Northamptonshire slumped to a 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Glamorgan despite losing 115 overs from their LV= County Championship clash.

It was the County’s first loss in the four-day game this season and came shortly before 3pm on the final day.

It was the first time for Glamorgan to win two games in succession since they defeated Kent and Middlesex in 2011.

Rob Newton with a battling innings of 107 - his first hundred of the season - tried his best to prolong the Northants second innings but once he was dismissed by Craig Meschede and Adam Rossington was out to Andrew Salter there was little resistance from the others.

Northamptonshire had resumed on 163 for 4, with Newton and Rossington defying the Glamorgan attack for 57 minutes before Jaques Rudolph brought Meschede into the attack.

The bowler rewarded his captain with his second ball when Newton played on.

On three further occasions when Rudolph changed the bowling the bowlers struck in their first over.

When Andrew Salter was brought on, Ben Duckett, who had struck four successive boundaries got a leading edge to mid off, and the young off spinner then produced a beauty that turned and bounced which David Willey could only edge to slip.

Rossington played another sensible innings, reaching his second fifty in the game before he fatally swept at Salter who took his third wicket to end with match figures of 6 for 69.

Rudolph could do no wrong and when Ruaidhri Smith was summoned he duly obliged by having Rory Kleinveldt caught off a skier to wicketkeeper Wallace.

When play was prolonged through the lunch interval with nine wickets down Chambers was dismissed at 1.28pm which left Glamorgan with only 56 to win.

Northants opened with a spinner as they were -2 with their over rate, but Glamorgan cantered to victory by 10 wickets.

A guide to what is on in and around Northamptonshire this week

Thursday June 4

MUSIC

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

Rock ‘n’ Roll Tea Dance. Picturedrome, N’pton, 1pm

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

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

The John Patrick Band. Stirrup Cup, Barton Seagrave, 9pm.

Acoustic Sessions. Walnut Tree Inn, Station Road, Blisworth, 9pm.

Tad Newton’s Jazzfriends. All Star Jazz Special Northamptonshire County Cricket Club, Hevey Suite, Wantage Road, Npton, 8pm. Admission £10, pay otd.

THEATRE

Man & Superman. The Castle Wellingborough, 7pm. 01933 270007

Murder In All Innocence. Abbey Community Ctr, Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, 7.30pm. 01604 761418 or 01604 767568

The Merry Wives of Windsor. Underground, 2.30pm. 01604 624811

Winter’s Tale. Underground, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Martial Art of Tang Soo Do. Kettering Leisure Village. 7pm – 9pm www.tangsoo.net

Towcester County Market. The Chantry House, Towcester, 8.30am to 12noon.

Quiz. Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm.

Quiz Night. The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Npton, 8pm

Bingo. Brafield WMC, located on A428, from 8.30pm

Yoga. Stanwick Village Hall, 6.30pm to 8pm. Free trial session, no obligation. 01832 358329, Patriciazstarkey@aol.com

Clickers, Cutters & Quarrymen.Burton at Work exhibition in the Burton Latimer Heritage Museum.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk (12 miles). Start Woburn car park, 10am. Ring leader 01234 713526

Evening Walk. The Ramblers Association (5 miles). Meet 7pm from near Harpole Church.

Kettering Stamp & Philatelic Society meeting. Philatelic Auction Held at St Mary’s Primary School, Fuller Street, Kettering, 7.30pm.

Talks for the Over 60s. Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, 10.30am to 11.30am. Richard Deacon talks about Old Northampton in Photographs 01604 837397.

Summer Fete. Village green of St Margaret’s Church, Denton, 2pm to 4pm. Various entertainment.

The NAB Mobile Sight Centre. Oundle Town Centre, Co-op car park, St Osyths Lane, 10am to 1pm

Exhibitions. Alfred East Art Gallery, Sheep Street, Kettering (until July 5). Frank Brangwyn, The Graphic Art of the First World War and Art in Mind (in the Long Gallery until June 24).

Vintage Auction. Rushden Bowls Club, 144 Northampton Road, NN10 6AN. Viewing from 3pm; Auction starts 6.45pm.

Quiz Night. Fox & Hounds, Kingsthorpe, 9pm

Quiz Night. Sun Inn, Hardingstone, 8.30pm

Quiz Night & Open The Box. Foundrymans Arms, Npton, 8pm

Friday June 5

MUSIC

Disco and Karaoke. The Welcome Inn, Irchester Road, Rushden

Rhythm & Roots. Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm

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

Disco. The Sunnyside PH, Boughton Green Road, Npton, 8pm

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

Abba Tribute Night. Whittlebury Hall Hotel & Spa, 7.30pm, 3-course set dinner, entertainment & disco. www.whittleburyhall.co.uk or call 0845 400 1406

Mat Roberts. Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Request Friday. Apollo Disco, The Spread Eagle, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8.30pm.

The Drifters. Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

Indie Disco. Eastgate, Npton, 9pm

Karaoke/Disco. