GRANDIOSO (9/4) +0.25

Nu Vu Windows Oh Crick -0.50

Towcester Racecourse Phare Isle -0.50

Alcon Renard -0.75

Long Buckby Skittles Summery Justice -1.12

Culworth Red Lion Nacarat -1.25

ACKO God Of The Kop -1.50

The 3 Js Hollo Ladies -1.75

Brixworth Wanderers de La Bech -1.89

Beatnik Beatles God Of The Kop -2.00

Aye Boy IRISH SAINT (5/4) -2.05

Sons Of The Desert Vasco Du Ronceray -2.50

Weekley Saints Orchard Boy -2.58

Abfran Racing Wyck Hill -2.74

Old Hamish Lac Fontana -2.78

Cogenhoe Star Nacarat -2.00

Manor Inn Brackley Duke Of Lucca -3.00

Marron Racers Foster’s Road -3.00

The Uppers Duke Of Lucca -3.12

PWB Racing GRANDIOSO (9/4) -3.50

Cock At Roade Wyck Hill -3.96

Delboy’s Trotters Fair Trade -4.00

Mug Punters BABY SHINE (12/1) -4.00

Sticky Wicket OPENING BATSMAN (12/1) -4.00

Towcester S&SC Dunowen Point -4.25

NIBS Un Bleu A L’Aam -4.36

Racegoers Nacarat -4.40

Roade FC Same Difference -4.50

West Haddon FC Same Difference -5.17

Roade Walkers Whitby Jack -5.50

Cobblers Youth Chris Pea Green -5.74

White Hart Hackleton Molotof -5.87

Barnstaple Nomads Whitby Jack -5.99

Ashington Flyer Captain Americo -6.00

Cripps Social Club de Blacksmith -6.00

Kingsley Park Airgun Phare Isle -6.00

Nick Brown Racing Lac Fontana -6.00

Transco OB God Of The Kop -6.25

Marmalaid Racing Milarrow -6.37

Maori Racing Duke Of Lucca -6.50

Margil Social Duke Of Lucca -6.50

The Wolf Whistler Brick Red -6.50

OXO Wyck Hill -6.75

Chelsea Pensioners Katkeau -7.00

Exiled Geordies Quaddick Lake -7.00

Role On Oh Crick -7.00

Charlie’s Angels God Of The Kop -7.12

Juddies Giants Come Home Quietly -7.37

Rosebery Ramblers Nacarat -7.50

Blisworth Garden Services IRISH SAINT (5/4) -7.80

Trafford Bridge Fan Club Whitby Jack -8.25

Black Symphony Firebird Flyer -8.43

Sywell Flyers Brick Red -8.43

Aardvark Racing Thomas Wild -8.50

The Likely Lads Cock Of The Rock -8.58

Gusto’s Boys de Blacksmith -9.00

Lady G Moorlands Mist -9.00

Trueform Aurora Theatre Guide -9.00

The Boys Same Difference -9.50

Lonesome Dove Kaylif Aramis -10.00

Brendan’s Bookie Bashers Same Difference -10.00

Jaycee Club Same Difference -10.00

Royal Oak Walgrave Un Bleu A L’Aam -10.00

The Yarmouth Vagabonds Hollo Ladies -10.00

Harborough Hamtunes Oh Crick -10.25

Old Sun Heyford Summery Justice -10.25

Rosey Poets Just Basil -11.00

White Horse Silverstone Same Difference -11.00

Girls On Top Nacarat -11.47

Rifle Drum Triangular -11.50

Whistle Blowers Molotof -11.75

We Like Guinness Katkeau -11.92

Bulltree Boys Chestnut Ben -12.00

Earls Barton WMC Rolling Aces -12.00

Nurses Know Better Mister Hyde -12.00

Second Glance Hollow Penny -12.00

Steeleye Ann Courtesy Call -12.00

The Viking King’s Sunset -12.00

Dalepak Social Whitby Jack -12.50

Red Van Man Rolling Aces -12.50

Greens Norton Racers Renard -13.25

Kingfisher AC Roberto Goldback -13.25

Rothwell Cobbler Brick Red -13.25

St Mary’s FC Hollow Penny -13.25

Dawn’s Boys Duke Of Lucca -13.50

Betony Belle Money For Nothing -13.75

Cobblers Le Magnifique Mickelson -13.75

Queen’s Park WMC GRANDIOSO (9/4) -13.75

Holdenby Heroes Nacarat -14.00

Magster Rolling Aces -14.12

Nene Valley Racing Hollow Penny -14.25

Northants Anglers Ravens Brook -15.09

SPA Cock Of The Rock -15.67

Bajan Racing Hector’s Choice -17.00

Baltimore Bullet Ilewin Kim -17.00

Clever Trevor Katkeau -17.00

Ex Equestrian Oh Crick -17.00

Fat Boy Samingarry -17.00

Forza Milan Duke Of Lucca -17.00

Heathens RFC Hollow Penny -17.00

Kingsley FC -17.00

M & N Racing Fair Trade -17.00

Monday Ballroom Hector’s Choice -17.00

OK Coral Zen Factor -17.00

On The Edge Heron Reef -17.00

Only Foals And Horses Same Difference -17.00

Pennies From Brisbane Okafranca -17.00

Steady Aim Hollo Ladies -17.00

The Byrne Syndicate Hollo Ladies -17.00

The N Club Just Basil -17.00

Tomnjack Lucy’s Legend -17.00

Wooldale FC Sablazo -17.00

Ram-raiders have caused thousands of pounds damage after a midnight strike at a well-known garage business in Brixworth.

The gang broke in through a window of Ideal Motors in Northampton Road early today before forcing the roller shutters of the premises partially open using a Volkswagen Lupo car that was due to be exhibited at a show in a few days time.

The Lupo smashed through the shutters damaging a Land Rover Discovery on the other side before the gang then slid two quad bikes and a pit bike under the barrier and escaping.

The quads were an orange and a blue Yamaha 250 Raptor and the pit bike was a black and gold M2R.

The value of the stolen bikes is thought to be at least £6,000, but the damage to the two vehicles and the shutters is likely to send the overall bill into five figures.

Christine Leggett, a partner in the business which has been going since 1972 and specialises in crash repairs, said: “We think there were three people involved and a Ford Transit van may also have been used. The alarm went off, but they had just got away by the time police arrived. We’d obviously like anyone who saw anything suspicious to call the police and help us to recover the stolen bikes.”

Anyone with information can contact Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Northants Thunder senior men clinched the VACARS Division Four Midlands Conference title with three games of the regular season remaining as they eased to a 103-57 win over Birmingham Mets IIs.

They went into Saturday’s game against the Mets second team aware that the visitors had won some recent games and were anxious to stay in contention for the play-offs.

Initially it looked as if Thunder might be in for a tough game but then the home side’s pressure defence and up tempo offensive play proved too much for the West Midlanders.

Thunder went on a 19-4 charge to take a 29-12 lead after the first period of play and it was obvious that Mets would not be able to play at the pace set by Thunder

If the Birmingham team had any chance of getting back into the game they would need to start the second quarter positively but Thunder had other ideas as they went on a 13-1 run and at 42-13 it was virtually game over.

By now Thunder were almost scoring at will with Asher Kirby enjoying his best game of the season with some good perimeter shooting an even a low post score.

To their credit Mets stuck to their task but at half time Thunder had opened up what looked to be an unassailable 57-26 half time lead.

From the very start of the third quarter it obvious to everyone in the large crowd at the Northants Basketball Centre that Mets had expended so much energy trying to cope with the high pace of the game that they were incapable to mounting any real challenge as Thunder just went looking for different ways of scoring as they took the period 24-11 and the only question was, Would Thunder hit the ton?

They did so with a Leome Francis put back but in all honesty the last ten minutes of play were not of a very high quality and was most notable for Met’s guard Jones scoring 16 of his game total of 28 points.

In the 46 points win 10 Thunder players scored led by Leome Francis, Leon Henry, and Asher Kirby who all scored 16 points with good support coming from Jason Tucker with 14 points Jacob Holt with 12 points and Jonny Yates with ten.

Some comments have been made about the recruitment policy of the Northants club in forming their men’s team. It is interesting to note that 12 of the 16 strong squad came from the club’s under age programme or the Moulton College Basketball Academy.

Coaches Yates and Eddon will now be trying to keep their players sharp as the end of season Play-offs approach in the hope the team will be able to secure promotion to Division 3.

Junior Men’s Premier Division North

Northants Thunder 91 Stockport Spartans 66

The Northants junior men picked up their eighth win of the season to consolidate their mid-table position after a completing a double over Stockport Spartans.

Spartans opened the game with two break away lay-ups to go up 4-zero which forced Thunder coach Rob Eddon to call an early timeout and a declaration that we needed to ‘wake up on defence and calm down on offence’.

Thunder went on a 29-10 push with Matt Yates proving to be unstoppable as he scored 16 of his team’s 33 points first quarter points.

Spartans showed glimpses of a revival at the start of the second quarter as they mounted a 12-5 run, with Northants looking very sloppy at both ends of the floor.

Yates and Jack Thomas continued their scoring spree by combining for 13 points, backed up by Kyle Mayes hitting from the outside, and Kamesi Fawehinmi scoring at the rim.

Thanks to a 14-4 run, Thunder managed to edge the quarter 18-16 to take a 51-34 half time lead.

Spartans opened the scoring from the charity stripe in the first minute of the third period of play but then the flood gates opened as Thunder went on a 23-0 run in eight minutes to realistically kill the game.

Luke Lewis scored 12 of teams 23 points in that third quarter, and only a late ‘three’ by Spartans guard Walton, gave them any cause for celebration.

Coach Eddon had rotated his bench throughout the game, but tiredness still kicked in for some Thunder players, and thanks to a combination of this and some experimental tactics, meant that Spartans were able to take the quarter 17-25, to make the final 91-66 score line just a little more respectable.

In the 25 points win Matt Yates was almost unstoppable totaling 35 points including ten of ten free throws.

Good support came from Jack Thomas with an impressive 20 point total while Luke Lewis scored 14 points and as usual, contributed some excellent defence.

Junior Women’s Midlands South-West Conference

Northants Lightning 69 Sporting Club Albion 73

No less than eight of the Lightning players who stepped out on court for this Midlands South-West Conference game had just played for the club’s under 16 team against Herts Warriors.

Lightning were also without leading scorer Izzy Johns who was in action for Titans in the Women’s Trophy Final.

After a tight first period of play which Albion just edged 19-18, the visitors went on a 15-3 rush at the start of the second quarter and it looked as if Lightning might be in for a torrid time but to their credit they rallied and only trailed 32-36 at half time.

Lightning remained resolute in defence but were finding scoring difficult in the third quarter which saw Albion extending their lead by four points to 55-47 going into the last ten minutes of play.

Coach Stacey Shakespeare called for one last massive effort and with eight of her players contributing to the scoring a comeback win looked to be a possibility but Albion held on for the four point victory with the Lightning players covering themselves in glory for the massive effort they had made.

In the 69-73 defeat Steph Ogden top scored for Lightning with an impressive 23 points haul while excellent support came from Rio Blessyn and Amy Boot who scored 13 and 10 points respectively.

The loss sees the team hold on to third place in the Conference table but an away game in the first round of the play-offs now seems to be a distinct possibility.

Cadet Men’s Premier Division North

NEBC Titans 76 Northants Thunder 63

For the second week running NEBC Titans claimed local bragging rights with this 13 points win in the Premier Division derby game.

In all honesty the final score didn’t really reflect the home side’s dominance with Thunder mounting a 22-11 last quarter revival.

A misunderstanding with one of the game referees meant that the game was officiated by just one referee, but in fairness it made little difference to the final score with Titans winning the first three periods of play to go into the fourth quarter leading 65-41.

The game was a contrast in styles with the more athletic Titans employing pressing defences and up tempo offences while Thunder relied on a zone defence and more organised offences.

Titans also had a distinct advantage in the rebounding department scoring from a number of offensive put backs.

In the 13-point defeat Pauli Laurinolli top scored for Thunder with 22 points but he won’t be pleased with his record of missing nine of the 15 free throws he was awarded.

The other main scorers for Thunder were Josh Round and George Paul who scored 12 and 10 points respectively while George Calvey chipped in with 8 points

Cadette Women’s Midland, South-West Conference

Northants Lightning Too 54 Herts Warriors 66

The Northants Cadette women lost a little ground in the battle for supremacy in the Midland South-West Conference.

A win against Warriors last Saturday would have seen the team move into top place but they still look set for a play-off place despite the 12-point defeat.

Lightning Too made a dream start to the game thanks to two three-pointers from Amy Boot but they were then guilty of missing some easy shots and their lead was just one point at 15-14 at the end of the first quarter.

The second period of play saw Lightning Too struggling against some determined and aggressive Warriors defence which restricted them to just six points in the quarter.

Fortunately their own defence was sound with the visitors only scoring 16 points themselves but this meant that Warriors held a nine point half time lead at 30-21.

Coach Stacey Shakespeare’s half time team talk was all about confidence and belief and a switch to a full court trapping zone defence certainly helped her charges to do this.

The pressure on the Warriors guards forced a number of turn overs with Steph Ogden on hand on four occasions to turn them into scores.

Lightning Too convincingly took the period 20-13 to narrow the deficit to 41- 43 and it was ‘game on’.

Lightning Too started the final quarter in the way they had finished the third with Ogden making two steals converting the first for a score then dishing off the second for Lauren Brookes to hit a three point shot.

This gave the Northants girls the lead for the first time since the first quarter and forced Warriors to take a time out.

They re-entered the court in determined mood and far more intensity on defence which restricted the Lightning Too scoring and saw the visitors getting home by a rather flattering 12 points.

For the Northants team Steph Ogden top scored with 16 points while Amy Boot contributed 13 points.

No other Lightning Too player was able to score in double figures but Lauren Brookes and Hannah Nolan battled hard for their eight point hauls and Rio Blessyn was a preverbal rock on defence.

Northants Lightning U-15s 60 Nottingham Wildcats 50

After considerable negotiation between officials of the Northants and Nottingham clubs it was finally agreed to play this much postponed fixture last Friday evening.

The arrangement seemed to suit the Northants girls because they avenged a heavy early season defeat to the delight of a large contingent of parents.

Wildcats were handicapped by playing without their injured leading point scorer but for the under aged Lightning team the win was a notable achievement.

The two teams exchanged scores through a period and a half of play but midway through the second quarter with Wildcats leading 18-12, Lightning were able to ‘up’ their game.

Suddenly their 3-2 match up zone became more aggressive forcing a number of turn overs and scores for Charlotte Berridge and when shots were missed Lauren Milne was frequently on hand to pull down the offensive rebounds.

Lightning went on a 10-2 charge to take the lead before Sarah Round put the icing on the cake with two scores just before half time.

Trailing 26-20, Wildcats came out for the third quarter in determined mood and reduced the deficit to just two points at 28-26 but once again Lightning cut loose with a spectacular 12-3 surge with Berridge and Milne once more to the fore.

Going into the final stanza Lightning fans were concerned that the team would lose its nerve and capitulate to the Wildcats defensive pressure but in the event Round, Eden Brown and Caitlin Stewart handled the pressure with aplomb and although Wildcats won the final quarter 22-20 the final result was never really in doubt as Lightning prevailed by 60 points to 50.

In the 10-point win Charlotte Berridge top scored with 16 points well supported by Sarah Round who scored 12 points.

Special mention should be made of the Lightning ‘bigs’ Lauren Milne and Ruchae ‘DD’ Walton who scored 12 and 13 points respectively and both pulled down double figure rebounds

Northants Lightning U-15s 48 Bristol Storm 31

A day after their wonderful win over Nottingham, the Lightning girls showed the fickleness of sport when they stepped out on court against lowly Bristol Storm a team they had comfortably beaten on two occasions already this season.

Storm came with a game plan and executed it perfectly for the first three quarters of the game.

Defensively they set up in a zone defence and with their superior standing height were guaranteed a lot of rebounding success.

As far as Lightning were concerned they needed to get the ball up court quickly, show patience on offence with lots of ball reversal and shoot the ball well from the perimeter.

In the event they did none of these things, showing lethargy on their break, shooting the ball too quickly and rarely reversing the ball.

As the game went on Storm became more and more confident as shot after shot from Lightning missed the target and they were able to gobble up the rebounds.

Although never much of an offensive threat themselves they were able to stay in touch in low scoring, dour encounter and going into the last quarter the scores were all tied up at a paltry 24 points each.

Drastic situations called for drastic remedies and Lightning coach Karen Goodrich changed her team’s defence to a full court man to man press in the hope of forcing turn overs and so generate easy scores.

The effect was instant with Storm forced out of their comfort zone and when Sarah Round drained two huge three-pointers the Lightning confidence came flooding back.

The Northants girls took the period 24-7 to record what on paper looked to be a comfortable 17 point win but the Lightning players knew differently and their shooting statistics made ugly viewing

For Lightning Sarah Round led the scoring with 14 points while Ruchae Walton and Lauren Milne recorded double-doubles with 13 and 12 points respectively.

The two wins over the weekend move Lightning into third place in the Conference table and the Play-offs becoming more and more a realistic possibility.

Under 15 Boys Midlands Conference

Bromsgrove Bears 26 Northants Thunder 84

The Northants under 15 boys kept their Play Off hopes alive with a comfortable win over bottom of the table Bromsgrove Bears.

From the start of the game it became apparent that Bears would be no match for Thunder who charged out to 19-5 lead after the first quarter despite missing a number of easy scoring opportunities.

Bears started the second quarter in bright mood and with Thunder looking rather complacent the home side put in a 6-zero run.

Stern words from coach Rob Crump and a switch to a pressing defence saw Thunder respond with a 14-zero run of their own, 10 of those points coming from Will Grosvenor.

Thunder continued to dominate the play and by half time had established what looked to be a match winning 48-14 lead.

Their was no let up for Bears in the third and fourth periods of play as Thunder outscored them 22-6 and 19-6 to record an emphatic 84-26 against an inexperienced team who played with determination and never gave up.

In the overwhelming win Will Grosvenor top scored for Thunder with 18 points while Jacob Killeya, and Dan Thacker both scored in double figures.

Coach Crump was pleased with his team’s performance and expressed a hope that they would be able to reproduce the same form when they face a stiffer challenge in the form of Notts Nova this weekend

Under 14 Boys Midlands Conference

Northants Thunder 65 Milton Keynes Lions 88

The Northants under 15 boys slipped to another defeat last Saturday losing by 23 points to Milton Keynes Lions in a strange game which saw a change of fortunes in all four quarters.

Thunder actually won two of the four periods of play but were heavily outscored 28-11 and 34-11 in the first and third quarters and this proved to be decisive.

After losing the first quarter Coach Mickey Paul was able to inspire his team to take the second quarter 15-11 but this meant they were still trailing 39-26 at half time.

If Thunder were to get back into the game they would need a solid third quarter but they lost it 34-11 with Lions scoring almost at will.

To their credit the Thunder boys refused to give in and with Lions relaxing their efforts a little, were able t close the game on a high by winning the final stanza 28-15.

Coach Paul was pleased with his team’s efforts which saw the mercurial David Nieva top score with 38 points with Ayo Oluyede, Hayden Sayers and Reece Zubal all making important contributions.

Under 14 Girls Midland South West Conference

Brentwood Fire 68 Northants Lightning 40

Coach Karen Goodrich took her under 14 girls team to the wilds of Essex to take on Brentwood Fire and returned having seen her charges record a routine 28 points win.

The game plan was simple, try and establish a lead by using the more experienced players then give all the other players ample playing time for the rest of the game.

The game plan worked perfectly with Lightning establishing a 41-15 half time lead with Fire restricted to just four points in the second period of play.

Goodrich’s bench payers responded superbly to the challenge with nine of her 11 players figuring in the scoring which was led by Ruchae Walton with 18 points, the power forward also pulling down 14 rebounds.

Caitlin Stewart score 10 points and Becky Easton, Abbi Hobbs, and Charlotte Price also made useful contributions in what was a very pleasing team performance.

The team currently lie in 3rd place in the Conference table but they will face a much sterner test this Saturday when they take on second place Southend Swifts.

Under 13 Boys Midlands Conference

Bracknell Cobras 84 Northants Thunder 68

With some key players unavailable, Thunder travelled to Bracknell to take on fellow play-off hopefuls Cobras expecting a tough challenge and they certainly got it with the Northants boys ending up on the wrong end of an 84-68 score line.

It was Cobras who had the better of the early exchanges and their pressure defence resulted in a 30-13 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Cobras respected basketball etiquette and stopped pressing once they achieved a 20 point lead and this, combined with Thunder’s tight defence on the Cobras star player, meant that there was little between the two teams for the remainder of the game.

After trailing by 17 points after the opening period Thunder finally lost by 16 points actually winning the second and third periods of play.

Coaches, referees and table officials all commented on the quality of the play and the positive attitude of the Northants team and there was a pleasing spread of scoring amongst the Thunder players with five of them recording double figures.

Zak Kitchen and Laurence Williams both hit 15 points, Jared Ryan hit 14, and Ainsley Reynolds and Ed Wallhead both contributed 10 points.

Other than the team’s excellent work ethic for all 40 minutes of the game, the main highlight was meeting the great Sir Steve Redgrave who turned up to watch his son play in the Cobras Under 15 team.

Thunder’s next game will be the return fixture against Bracknell.

THIS WEEKEND’S ACTION

Saturday, March 2

9.45am: Under 14 Girls versus Southend Swifts

11.30am: Junior Men versus Manchester Magic

1.30pm: Under 15 Boys versus Notts Nova; Under 14 Boys versus Leicester Blaze

3.30pm: Cadet Men versus Trafford’; Under 13 Boys versus Bracknell Cobras

5.30pm: Senior Men versus Leicester Warriors II

These seven games will be played at the Northants Basketball Centre at Northampton School for Girls in

Spinney Hill Road, Northampton. Spectators are welcome and admission is FREE

Other games on Saturday:

Junior Women and Under 15 Girls travel to Bucks Hornets

Sunday, March 3

Junior Men travel to Sheffield All Saints

Cadette Women travel to Bristol Storm

Under 14 Girls travel to Norfolk Incini

The Cobblers’ leading goalscorer Adebayo Akinfenwa and influential winger Chris Hackett will both be available for the trip to Exeter City on Saturday (3pm kick-off).

Akinfenwa was susbtituted at half-time of Tuesday night’s win over Bristol Rovers after landing awkwardly on his hip and sustaining what was essentially a dead leg.

Hackett was not even in the matchday squad for that game, with manager Aidy Boothroyd resting him for the full evening to ensure his freshness for the weekend game at St James’ Park.

Both were excused from full training on Thursday, but will train with the squad on Friday ahead of the trip.

Also available for selection again is Joe Widdowson, who has completed his two-match suspension for 10 bookings and could line up on the left of midfield – as he did at Southend and Wimbledon – with Lee Collins doing well at left-back.

“Two or three months ago I’d have said we can’t leave Joe out of the team and I still can’t really believe that we’ve got him at the club,” said Boothroyd.

“But Lee (Collins) has been rock solid and so there is a decision to make there.

“We’ve got lots of variety in all areas now and we’ll get a couple of players fresh from not playing on Tuesday night.”

One player who will not be travelling is Manny Oyeleke, who has returned to Brentford following the completion of his loan spell at Northampton.

The 20-year-old midfielder made just two appearances for the club, starting the game at Rotherham United and coming on as a substitute at Southend.

Northamptonshire Titans suffered a 51-42 defeat to Bradford Dragons in the final of the Women’s National Trophy.

The National Trophy is a knockout affair for VCARS.co.uk Division Two Women teams, and both Northamptonshire Titans and Bradford Dragons had won three games to reach this stage.

Titans defeated Solent Suns, Mansfield Giants and Birmingham Mets to reach this stage whereas Dragons defeated Sunderland City Predators, Cardiff Archers 2 and London Westside to make the final.

Titans’ win over Mansfield suggested that the final could be a close affair; Titans won 70-50 in Mansfield on December 15 and the week before Giants lost in Bradford in a league game by a similar margin (63-41).

Angelina Browne won the tip off for Titans and as both teams settled into the game Sascha Thompson opened the scoring to create a 4–0 lead after two minutes.

Dragons’ Vilma Jurgaityte, Steph Jones and Isalie Bloemen quickly regained the lead at 4-7.

In trading baskets Titans took back the lead 10-9 until Izzy Johns fouled Dragons’ Aleksandra Mazjakina with five seconds left in the first quarter.

In calling a timeout Dragons Rosie Pearcy made the assist to Aleksandra hitting the baseline shot to take the 10-11 lead into the break.

Sascha Thompson once again kept Titans in the game as Dragons focused on shutting down Angelina Browne and Manal Cali until Dragons’ Aleksandra hit two of two free throws six minutes into the second quarter to change the lead for the eighth and ultimately the final time in the game.

Dragons’ Vilma blocked Manal’s shot and once again Dragons called a timeout with 23 seconds left in the half.

This time it was Dragons’ Isalie making the shot to take a 19-25 lead into the half.

At the half both teams were still evenly matched but Dragons gradually built their lead to 21-29 in the third quarter until Titans’ edged their way back into the game 27-29.

With two minutes remaining in the third quarter and the game could have gone either way with both teams fighting for every possession but it was Dragons’ captain Laura Moloney and Steph making their baskets helping regain a six-point lead to set up the final quarter at 27-33.

