Police are looking to trace two vehicles involved in a multi-vehicle accident which killed two people on the M1.

Bedfordshire Police are looking for the two vehicles after a 36-year-woman died following a serious collision on the M1 on Monday.

Yesterday (Tuesday) a second casualty, a 89 year old woman, died from her injuries in hospital.

The incident occurred at 5.40am on the northbound carriageway of the M1 between junctions 11 and 12 and closed the motorway for several hours.

Bedfordshire Police are keen to trace the driver of a red car involved in the incident, who may have been travelling from Hertfordshire to Northamptonshire.

PC Andy Ralph, of the BCH Roads Policing Unit, said: “It was still dark when the incident occurred, conditions on the motorway were slightly misty and foggy and the road was damp. Six cars and a motorcycle were involved in the incident which caused fatal injuries to the 36-year-old woman passenger travelling in a grey Ford Focus who died at the scene.

“The driver and passengers of an grey Audi Q5 also sustained serious injuries and one woman, aged 89, has subsequently died in hospital from her injuries. The 53-year-old driver of the Audi and two other women passengers, aged between 89 and 90 years old, suffered a variety of serious injuries to their ribs, abdomen and spines.

“It appears that one vehicle moved suddenly in front of the motorcycle which caused the rider to lose control and fall from her machine. Other vehicles following behind attempted to avoid the rider and her motorbike causing several collisions between themselves.”

Bedfordshire Police are seeking the drivers of two vehicles - a red car and white van - involved in the incident, for further information which may help piece together exactly what happened.

Anyone with information relating to this collision can contact PC Andy Ralph, in confidence, at Bedfordshire Police on 101, or text information to 07786 200011.

Alternatively you can contact the independent crime fighting charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Thieves have stolen thousands of pounds worth of computer equipment from a village school in Northamptonshire.

Thieves broke in to Stoke Bruerne Primary School and stole 12 laptops, 15 iPads and some cash.

Sergeant Mark Osborne said: “The theft of these computers is a real loss to the school and its pupils and we would urge anyone with information about the stolen items, or anyone who saw anything suspicious around the school on Monday night or Tuesday morning, to get it touch.

“If you are offered a cheap laptop or iPad for sale, please think about where it may have come from and call the police if you are suspicious in any way.”

The burglary happened between 6pm on Monday, September 15 and 7.30am on Tuesday, September 16.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, are asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

At least 730 homes in Northampton have escaped deadly gas incidents in the last year, new figures have shown.

Gas Safe Register has inspected 2,214 homes in Northampton in the past four years and found unsafe gas appliances in one in 11 homes, making it one of the most dangerous places in the East Midlands.

The research carried out among Gas Safe registered engineers revealed that 57 per cent found a dangerous gas boiler, cooker or fire in a customer’s home in the last year that needed turning off immediately.

Around 45 per cent of these dangerous appliances were attributed to the fact that people had failed to get their gas appliance regularly serviced and had been left in a poor state.

In addition, National Grid found over 4,400 unsafe gas appliances at emergency callouts attended in just the last year across the region.

Russell Kramer, chief executive for Gas Safe Register, said: “Over the past three years there’s been 31 deaths and over 1,000 injuries that have resulted from gas related incidents. However, listening to our engineers tell us about the situations they face on a daily basis and hearing just how many life-threatening incidents they prevent, it’s surprising there haven’t been more. It shows what a great job registered engineer’s do, but at the same time the public also has an important role in gas safety. An engineer can only help keep you safe if they are invited into your home to check your gas appliances. It’s therefore your responsibility to make sure you stay safe by regularly getting your appliances safety checked by a registered engineer.”

Last year, Gas Safe Register launched the first ever interactive gas map - www.StayGasSafe.co.uk - which tells people how safe or unsafe their area is when it comes to gas by simply entering their post code. People can also sign up to a free gas safety check reminder service which will alert them when their gas appliances need checking.

Russell continued: “We want to make it easy for people to stay gas safe. Over 150,000 people used the gas map in the last year, and many signed up to the reminder service6. We hope to see thousands more use these tools during and beyond Gas Safety Week this year to reduce the number of dangerous gas appliances that are lurking in homes and live in a safer Britain.”

There are 1,281 registered engineers based in Northampton who are supporting Gas Safety Week which runs until Sunday.

To find a Gas Safe registered engineer and for further gas safety advice visit www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call 0800 408 5500.

In an extremely bleak season, this will go down as one of the darkest of days Northamptonshire.

They have become used to heavy defeats - losses by an innings have been all to common.

But to lose in less than three days when the entire first day was wiped out by the weather is awful.

Defeat by an innings and 219 runs inside six sessions is incredibly hard for County supporters to take even in a summer of new lows.

Between late morning and mid-afternoon they had been dismissed on two occasions mustering just 83 and 90.

A depressingly bad display in an ever-more miserable summer.

Chris Rushworth was the destroyer.

The Durham bowler ensured Northamptonshire were bowled out twice in a day by claiming the remarkable figures of 9-52 in the first innings and swiftly followed it up 6-43 in the second.

His match figures - put together in a matter of hours - of 15-95 smashed Durham’s previous best of 14-177 which, slightly ironically, was held by former Northamptonshire man Alan Walker.

For the record, James Middlebrook’s score of 23 in the first knock was the best any County man produced.

That looks all the more appalling considering both Scott Borthwick and Paul Collingwood registered centuries on the same pitch yesterday.

While things take shape for next season off the pitch, there is just one game left to endure on it in this campaign.

The announcement first thing this morning that Leicestershire captain Josh Cobb has signed a two-year deal with the club offers hope that a renewed approach will offer reward in 2015.

But, on the players’ very long bus trip home tonight, that will probably seem an awfully long way off.

A downcast David Ripley had no excuses after what he described as an ‘embarrassing’ performance against Durham.

The Northamptonshire head coach watched on as his side were bowled out twice in a matter of hours on their way to an eighth innings defeat of the season.

Chris Rushworth produced an excellent display of bowling to take 9-52 and 6-43 as Northamptonshire were dismissed for 83 and 90.

But Ripley was in no mood to dodge any flak as he reflected on a dreadful - and all-too-brief - showing at Chester-le-Street.

“It was verging on embarrassing in many respects,” he admitted.

“He (Rushworth) bowled exceptionally and skilfully and looked like taking a wicket every over – which he more or less did.

“We had no answers to him and we must not take anything away from him for a superb performance.

“But we are more than disappointed with the way we have played.

“We came up short. We are lacking confidence and we lacked skill.

“There was a sort of end-of-seasonitis about us - but that cannot be used as an excuse.

“We were outplayed on both days and that is very difficult to take.

“The lads are all hurting.

“There is no way that was a 390 wicket which suggests we didn’t bowl well enough on the first day.

“And there is no excuse for what happened today which, as I said, it really is verging on embarrassing.”

A 32-year-old man who has admitted taking part in a string of burglaries in the Northampton and Milton Keynes area has been sentenced to five years in jail.

Darren Levy, of no fixed abode, was sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court after being convicted of one count of grievous bodily harm, one count of conspiracy to burgle, one count of possession of a class A drug, and possession of a class B drug.

He was also disqualified from driving for four years after being convicted of driving while disqualified and dangerous driving.

The conspiracy offence relates to a total of six house burglaries, one in Crossbrooks, Wootton, Northampton, one in Newport Pagnell, three in Milton Keynes and one in Stoke-on-Trent.

The burglaries all happened in October and November last year.

Levy was arrested in Birmingham on November 9, 2013 when he drove erratically into two police vehicles in an attempt to evade arrest.

He had been wanted by Thames Valley Police after he committed the GBH offence, when he assaulted a woman in Studley Knapp, Walnut Tree, Milton Keynes, on September 7, 2012.

He was charged with conspiracy to burgle, dangerous driving, disqualified driving, driving with no insurance, possession of cannabis and cocaine on November 11, 2013.

He was convicted of the burglary conspiracy offence on May 16 following a trial at Aylesbury Crown Court, which was sitting at Amersham Law Courts.

Levy pleaded guilty to the offences of disqualified driving, driving without insurance, possession of cocaine and possession of cannabis at the start of the trial.

Speaking following the sentencing Det Insp Matthew Darnell, from Milton Keynes Local CID, said: “I think this sentence today sends out a strong message that we will investigate reports of burglary thoroughly and deal with offenders robustly.

“Burglary in an invasive crime and affects victims significantly and we will do whatever we can to bring offenders to face justice.

“Levy tried to hide in Birmingham but, following a protracted investigation by Thames Valley Police officers, we were able to track him down and arrest him.”

A man was approached by a gang from behind and then attacked in the car park of a Northampton supermarket.

The man parked in the Morrisons car park in Victoria Promenade, Northampton, before walking away from his vehicle.

He was punched in the head and then attacked by a group of four or five men.

He may then have been dragged along Auctioneer’s Way.

The attack happened sometime between noon and 1.30pm on Friday, September 12.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively information can be given to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555111.

Saints have been handed a boost with the news the Premiership salary cap will rise from the start of next season.

The current cap stands at £4.76million, but that will rise to £5.1million, with academy credits, which cover players who are under the age of 24, joined the club before their 18th birthday and are earning more than £30k a year, increasing from £240,000 to £400,000.

It is hoped that will allow Jim Mallinder hold on to his prized assets as well as further strengthening his squad, with the chance to add a second marquee player, whose wages fall outside of the cap, also allowed.

That man must not have featured in the Premiership during the previous 12 months, preventing English clubs from cherry-picking each other’s players.

The changes were agreed at Wednesday’s meeting of Premiership Rugby’s chairman/shareholder group.

And Premiership rugby chief executive Mark McCafferty said: “We are delighted to confirm the number of England qualified players in Aviva Premiership Rugby has passed 70 per cent for the first time and we want to drive the numbers even higher.

“The increase in the base level of the salary cap will help our clubs to retain English talent. Also the introduction of homegrown player credits helps the enviable production line that has been established from our academies to our Premiership squads and on to England.

“England and their clubs are getting stronger because of our commitment to the development of world class England players in Aviva Premiership Rugby; the most competitive league in the world. It is an essential part of our league and the strength of our system.

“Earlier in the summer we saw an England Under-20s team dominated by players from our Academies win their second IRB Junior World Cup in 12 months so the production line is getting stronger.

“As we have already seen in the first two weeks of Aviva Premiership Rugby the league is compelling and dramatic, with a core of players desperate to play in next year’s Rugby World Cup. It is performances for their clubs that win them places at the tournament.

“Attendances are up this season and a record number of tries have been scored in the first two rounds. The standard of Aviva Premiership Rugby ensures England is in great shape not only for the 2015 Rugby World Cup but also for 2019 and beyond.”

Accrington Stanley, who the Cobblers play at Sixfields on Saturday, have appointed John Coleman as their new manager two years after he left the club.

Coleman, 51, and assistant Jimmy Bell have replaced James Beattie, who quit last Friday following 16 months in charge.

The duo spent 13 years with Accrington and guided the club back to the Football League in 2006 before moving to Rochdale in 2012.

“We hope this is going to be an exciting time for the players, staff and supporters,” Coleman told the club’s official website.

“We’ve never really stopped supporting the club since we left, we’ve seen a lot of games and we can’t wait to work with this group of players.”

“It’s no secret that I’ve wanted to manage in the Football League again and when a job comes up at a club as close to your heart as Accrington then that ticks two boxes.”

Stanley chairman Peter Marsden said: “I would like to welcome back the on the pitch architects of the modern day Accrington Stanley, John Coleman and Jimmy Bell, who helped turn Eric’s dream in to a reality.

“John and Jimmy’s passion and enthusiasm and knowledge of the game are legendary.

“We have to get the feelgood factor back and we need to get our gates back up to a respectable 2,000. It will take time but Coley and Jimmy can do it.”

Frank Turner returns to the Roadmender tonight.

Turner, who headlined the venue in 2011, has returned to his ‘day job’ with playing with The Sleeping Souls after recording and releasing the Mongol Horde album earlier this year.

The singer songwriter is preparing material for his sixth studio album which will follow last year’s LP Tape Deck Heart.

Since disbanding his former band, Million Dead, Turner has played across the world, headlining Wembley Arena and the O2 Academy in London.

Earlier this year he appeared on – and won – celebrity mastermind, choosing Iron Maiden as his specialist subject.

Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £22.50 before booking fees.

Saints star James Wilson says he is currently in the form of his life.

The 31-year-old has started the opening two games of the new campaign at full-back, earning plenty of recognition.

He was a hugely influential figure in the 53-6 flaying of Gloucester at Franklin’s Gardens and backed that up with a steady showing at Wasps last Sunday.

Wilson’s form has kept England man Ben Foden on the bench and the Kiwi utility back is hoping he can keep his place in the first 15 in the coming weeks.

“It’s been positive, the feedback I’ve been getting from the bosses, so I’m happy with that,” he said.

“As long as I can keep performing when I get the opportunity, I’m grateful.

“We’re pushing for positions and we’ve got a class squad, as we’ve always had since I’ve been here.

“We’re pushing each other to make that 15 and we all want to be out there at the same time.

“It must be tough for Jim (Mallinder) and the other coaches, but I’m just keen to keep going how I’m going.

“I feel I’m playing the best I’ve ever played. Playing pre-season was fantastic and I’m still getting the gains from that.

“It is a long season so hopefully I’ll continue to get my opportunity throughout.”

Kaid Mohamed believes his Cobblers team-mate Chris Hackett is the best right-winger in Sky Bet League Two.

The two players put in their best performances of the season in Tuesday night’s 5-1 win over Hartlepool, a result that has lifted Town to fifth in the table.

Mohamed scored twice, with both goals coming from Hackett crosses, and the former Millwall man also played the final pass to Lawson D’Ath for his strike.

Hackett himself also had chances to score but Mohamed does not feel the fact his wing partner has not scored this season should take away from his creative abilities, which he feels are second to none in league two.

“He’s probably the best right-winger in the league for me,” he said. “He gave me a great ball on both of my goals and you know he’s going to put it on the striker’s head or for me coming in at the back stick. Hacks was outstanding for us on Tuesday night.”

Mohamed subscribes to the footballing philosophy that each game must be considered in careful isolation but is confident a replication of the performance levels against Hartlepool will lead to a similar result when the Cobblers take on Accrington at Sixfields on Saturday.

“We’re taking it game by game,” he said. “The manager has talked about it being a crazy league and that anyone can beat anyone on their day.

“So it’s important that you start well because we know what this league is about. We’ll be looking to start well on Saturday and we’re confident.

“We’ll definitely be looking to finish the game off in the same way as we did on Tuesday night.”

Ivor Novello award-winning singer-songwriter Scott Matthews headlines The Castle in Wellingborough on Saturday.

Wolverhampton-born Scott released his debut album Passing Stranger in 2006.

The record contained an eclectic mix of musical styles and received airplay on BBC Radio 2 from the likes of Janice Long, Mark Radcliffe and Bob Harris.

In May 2007 Elusive, his first single from this album, won the Ivor Novello Award for Best Song Musically and Lyrically. Matthews has played a number of his own sell-out headline tours while also sharing the stage with the likes of Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol, Rufus Wainwright and Tori Amos.

Led Zeppelin legend Robert Plant also made a rare guest appearance on his second album Elsewhere.

This intimate show will see Matthews playing songs from his previous three albums, along with tracks from his new studio album Home Part 1, which is due to be re-released in November.

Tickets cost £10 and are available by calling 01933 270 007 or online at www.thecastle.org.uk.

Soul act The Real Thing return to the region tomorrow with a show celebrating 40 years in the business at The Stables in Wavendon.

The three original vocalists, Chris and Eddie Amoo and Dave Smith, will be playing with their own five-piece band in show which will feature all their million-selling hits, including You To Me Are Everything, Can’t Get By Without You and Feel The Force.

Doors open at 8pm, advance tickets costs £23.50.

On Saturday, Brit Award winner Beverley Craven headlines the venue.

Doors open at 8pm, tickets cost £21.50.

Next Wednesday former Dire Straits bassist John Illsley will be playing songs from his latest album Testing The Water as well as some of the classic band’s hits.

Doors open at 8pm, tickets cost £19.50.

For more details about all shows at the venue , visit stables.org.

Corn Market Blues returns for its second show this weekend in Kettering with Connie Lush and Laurence Jones.

Lush has been recognised as one of the finest blues singers in the UK, winning numerous awards.

In recent years, she has played in more than 30 countries, played at the Glastonbury Festival, in Moscow, New York and Los Angeles while recording in The Cotton Row Studios in Memphis and touring with BB King across the UK.

Jones’ new album Temptation was released earlier this year and was recorded at the legendary Dockside Studio in Louisiana.

The hotly-tipped young singer-songwriter has been lauded by the blues music press and supported Walter Trout. The pair play the venue on Saturday, September 20.

Doors open at 7.30pm. Tickets costs £12 via www.wegottickets.com/event/273724.

FC Gallery are the early leaders of the Northants Sunday Combination Premier Division after claiming two wins from two.

Eddie Stewart (2) and Damien Keenan got the goals in last weekend’s 3-1 win over Blakesley, which follows on from the previous weekend’s 5-0 romp at Midshire Electrical.

Former Cobbler Darren Harmon was on target for Standens Barn but couldn’t prevent them from crashing to a 5-1 defeat at St Margaret’s.

Terry Wells (2), Lynval Da Costa and Sylvain Pabouef all netted for Maggies, who bounced back from the previous weekend’s loss at Blakesley.

Dean Mabee’s goal earned Windmill Warriors a point in a 1-1 draw with Dynamo, while Monks Park WMC edged out Royals 2-1 thanks to efforts from Curtis Norris and Ashley Barrbau.

In division one, FC Victoria recorded their first league win of the season as strikes from Dan Kennedy, Frank Maher and Charlie Wixon saw them to a 3-0 victory over Wootton Fields Wanderers.

Spartak are the early leaders after scoring 15 goals in their opening two games.

Will Briscoe helped himself to four in Sunday’s 7-3 win over Devonshire Club.

Reece Gartland hit a brace in Fox & Hounds’ 3-1 success at MDS Rangers, while Kingsthorpe Wanderers and AFC Dee shared the points after a 1-1 draw.

FC Fotogold are off the mark after claiming a point in a 0-0 stalemate with The District.

Roade were the top scorers in division two as they smashed 10 past Thorplands Club 81 in a 10-1 win.

Denhim Salmon (3), Dane Salmon (2), Ben Carter (2), James Lawton and Jack Graham got the goals.

Golden Horse were also big winners, Leon Cosford scoring twice in a 5-1 win at Deers Leap.

Manfield Rangers were indebted to Zac Adams as his hat-trick saw them record a 4-3 home win over AFC Obelisk United.

FC Locomotiv Moulton are still searching for their first league points after going down 2-0 at FC Jeckyll.

Butcher Loco lead the way in division three thanks to a 3-1 win at Zedi United. Chris Moore (2) and Craig Spoke got the goals.

Royals Reserves also made it two wins from two as goals from Tom Cronin and Danny Attree saw them to a 2-1 home win over MDS Rangers Reserves.

A hat-trick from Jamie Hayter-Goodwin steered Thorplands Club 81 to a 3-0 victory over Brafield United.

Double strikes from Johnny Spooner and Martin Kingsnorth were enough to seal the points for Northampton Hotspurs in a 4-3 win over Woodford United.

AFC Pioneers and Hartwell Forest took a point apiece after a 1-1 draw.

In division four, Richard Dunkley hit four to lead Thorplands Club 81 A to a 8-1 win over Yusen Logistics.

AFC Thorpe hammered Hartwell Forest Reserves 8-0, while Spartak Reserves tonked The Dons 7-0.

Russell Aitken scored twice as James King Blisworth swept aside Stanion Redstar 6-1.

Lee Abrams, Aaron Chilton, Andy Lovesy and Wayne Spicer also chipped in with one apiece for third-placed Blisworth, who have won four of their six premier division games so far.

Earls Barton United travelled to Corby Locomotives and weren’t left disappointed after bagging the points thanks to a 4-0 victory.

Gretton are fitting into the top flight a treat after a well deserved 7-0 victory over Brixworth All Saints, making it five out of six wins for Gretton and taking them to the top of the league table.

Moulton overcame Kettering Nomads 2-0 to keep a clean sheet.

Welford Victoria edged a 3-2 win against Roade, who sit above them in the table. James Lawton struck twice for the beaten visitors.

In Duston Garage Division One, Heyford Athletic managed to hold high flying Burton United to a 1-1 draw, making it the first game so far where Burton haven’t taken maximum points.

Corby Pegasus and Daventry Drayton Grange looked evenly matched throughout the game but Drayton Grange took the win 2-1 thanks to efforts from Christopher Trill and Matthew Russ.

Corby Ravens put Wootton St George in their place after beating them3-2.

Weedon suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Wellingborough Old Grammarians. James Feasey was on target for Weedon.

Wilby couldn’t make home advantage count and were left licking their wounds after Medbourne beat them 7-0.

In Duston Garage Division Two, Finedon Volta had a hard-fought game against West Haddon and neither team could be separated after 90 minutes, with the game finishing 3-3.

West Haddon goals came from Tom Yorston (2) and Jack Scally.

Grange Park Rangers and Borough Alliance also had a great tussle with both teams scoring four goals in a thrilling contest.

Northampton SPA racked up their first win of the season after beating FC Titchmarsh 3-2.

Spratton ran riot on home soil, adding another three points to their total after beating Stanwick Rovers 5-0.

Wellingborough Rising Sun took advantage of lowly Kislingbury, beating them 2-0. Goals came from Jamie Black and Conor Gordon.

In Duston Garage Division Three, Jamie O’Keefe’s goal couldn’t prevent Falcons United from going down to a 2-1 defeat against Corby Kingswood.

Darran Donavan netted in vain for Northampton Mereway in a 4-1 defeat to Corby Strip Mills.

Northampton Spartak made it six league wins from six as they comfortably saw off Corby United 4-0.

Adam Bazeley claimed a brace, while Ryan Elliott and Adam Norton added singles.

Ben Smeeton hit two of Obelisk’s six as they hammered Kettering Ise Lodge 6-0. Scott Rich, Robert Harrison, Ryan Chamberlain and an own goal accounted for the other four.

In the Duston Garage Reserve Premier Division, Brixworth Res came out on top in this game with a fine 2-0 victory over Harpole Res to lift them further up the table.

Bugbrooke A played host to Ringstead Res and it was 
the visitors that went home with the points with a 3-1 victory

In the division’s reserve team derby between Roade Res and James King Blisworth Res neither team could be separated, with the game finishing 3-3. Blisworth goals came via Dale Lewis (2) and Louis Lynes.

Wollaston Res are finding find their feet in the Res Premier and succumbed 
to visitors Moulton Reserves 4-1.

Milton Res lifted themselves off the bottom of the Reserve Division One with a 2-0 victory over Medbourne Res.

In Reserve Division Two, Daventry Drayton Grange maintained their 100 per cent record with a 2-0 win 
over Desborough & Rothwell Res.

Towcestrians recovered from a poor start to make it two league wins from two with a 25-3 success at Grove on Saturday.

The final score bore no relation to the first 30 minutes on Saturday in Tows’ first away game of the season.

Most of the first half was spent defending their own line as a barrage of Grove attackers failed to penetrate the away wall.

The home side passed on a few kickable penalties but failed to produce the finishing needed to turn their possession into points.

Just before half-time, Tows found themselves in the opposition half for the first time in the game.

A strong break from captain Liam Wilkinson produced a five-metre penalty for his team and young second row Kieron Frost drove over for the first points of the game. James Falvey added the conversion for an unlikely turn round of 7-0.

Tows’ second half did not start off well as they gained the first yellow of the match for Grove to slot the penalty and get on the scoreboard at last.

Falvey replied with a well taken long-range conversion, only for the game to become disjointed as a total of six yellow cards were given out.

The home side’s game plan of crashing their big men into the midfield was becoming more and more predictable as they began to run out of ideas.

It was Tows’ backs turn to come into the game, as fly-half Ben Roe finished in the corner, followed by a quickly taken penalty by Craig Holton, Falvey added the extras.

Tows’ efforts to claim the bonus point were foiled by a covering tackle from the right wing.

Old Northamptonians 40 Huntingdon 3

ONs swept aside Huntingdon to make it two wins from two in Midlands One East.

Huntingdon had the first chance to take the lead but Dan Malem’s penalty attempt drifted wide.

A Kieran O’Connor kick ahead was well chased by Phil Beaumont and his tackle forced the home side to concede a five-metre scrum, but the ball was turned over and Malem’s long clearance took Huntingdon deep into ONs territory.

From there they launched an attack but Adam Baker intercepted to race 75 metres and touch down under the posts, giving Rory Seymour an easy conversion.

After 20 minutes, Malem was on target to reduce the deficit and he continued to push the visitors back with some accurate kicking out of hand.

A strong run from Jack Rose broke the first line of defence but with O’Connor free outside him he opted to chip ahead. Huntingdon illegally put the ball into touch, conceding a penalty close to their line but the ONs were unable to capitalise as they once again lost possession and the score remained 7-3 at half-time.

Whatever was said by coach Mark Kefford during the break certainly spurred the ONs into action.

When Huntingdon failed to find touch, Seymour moved the ball across field, Aaron Cort was in support and his pass put Alex Tollan in. Seymour was next over when he took full advantage of some suspect Huntingdon handling and minutes later the visitors secured their bonus-point try.

Good build-up work from the front five forced Huntingdon to infringe and although the catch-and-drive from the lineout was halted, the ball was quickly recycled and O’Connor raced through the middle unopposed.

It wasn’t until 20 minutes later that the ONs registered their next score as Beaumont finished another multi-phased attack. As full-time approached, Lewis Barker, who had a fine game, made a break and Cort was on hand to dive over.

Seymour converted four of the second half tries to take the final score to 40-3.

Rushden & Higham 23 Casuals 21

Casuals went into their league opener full of confidence after a promising pre-season.

But the Northampton side were edged out at Rushden despite showing a good attitude and plenty of endeavour.

Casuals’ scores came from Keiran Tarry, Jon Schoeman and a penalty try.

Paul Spittere kicked the winner as Casuals IIs beat Long Buckby IIs 36-34.

St Ives 26 BBOB 19

BBOB showed a lack of fitness as they were beaten 26-19 by St Ives in their league opener.

BB got off to the worst possible start when they conceded a soft converted try in the opening minutes.

BB moved upfield, were caught out at a turnover and Saints set up camp on the tryline.

From a series of tap penalties, they forced an unconverted try 12-0.

Finally bb put some constructive play together and wing Dan George scored in the corner.Saints ploughed forward down the slope and once again poor tackling led to another converted try.

BB needed a reality check and made a number of second-half changes to personnel and tactic, but it was Saints who had the first chance with a long-range penalty.

Now it was bb rampaging down the slope and player-coach Ben Mann went over under the posts, converting his own score.

BB continued to apply pressure and with time running out prop Ollie Cottle forced his way over wide out, giving Mann the most difficult conversion, which he knocked over. bb had got out of jail – or so they thought.

Saints kicked off and instead of smashing the ball into the fields, a huge mispass was thrown out. Saints turned the ball over and their No.10 shook off some awful tackling to score under the posts. The conversion made it 26-19.

Oadby Wyggestonians 23 Old Scouts 38

Scouts got their season up and running with an impressive 38-23 victory at Oadby Wyggestonians.

Scouts were soon off the mark with a penalty from Adam Frost which was then cancelled out by the OWs’ full-back.

The home pack put in a massive shove on the first scrum but Scouts managed to release the ball to Frost whose crossfield kick was gathered and taken over by Rob Paterson in the corner.

Frost added the extras and a further penalty before a Sam French break resulted in Tom Powell dotting down.

With the conversion missed and only 20 minutes on the clock, Scouts held a comfortable 18-3 lead and were looking good.

Both sides swapped penalties again before the Wyggs full-back kicked his third but missed a fourth which would have reduced the arrears further. However, another drive from a scrum close to the line saw Wyggs grab a lifeline with seven points just before the break.

Scouts flanker Richard Howard stole a ball from the loose immediately from the restart and it was recycled through several pairs of hands before Paterson popped up to grab his second try of the afternoon. Frost converted.

Down to 14 players with one in the sin bin, Scouts were under the cosh and Wyggs’ pressure was eventually rewarded when their speedy left winger raced in for a converted try to bring the scores within five points.

Scouts’ defence was working overtime as they had to cancel out Wyggs’ bulldozing tactics from all areas. Scouts eventually got into the hosts’ half and an incisive run from flanker Dan Warren saw him race through from 20 metres and touch down close to the sticks for a try bonus point and Frost to convert.

Injuries disrupted Scouts’ plans but they held firm and a Frost penalty sealed it.

Heathens 5 BBOB IIIs 5

Heathens were unable to conclude their nine-year stay at The Artizan with a win, despite a cameo from outgoing landlord Matt Gist.

Heathens were beaten 15-5 by BBOB IIIs, in their last game before the switch to their new base at The Romany.

Heathens’ try came from winger Wayne Stride.

This Saturday, Heathens take Huntingdon IIIs in at the Racecourse.

Brampton Heath booked their place in the last four as they won 4-1 at home against 2013 winners Staverton, while Oundle lost by the same score to Collingtree.

In a tight Group B contest when all five matches reached the 17th hole at least, the defending champions were first on the board as Russell Brown and Mike Franklin secured a narrow victory in game one.

Vince Wood and Ben Jones replied for Brampton with another slender win, before David Gottsch and James Wiggins won the penultimate hole to give Brampton the lead.

Lee Bellham and Andrew Sewell confirmed the home win with a 3&1 success, before Guy Loveland and Andy Tebbutt wrapped up team victory by taking the 18th hole.

Following Cherwell Edge’s withdrawal last week, all four remaining had a mathematical chance of reaching the semi-finals, with Oundle in pole position.

The overnight leaders couldn’t make the most of home advantage against Collingtree Park however as they lost two matches on the first extra hole in a 4-1 reverse.

Roo Smith and Martin Flowers (3&2) gave the visitors an early lead, Adrian Kilshaw and Alasdair Gibson doubled the advantage on the 19th, before Tony Greenhill and Andy Denis confirmed the away victory on the same hole.

Although Trevor Twelftree and Dick Underwood (6&5) added a fourth point for Collingtree, they missed out on points difference to Brampton as Oundle’s Tom Forster and Pete McNally took the other game.

Group A

Daventry are favourites to reach the last four after Northants County missed a golden opportunity to overtake the Group A leaders as they could only beat Priors Hall 3-2 in their last home match.

Needing a 4-1 victory to have any chance of finishing first, County made the worst possible start as away duo Alun Genner and Michael Jaffray won the 18th hole to clinch the opening tie.

Although the hosts bounced back with narrow wins in games two and three and a big victory in the final match, a consolation point for Rod Handyside and Trevor Shiells (2&1) left County below Daventry on points difference.

Daventry aren’t definitely through to the semi-finals however since they could still be overtaken by Kingsthorpe B if they record an unlikely 5-0 win at Cold Ashby in the remaining match next weekend.

Group C

Peterborough Milton topped the group in thrilling style as they secured a play-off victory in a final home eliminator with Kettering.

After victories in their first three matches of the campaign, Kettering made a great start as Michael Campbell and Carl Thompson took the 16th, 17th and 18th holes to snatch victory in the opening tie.

Rob Stevenson and Dean McIntyre added another away point, but Scott O’Connor and Neil Thompson replied with a 4&2 success, before Bob Duthie and Mark Johnson leveled the match with victory down the last.

With the other game also going the distance, Milton’s Lee Barham and Dale Barham won the 18th to take the contest into additional time, before Jim Campbell and Dave Draper missed a short putt on the 19th to extend the match further.

In the other Group C game, Farthingstone received a walkover home win against Stoke Albany, who finished the season point-less.

Group D

Whittlebury Park’s hopes of leapfrogging Kingsthorpe into first position were ended with a 3-2 home defeat to Wellingborough.

Despite a 2&1 win for Simon Orrey and Michael Hancock in game one and a victory for Peter Coles and Brian Dipple by the same scoreline in the middle match, the hosts came unstuck in the other ties.

Mike Gilbrook and Duncan Cornish triumphed 3&2, Duncan Felce and Richard Davey made it two apiece down the last, before Jon Harris and Richard Brown also took the 18th hole to secure the away victory.

Kingsthorpe are still not guaranteed a semi-final spot, since Northampton will snatch first place with a victory at Rushden this weekend.

What’s on across Northamptonshire this week

TODAY

MUSIC

Acoustic Jazz, Blues, Indie & Soul, Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8.30pm

Rock ‘n’ Roll Tea Dance at the Picturedrome, N’pton, 1pm. Free entry

A K Disco’s Karaoke, O’Malleys Bar, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8pm till late

Jam Night, The Cardigan Arms, Moulton, 9pm to 12am

Jazz Café with at Auntie Ruth’s, Npton, 8pm. Tonight, Elevation Quintet. £1 admission.