Both teams continued to fight for every rebound whilst creating open shots but once again it wasn’t until the second minute in the quarter until Dragons capitalised on Titans’ frustrations with Aleksandra quickly making a basket followed by a Laura three-pointer.

At 27-38 Titans called a timeout but to no avail as the lead was maintained with the game finishing 51-42 and Dragons’ Alexandra finishing on a double double (17 rebounds and 12 points) being honoured with the game’s Most Valuable Player award.

Top scorers were Esme Kinghorn (12), Sascha Thompson (10) and Angelina Browne (10).

EBL VCARS.co.uk Division Two Women SW Midlands:

Northamptonshire Titans 58 Birmingham Mets 47

After their defeat in the National Trophy the day before, NEBC Titans got off to a shaky start and didn’t find their form till the second quarter.

However this didn’t last long as poor finishing and defence let the Mets take the third quarter.

This galvanised the team to push harder in the final quarter to win the game.

Top scorers were Esme Kinghorn (16), Angelina Browne (12) and Williams (11)

EBL Under 14 Boys Midlands Conference

Leicester Blaze 56 Northamptonshire Titans 79

NEBC Titans Under 14 Boys started off their double header weekend with a visit to Leicester Blaze to continue their unbeaten run.

The boys were ready for their match having watched the first half of NEBC Titans Women’s National Trophy Final match.

They were certainly up for a good game.

The starting five came out strong putting points on the board before Blaze had woken up, Titans finished 16 points ahead in the exciting first quarter.

The second quarter proved Leicester’s best shot and they came out strong with a superb three-pointer from No12 but it wasn’t going to be enough with Jordan McGee producing a three-point basket to equal the standard.

Trei St Vie was warming up well with 10 points in the quarter and Titans headed into the locker room 32-49 ahead.

Keenan Salmon and Hayden Alcindor came out strong in the third quarter to make it more comfortable and allowed coach Clarke to rotate the bench.

This proved to be a good move with Tom Smithers getting on the score sheet with two baskets in quick succession.

In the final 10 minutes the boys on court scored a decent 13 points with baskets from Tom Weatherson, Scott Moore and Jordan McGee.

A solid all round performance was enough for another NEBC Titan win.

Top scorers were Hayden Alcindor (11), Keenan Salmon (19) and Trei St Vie Hutchinson (21). 

EBL Under 14 Boys Midlands Conference

Northamptonshire Titans 62 Team Wolverhampton Slam 43

NEBC Titans took on Team Slam for the second time in two weeks and despite a full day of basketball on Saturday the team came out strong to take a convincing 24-5 point lead at the end of the first quarter with all starting five having a share of the points.

This allowed coach Clarke to give much needed game time to other team members producing a fairly even second quarter with Jordan McGee leading the scoring in this period for Titans.

The third quarter saw a further extension to the lead with baskets shared between the boys on court.

The fourth quarter stared with a three-pointer from Jordan McGee with captain Elliott Farrar ending the quarter with two decent baskets.

The whole team had good court time with top scorers being Keenan Salmon (16), Hayden Alcindor (14) and Elliott Farrar (9).

EBL Under 15 Boys Midlands Conference

City of Birmingham Bulls 58 Northamptonshire Titans 87

NEBC Titans Saturday the Northamptonshire Titans Under-15s travelled to the City of Birmingham without their regular coaches and key players through other commitments and illness.

However, this was not to deter the Titans as they dominated from the start, displaying some good defensive rebounds and numerous steals and assists to earn an early 19-34 point lead.

The second quarter continued as the first quarter restricting Birmingham to only nine points and Titans extending their lead to 28-56 at the halfway stage.

The coach of the Titans was able in the third and fourth quarter to embrace the energy of the Titans and continue as in the first half with the advantage of being able to run deep into the bench and take home a deserved Titans victory.

Top point scorers were Lewis Kain with 29 and James Andrews with 20.

EBL Under 16 Boys Northern Premiere

Northamptonshire Titans 76 Northants Thunder 63

NEBC Titans Under 16 Boys started off their double header weekend with a routine win against local rivals Northants Thunder that wasn’t as close as the score line suggests.

After a scrappy start the score was stuck on 2-2 for the first three minutes of the first quarter.

However, with the introduction of shooting guard Tom Martins to the game, the Titans raced out into a 13-8 lead on the back of his quick seven points and some good ball movement.

Titans went on to take the quarter 17-12 and that was as close as the margin between the two teams would be for the entirety of the game.

Titans dominated the second quarter with fast break scores and pressure defence.

The home side’s interior passing and unselfish team play found the Thunder zone defense unable to plug all of the gaps and led to the 12-0 run to extend their lead to 17 points.

A much needed Thunder timeout stemmed the tide and allowed the visitors to go on a mini run of their own and close out the half trailing by 12 points, 37-25, as Titans took the second quarter 20-13.

Titans had no intention of letting the lead slip and came out all guns blazing in the third period.

Some inspired play by ‘big man’ Reece Parillon, who scored eight straight points from some powerful inside moves and accurate free throw shooting, was a clear message that Titans had learnt from last week’s third quarter struggles.

A 15-2 scoring burst from the Titan boys effectively ended the game as a contest, securing the third quarter 28-16 and stretching the lead to as many as 24 points.

Titans took their foot off the gas as they rotated the bench with Sunday’s away game in Manchester in mind.

As the home team slowed down the ball and practiced their set plays, Thunder kept their starting players on court to try to add some respectability to the score line and won the quarter 22-11.

In an impressive team display, 10 of the 12 Titans players got on the score-sheet led by skipper Jordan Francis and Terrell Salmon on 16 points apiece.

Reece Parillon scored 11 to add to his man of the match performance, as Titans take the local derby bragging rights against a team they have beaten 3 times in the last three meetings.

EBL Under 16 Boys Northern Premiere

Trafford 53 Northamptonshire Titans 84

Just over 24 hours after winning their 10th game of the season, NEBC Titans U16s travelled to Manchester to take on an improving Trafford, the second team of Manchester Magic.

Despite fielding an under strength team, due to injury and player unavailability, Titans got off to a strong start racing out to a 19-5 lead, with all of the home team’s points coming from the free-throw line.

Titans’ defence continued to dictate the style and tempo of the game as they won the first quarter 24-16, with the home team only scoring three baskets with the remainder of their points made up of free throws.

The second quarter was much of the same, as the referees penalised both teams with a total of 34 fouls called in the first half between both teams.

Titans went on to secure the second period 18-12 as the coaches rotated players in and out of the game to avoid further foul trouble.

Despite not quite clicking on offence, Titans went into the half time break with a 42-28 half-time lead.

At the start of the seocnd half the game was still in the balance as Trafford started to feel like they could cause an upset in the league by winning their fifth game of the season.

However, Titans had other ideas as once again they came out for the second half more focused and determined to hold on to their hard-fought lead.

A change into a match-up zone and a bigger line up gave Titans the onus to dominate the rebounds at both ends of the floor.

A 9-2 run opened up a 20 point lead and Titans’ big men, bossed the game and imposed their physical advantage over their Northern counterparts.

For this period of the game and leading into the fourth quarter Trafford had no answer to Titans’ fast break and interior scoring.

Jordan Francis and Jamal Brownbill dished out numerous assists as the floor leaders enabled Titans to make it two wins in two days.

Titans moved up to third place in the Premier North Division after winning the fourth quarter 18-8.

It was Titan’s centres & forwards that stamped their authority all over this game, scoring a combined 63 of the teams 84 points.

Terrell Salmon having his best game of the season scoring an immense 28 points, with the help coming from the hardworking Reuben David 15 and Reece Parillon 10 and rookie James Andrews also getting into double figures with 10 points.

NEBC Titans U16s travel to Nottingham on Sunday 3rd March for a game against Nova who sit in second place.

Weekend fixtures

Saturday, March 2

12.30pm: Titans Under 15 Boys vs Bromsgrove Bears at Weavers Leisure Centre

Sunday, March 3

Midday: Titans Under 14 Boys away vs Notts Nova

2pm: Titans Under 16 Boys away vs Notts Nova

6pm: Titans Women vs Cardiff Archers II at Weavers Leisure Centre

Calum Clark is hoping to be back in Saints action before the end of the season.

The flanker injured his shoulder in Northampton’s Heineken Cup defeat to Glasgow in January.

He was forced to undergo an operation on the problem and was warned by the surgeon that he may miss the rest of the campaign.

That ruined his chances of representing England in this year’s Six Nations, as Clark had been named in the original squad for the tournament.

But he is still hoping to play a part in Saints’ bid to claim Premiership glory.

“It’s quite a broad spectrum because the surgeon said that would be the season, but I’m hoping for better than that,” said Clark

“It’s very much as and when I get back training and I’ll see what happens.”

And he added: “It (the recovery process) is going okay. I’m keeping myself fit.

“It’s just rehab and various bits to make sure I get back playing as soon as possible.”

Clark was out on the Lings Primary School playing field on Thursday morning, doing some coaching as part of the Aviva National Schools Programme.

And while he enjoyed passing on some wisdom to the next generation, the 23-year-old admitted he can’t wait to get back to playing for Saints.

“Always frustrated to be injured but you have to be a bit philosophical,” he said. “There’s not a lot I can do about it.

“It’s never a good time to recharge your batteries in the season, but it is what it is.

“It’s an injury and it’s kept me out of the game, but I’ve just got to get back as quick as possible and get back in the side.”

Jamie Walker has been named as the Bowls England Male Bowler of the Year.

The 21-year-old from Abington, who is a member of Northampton West End BC, was presented with the award by the retiring Bowls England president, the county’s Stuart Lake, at the annual presentation dinner in Coventry.

It was 2012 that was specifically under review - the outdoor season - and this year saw Walker win the County Singles title and the County Under-25 Singles title and he was skip of the County Fours winning team.

As a result he qualified for the National Championships held at Beach House Park, Worthing, and during those championships he became runner-up in the National Under-25 Singles Championship, having won it the previous year, and he was a semi-finalist in the National Champion of Champions and also semi-finalist in the National Singles competition.

If that was not enough, he was also a very valuable member of the 2012 England Junior International team, having been capped for the first time in 2010. Finally, in 2012 he was a valuable member of the Northamptonshire ‘Middleton Cup’ team.

Walker had been one of the players being considered for the Young Male Bowler of the Year, but that award went to Tom Bishop of Hampshire.

On the evening, Lake also presented the trophies to the National winners, runners-up and the Singles semi-finalists, and the County featured heavily in those presentations.

Firstly, Callum Height (Thrapston BC) was presented with his award for being a semi-finalist in the National Under-25 Singles, followed by Walker reaching the last four of the National Champion of Champions and for being runner-up in the National Under-25 Singles. The Fours Cup was presented to Wellingborough IBC’s Mark Corbyn, Darren Lyman, Neil Corbyn and Paul Broderick.

THAT was a real big-fish week on the Ouse that was with – amazingly – tiny single maggot luring a mighty chub of 7-10!

Veteran matchman Gary Britton had been happily catching small silvers, midweek on an MKAA section, trotting maggot in a nine-foot deep run on 16.5 metres of pole. Then he hooked the big ’ un, which promptly gave a good impression of the bottom charging off!

Probably the biggest fully authenticated chub from above Olney this season, it was ideally timed for Britton as, fishing a league days later, he again had just one chub... but at 1-10 it earned third whereas his 7-10 would have won. The same match saw Ernie Sattler net a 6-8 – also on single maggot – for second.

A bit upstream Dougie, from town’s Carpin Capers, had just one bite on worm intended for big perch... but which turned out to be a 5lb+ male tench.

“My legs shook as I thought I’d hooked the granddaddy of all perch,” he said. “It was a nice river fish, but not in the same league as a perch of that size.”

Nene’s nine-month points series ground to a conclusion, Sunday, on Stoke long pound as John Balhatchett had something to smile about (bet he didn’t) winning with 4-10 and scooping the series £250 top pot. Bob Eales had 4-2 and Baz Eaton 3-13-8.

OSPREY, Lakeside, Tony Winnock 90lb, Andy Boocock 55lb, Lol Summers 53lb.

CASTLE Ashby: midweek, Scotland, Geoff Ringer 37-7, Bob Read 15-7; Brickyard, Mick Hewlett 22lb, Roger 
Tebbutt 15-14. Sunday: 
Grendon, Dick Rogers 19llb, Chris Garratt 11lb; Scotland, Kevin Folwell 23lb, Roger Clutton 19-7; Brickyard, Paul Hardman and Mark Smith both 14lb.

LANES league, Makins: Ben Taylor 18-12, Ron Savage 16-8, Baz Hilton 15-12. BISHOPS Bowl open: Steve Hatt 16-5, Jim Murphy 7-7, Kevin Green 6-9. Green and Bob Bassett top pair.

TOWCESTER, Tove: John Broughton, 5lb (2 chub) Mick Goodridge 0-2-8, rest blanked.