Open Mic hosted by Hannah Faulkner at Walnut Tree, Blisworth, 8.30pm

THEATRE

New Jersey Nights, Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Regeneration, Royal Auditorium, 2.30pm/7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Martial Art of Tang Soo Do at Kettering Leisure Village (NN15 6PB), 7pm – 9pm. All welcome. More info www.tangsoo.net

Towcester County Market in The Chantry House, Towcester, 8.30am to 12noon. All our items are genuinely baked, grown or crafted by local individuals and are “fairly traded”. We welcome browsers – our prices start at 50p

A French Connection - Exhibition of original oil and pastel painting by international artist Penelope Milner (until October 31) at jgallery, 25 West Street, Moulton NN3 7SB. www.jgallery.org.uk

FRIDAY, SEP 19

MUSIC

Rhythm & Roots at Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm till late

The Acoustic Lounge (every Friday) at the Lord Byron, Kingsley, 8.30pm. All singers and musicians welcome

Vibe@Baroque Bar, Npton (every Friday) with DJ Barney B and DJ Clue playing the best of soul, rnb, & club classics

Fundraising Gig for Autism Concern at The Picturedrome, Npton, 7pm. Live music from singer/songwriter Paul Armfield, special guests and a DJ set, tickets £10

Reggae on the Rocks at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Daniel Knight at Far Cotton Loco Club, Npton, 8pm

THEATRE

New Jersey Nights, Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Regeneration, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Quiz at Brafield WMC, A428.

Fitsteps Class, Kingsthorpe Baptist Church Hall, behind Waitrose, 10am

R-Zone Club recommences for young people aged 8-13 years at the Community Ctr, Olden Road, Rectory Farm, 5pm to 6pm. Contact Mel 07979 152746 for more details

The Big Macmillan Coffee Morning at Dorothy’s House, 22 London Road, Roade with tea, coffee and cakes on offer, along with good company. Please come and support this very important organisation

SATURDAY, SEP 20

MUSIC

Karaoke Disco at Vocal Club, Bailiff Street, Npton, 8pm till late

Brafield Working Men’s Club, A428, Biggsy from 8pm.

Front Cover at Great Doddington WMC, Lower Street, NN29 7TL

Mid Sensation at The Walnut Tree Inn, Station Road, Blisworth, 9.30pm

Northampton Male Voice Choir will be performing an Autumn Concert at Christ Church, Npton, 7.30pm. Admission £7.50 inc wine and refreshments. Tickets from St Giles Music or 01604 753789. For details www.nmvc.co.uk

Hannah Rogers (pop, soul & jazz) at Aspers, Npton, 11pm. Free entry

Neil Timothy at Northampton WMC, Sheep Street, Npton

Alex Novak presents live band Jagged Little Thrills at Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 9pm

Ginger Pig headline the Nigel Hollick Fundraising evening in association with Mens Own R.F.C. at The Picturedrome, Npton, 8pm. Tickets £5

Summer Saturday Sessions continue with DJs Adam Naked & Ryan Dorian at Auntie Ruth’s, Npton, 9pm

Pure Genius at O’Neill’s, Npton, 10pm

Vinyl Revival at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Choral Music inspired by baroque Venice at St Mary, Great Brington NN7 4JB, 7pm. Fiori Musicali Chamber Ensemble & Choir. Penelope Rapson director. Tickets £20/£15. www.fiori-musicali.com or 01327 360931

THEATRE

New Jersey Nights, Derngate Auditorium, 2.30pm/7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Regeneration, Royal Auditorium, 2.30pm/7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Military Fitness Class for adults and children at Delapre Park, Northampton, 9.30am to 11am. For info www.bpt-uk.com

Martial Art of Tang Soo Do at Kingsley School (NN15 5DP), 10am to 11.15am Children & family class. All welcome. More info www.tangsoo.net

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (8.5 miles). Start at Village Hall CP, Wadenhoe, 10am. Ring leader on 01832 732724

Afternoon Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (6 miles). 1.30pm from Water Lane, Towcester, by Waitrose car park NN12 6HZ. Possibly last chance to walk these fields before Towcester’s Southern Development starts. Unsuitable for dogs

Get Active, Get Healthy, Get Involved Community Event at Kingsthorpe College. Boughton Green Road, Npton NN2 7HR, 11am to 2pm. Variety of different “zones” – Business, Health & Wellbeing and Sport and Fitness. Also live music, bouncy castles, face painting, BBQ, Gallone’s Ice Cream and more. Free entry

Open Day at Northampton Indoor Bowls Club on Kingsthorpe Rec from 10am to 12noon

Ballroom Dancing, Holy Sepulchre Rooms, Church Lane, Npton (top of Sheet Street), 8pm to 11pm. £3.50 entry. Call Jean 01604 499226 for details

Craft & Vintage Sale at St Luke’s Centre, Main Road, Duston NN5 6JB, 10am to 4pm. Over 20 stalls selling handmade, vintage and retro goods. Also Macmillan Coffee fundraiser and a drop-in where you can meet the Parish Councillors for a chat. Free

SUNDAY, SEP 21

MUSIC

Karaoke at Jekyll & Hyde, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8pm

Brafield Working Men’s Club, A428, Bobby Daniels from 8pm.