GLEBE, Ringstead shallows Nene: 3 chub caught. Martin Shaul 4-14, Dave Haddon 3-8, Mark Collier 1-5. CASTLE, Canons: Fred Prior 4-14, Stuart Cheetham 2-12, Jeff Rice 2-10.

WELLINGBOROUGH league third round, canal Foxton/Theadingworth: Mick Moody Browning Gold 3-11, Tom Boyce Jnr Browning Black 3-8, Mick Dudely SAS 3-7. Three Browning sides tied top, with their Red and Black sides joint league leaders way clear of Hobbs Lot.

OLNEY, Ouse: Graham Clippson 3-4, Alan Carr 0-15-8, Burrell 0-8 – 15 others blanked.

FLORE & Brockhall, canal teams of 3: Jim Tanser 2-4, Rob Rawlins 0-5, Brian Johnson 0-4-10. Regulars lead by a point, two rounds left. WHITE Hart Flore, Barby Banks: Dave Chapman 2lb, Gary Muddiman 0-12 – rest blanked.

Adrian Sutil has been confirmed as Force India’s second driver for the 2013 Formula One season, 15 months after being axed by the team.

The Silverstone-base marque have spent several weeks deliberating as to who should partner Paul di Resta for the forthcoming campaign.

Ultimately, it came down to Sutil and the team’s reserve driver Jules Bianchi, with the 30-year-old German given the nod today.

Although their overall performance was naturally considered, with the duo both in the car for a day last week during the second pre-season test in Barcelona, it is understood money has played a pivotal role.

The Force India board are believed to have weighed up the package on the table from Sutil against that which Bianchi could have brought to the team given he is a member of Ferrari’s young driver academy and a possible future engine deal with the Maranello marque.

With Sutil to compete for the first time since 2011, when he was shown the door by co-owner and team principal Vijay Mallya after four years with the team - and five overall in F1 - it appears Mercedes powerplants will be retained.

The decision is a crucial one considering the change in engine regulations for next year when 1.6-litre turbo-charged V6 units replace the 2.4-litre V8s.

In rehiring Sutil, Force India will also have had to ensure there are no legal issues - he has a suspended sentence hanging over him.

A year ago Sutil was convicted of grievous bodily harm for assaulting Lotus executive Eric Lux with a champagne glass during an incident in a Shanghai nightclub after the 2011 Chinese Grand Prix.

A German court handed Sutil an 18-month suspended sentence and a £167,000 fine, a ruling Force India claimed at the time in no way influenced their decision to part company with him.

That would have raised the question as to whether Sutil can enter countries where visas are an issue such as Australia, China, Canada, India and the United States, with entry potentially being refused.

Sutil will drive tomorrow and Saturday at the final pre-season test in Barcelona.

Sutil said: “I’m delighted to be back in Formula One, especially with a team I know so well. I’m very happy and I want to thank Sahara Force India for giving me a second chance. Having been away from the sport, I’m even more determined to achieve my goals in Formula One.

“Things went really well at the Barcelona test last week and it almost feels as though I’ve never been away. Driving the car felt so natural and I was able to get back in the groove quickly and find the limit. Now my focus is on making the most of the final test session this week, working with the team in the simulator and getting myself in the best possible shape for Melbourne.”

Mallya said: “The decision over our driver line-up has not been an easy one and we have given it great consideration over the last few months. It was a close call, but ultimately we felt that Adrian’s experience and historic links to the team gave him the edge, and will provide us with the best possible chance of realising our ambitions for the coming season.”

County champion Sarah Carter is hoping to get her game in good order in the coming weeks as she prepares to defend her title on her home track Northampton GC on May 10-12.

The Intermediate and Bronze Championships will be decided on July 1 at Staverton Park, which also hosts the Midlands South Fourball Betterball Championships on October 2.

October is a busy time for the ladies as the Tazza Trophy and Seniors County Championships are on the first day of the month at Kingsthorpe, while the County Mixed Fourball is scheduled for Cold Ashby five days later.

The County Ladies Fourball is on June 6 at Overstone Park, the County Am-Am is set for Collingtree on August 15, while Northampton hosts the Charity Final on September 12.

With the Bouverie Bowl taking place just under two weeks later at Northants County, any ladies interested in competing in county tournaments are advised to visit www.nlcga.org.uk.

Nathan Cook scored the only goal of the game as Milton defeated Brixworth to move within two points of Welford at the top of the Premier Division table.

At the opposite end of the table there were vital wins for Stanion, Pegasus and Ringstead respectively.

Stanion recorded a first win since November defeating Roade 4-0.

Chris Cook picked up a brace in the relegation battle with Nomads, while Pegasus earned a fourth successive win in the derby tie with fellow strugglers Khalsa.

Duston Garage (Bosch Service) Division One

Kislingbury boosted the chance of an immediate return to the top flight taking second place with a vital 3-1 win over Corby Locos.

Burton could not close the gap at the top as much as they wanted after a draw with Denton.

Robbie O’Neill netted twice for the hosts, while Craig Tebbutt bagged two of his own for Burton.

Mark Northover netted three for Ise Lodge in the win over Volta.

Gretton boosted their survival chances with a draw against Everards. Orchard Park lost to Medbourne bringing in their winning run to a grinding halt. Wootton defeated Stanwick.

Rothenberger Tools Division Two

A Paul Caswell hat-trick put Eagles six points clear at the top of Division Two, and secured derby success against Strip Mills.

Wilby suffered a surprise reverse to Clipston. Dom Jennings netted twice to dent Wilby’s title ambitions.

Mark Fletcher netted the second goal for Grammarians against Spratton.

Duston Garage (Bosch Service) Division Three

Four more wins. That is all that Northampton Exiles need to claim the crown after a thumping win over derby opponents SPA.

Adam Jackson was the pick of the scorers with a hat-trick, while also on target were Sam Copper, Lewis Savage and Peter Doyle.

Matters were helped by Drayton Grange being held to a 2-2 draw by Walgrave.

Great Doddington continue to move away from the foot of the table after taking a point against FC Higham.

Weedon recovered from recent poor form to smash seven past Grange Park, but the win comes too late to make any real impact on the title race.

Titchmarsh slumped to a 3-1 defeat against West Haddon.

George MacArthur netted two for the victors, with the other one being scored by Stuart Clarke.

Duston Garage (Bosch Service) Division Four Cup

Paul Kelly and Jack Hearne netted the goals for Albion Vikings who surprised runaway league leaders Borough Alliance and moved into the final.

Duston Garage (Bosch Service) Division Four

A second successive defeat gives Kettering Park Rovers a mountain to climb in terms of overhauling Borough Alliance at the top.

While the race is not over mathematically, in reality the defeat by Kinsgwood hands the trophy to the debutants.

Higham Town moved within a point of opponents Corby Ravens following a vital win.

James Sweeney scored twice for Higham.

Alex Williams fired in four goals for Hellenic in the big win over Desborough & Rothwell.

Wilbarston completed a miserable day for Rothwell sides, defeating AFC Rothwell 2-0.

Duston Garage (Great Wall Cars) Reserve Premier Division Cup

Tomek Semik netted a vital brace to give ON Chenecks A the 3-2 semi final win over derby rivals Spencer Reserves.

Duston Garage (Great Wall Cars) Reserve Premier Division

Nine points clear with nine games to go puts Blisworth in the box seat in the Reserve Premier Division, following their 4-0 win over Moulton.

Harpole defeated Milton 1-0 to ensure the lead was not extended further.

Weldon remain level on points after a narrow win over Pegasus.

Braces for John Spooner and Dan Martin gave Roade victory over Brixworth.

Bugbrooke A thumped Nomads 7-1 to reignite dreams of making a late surge.

Duston Garage (Great Wall Cars) Reserve Division One

Bugbrooke B were the only side in the bottom three to win at the weekend defeating Locos 2-0.

Orchard Park slumped against Everards conceding two goals to Craig Ginns, while Heyford lost out 3-1 to Earls Barton.

On the mark for Barton were Tom Randell, Nicky Charlton and Ian Clarke.

Lewis Wheeler netted twice for Welford in the win over Medbourne, and two goals from Callum Worrall gave Old Grammarians victory over Weldon A.

Duston Garage (Great Wall Cars) Reserve Division Two

Advantage Wollaston.

Goals from Luke Hughes and Liam Danns gave second-placed Wilby victory against Spratton and moved them within five points of Harborough A, who could only draw with Stanwick.

Wollaston enjoyed a 2-0 win over West Haddon.

With Wilby having four games in hand and Wollaston six, Harborough can ill-afford to drop more points.

Lee Chester scored both goals for Volta who defeated struggling Strip Mills.

David Sheridan scored three for Redstar in the big win over Titchmarsh.

Duston Garage (Bosch Service) Premier Division Cup

Moulton denied Weldon a third cup final appearance in three years with a 3-2 semi-final win.

NTFA Gorell Barnes Cup

Wollaston knocked out Town League opponents Delapre. Jason Crawley netted the all important third goal to give the Combination side the win.

NFA Area Cup

Stanion Reserves secured a final berth with victory over Peterborough ICA Sports.

Mark Watson got the first goal for the hosts in the comfortable victory.

Duston Garage (Bosch Service) Star Award

This week’s winner are Corby Albion Vikings for their Division Four Cup win over league leaders Borough Alliance.

THE world may be a small place but in a time of frightening technology and communication, people can still disappear from the radar.

Tennis and its satellite world can be guiltier than most as players spread their wings. County coaches with more than one eye and resources full on the local scene, often lose touch with the travellers.

So while Birmingham might not quite be Timbuktu, credit must be offered to Northants player Evie Harrison who makes her farewell appearance at this weekend’s 18U national championships in Group 5A at Sunderland.

The 18-year-old ex-Dallington and Corby player is having the time of her life in a first year of studying sports science less than an hour’s drive away.

Yet while many within the county nerve centre believed her rackets were gathering dust in the attic, Harrison is actually training and playing more than ever and enjoying every minute.

“Evie was very pleased to get into Birmingham’s first university team (of two) 
and if they win their last match at Oxford they get promoted into the Premier League,” explained her mum Kerry.

Harrison, who has a 7.2 rating, has teamed up with Leicestershire player Victoria Amos whose dad Gordon coached at Market Harborough and is well known around the local circuit.

The ironies do not end there, as a recent clash of Northants players saw her face Peterhouse College and Cambridge University student Sophie Walker over the net.

“Evie rang James (Haley) as she felt she was playing well, to see if there was any chance of getting involved with the 18U championships and is delighted to be involved as the team looks very strong,” added her mum.

Both Northants’ boys and girls will be competing at Sunderland when a party of one type or another is guaranteed as it is Abigail Clifford’s 17th birthday on Thursday, when they travel up to Tyne & Wear.

The girls’ squad consists of: Rachel Kings, Jemima Potter, Alice Johns, Kate Clayson, Lauren Phillips, Lucy Horbatowski, Harrison and Clifford. They will face Hereford & Worcestershire, East of Scotland and Northumberland. East of Scotland could include former Northants junior Ellie Burns.

Coach Haley said: “We have all our highest-rated players competing (Kings at 4.2 is the highest) and this is the first time I can remember this happening for a while.

“Our first aim is to be competitive and stay up, as East of Scotland in particular could be very strong.

“However, past experience has told us you can never be sure exactly who will turn up.”

The boys squad, under Mark Taylor, has a robust look at the top end with Shakeel Manji joined by Jack Haworth, Joe Tyler and Lloyd Read while Arthur Eyles and James Cole are also on board in Group 4A where Leicestershire, Oxfordshire and East of Scotland will be facing them across the court.

Sunderland seems a long way to travel to meet two of your neighbours but then it is a small world!

A student has hit out at the “horrible” thief who stole his £200 racing bike after he had been knocked off it by a car.

University of Northampton student Daniel Davis was injured in a crash in The Mounts on Tuesday.

But while a good Samaritan came to his aid, another person stole the £200 racing bike he had been riding back to his halls of residence.

Mr Davis, aged 19, of Birmingham, initially thought he had broken his knee. Tests later showed he had suffered tissue damage to his knee and left shoulder.

He said: “I was on my way back from doing something at university, and on the way back I was going down Kettering Road during rush hour.

“I couldn’t see the car coming, and I can imagine they couldn’t see me, because there was a car blocking their view.

“I collided with the car, and the next thing I knew I was on the floor, waiting for the paramedics.

“Someone who was helping me moved the bike to one side and tried contacting my family, to let them know what had happened. They couldn’t get through, and when they turned round, the bike was gone.

“I was more concerned about my own health, but in hindsight it was quite a horrible thing that somebody has done.”

The incident happened between 4.45pm and 5.15pm on Tuesday in Cowper Street, The Mounts.

The cycle taken is a white racing bike with the word ‘Viking’ written in grey on the side.

Anyone with information can call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.