The Rockin’ Roadrunner Club Festival. A Music Festival run with and for adults with a range of disabilities. Held at The Band Stand, Abington Park, Northampton, 12noon to 6pm. Abba and Queen tributes, Cartel, circus school, fairground games, local bands, flashmob dancers and more. Free entry. Open to all. Bring your own picnic and drinks

The Hart has Talent – talent contest at The Hart of Duston, 573 Harlestone Road, Npton NN5 6NU. You could win a day in a recording studio. £2 entry, all proceeds to Gossett Ward, Northampton General Hospital

The Freetime Jazz Band at The Walnut Tree Inn, Blisworth in the Ellington Suite, 12noon to 2.30pm. Admission £8

The All New Cinqui Jam at Thomas A Beckett, St James Road, Npton, 9pm

Karen Star at Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

OTHER

Companion Dog Show run by Northants Dog Training at Spratton Recreation Field, Smith Street, Spratton, NN6 8HW. Entries 11.30am, judging at 1pm. Obedience and Breed classes £1.50ea. Novelty classes £1ea. Rosettes awarded to 4th place

Short Full Day Walk with Northampton Ramblers (8.2 miles). Meet 10am The Red Lion, Cranford St John, NN14 4AA. Circular walk via Woodford, Twywell and the Twywell Hills and dales. Lunch available after the walk; numbers taken on the day

Figure-of-8 Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (11 miles AM, 5 miles PM). Meet leader 8.15am Church Lane (adj to rear entrance to Holy Sepulchre Church) for 8.40am start from Eykyn Arms, 20 High Street, Gayton NN7 3HD. Lunch at Eykyn Arms, where our own food is essential. Afternoon start is 2pm from Eykyn Arms. Morning has 150 metres of climbing. Afternoon will be leisurely and inc Tiffield Pocket Park. 30 + 10 stiles

Pastels Masterclass with Penny Milner at jgallery, 25 West Street, Moulton NN3 7SB, 10.30am to 4pm (8 students only). For details and booking form www.jgallery.org.uk

MONDAY, SEP 22

MUSIC

Karaoke at The Golden Horse, Far Cotton, 4pm to 7pm

THEATRE

One Man, Two Guvnors, Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Pub Quiz, Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 8pm. Entry £1 or £5 for 5+

Movie Night at The Picturedrome, Npton, 8pm. Tonight “Pompeii”. Free entry.

COYS Touch Rugby Club are looking for new members. Outdoor training at Dallington Park, Off Harlestone Road, Npton, 6.30pm to 8.30pm (every Mon & Thurs)

If you enjoy singing, why not join Kingsthorpe’s newly formed choir “Just Voices”. Meet Kingsthorpe Baptist Church (every Mon), 7-8.15pm. No need to be an expert singers as all “voices” are welcome. More details stuartpauljenkins@gmail.com or 01604 717866

Iyengar Yoga, 9.30am to 10.45am, Perry Street – 07759 152986

TUESDAY, SEP 23

MUSIC

All That Jazz at the Wig & Pen, Npton, 9pm. Free entry

Just Voices Community Choir meets 7pm at Kingsthorpe Baptist Church, entrance from rear of Waitrose. New members very welcome. You don’t need to be able to read music, just enjoy singing. Details – Stuart Jenkins 01604 455682

Northampton Male Voice Choir (every Tues), 7.30pm at Kingsley Park Methodist Church Hall (opp St Matthews Church), visitors always welcome to come along and join us. For details www.nmvc.co.uk

THEATRE

God of Carnage, The Playhouse Theatre, 115 Clare Street, Npton NN1 3JA, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 627791

One Man, Two Guvnors, Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Classic Movies Afternoon brings you films from the Golden Age of cinema at The Picturedrome, Npton, 1pm

Ballroom & Latin Tea Dance with tuition (every Tues), 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Eden Close Community Room, Lakeview NN3 6NS

“Masquerade Masks” with Christine Farmer. Very friendly weekly discussion groups at NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton, 10.30am to 11.45am. More details 01604 858252.

Kingsthorpe Baptist Church (High Street) will be showing Encounters at the End of the World (U, 99 mins) at 7pm. Free entry. Refreshments served after the film

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (3.5 miles). Start Morrisons CP, Kettering Road, Npton, 10am. Ring leader on 01604 718576

Lace and Bobbin Making Course at Stanwick Village Hall, 9.30am in the committee room. For info and booking www.northamptnshire.gov.uk (search under “Crafts”)

WEDS, SEP 24

MUSIC

“J for Jazz” at The Coach & Horse, Lubenham, 8.30pm. Free admission. 01848 463183 for details

Jazz & Blues at Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 8pm. Free entry

Wednesday Country Scene at The Headland, Longland Road, Npton

Little Devils – Wednesday Blues Club at The Malt Shovel Tavern, Bridge Street, Npton NN1 1QF, 8.45pm

The Freight Train Jam at Thomas A Beckett, St James Road, Npton, 9pm

Open Mic Night, Golden Horse, Far Cotton, N’pton, 8.30pm

THEATRE

God of Carnage, The Playhouse Theatre, 115 Clare Street, Npton NN1 3JA, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 627791

One Man, Two Guvnors, Derngate Auditorium, 2.30pm/7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

OTHER

Theatre Visit with Members. Very friendly weekly discussion groups at NASO, St Michaels Road, Npton, 7.30pm to 9pm. More details 01604 858252

Kingsthorpe Baptist Church (High Street) will be showing Local Hero (PG, 106 mins) at 7pm. Free entry. Refreshments served after the film

Morning Walk with Northampton & District Ramblers (6.5 miles). 10am from Nassington, Black Horse PH. Use car park if patronising the pub. Pub lunch available after walk. From 2pm optional visit to Prebendal Manor and Tithe Barn Museum. Admission £7.50pp. Booking not necessary. 5 stiles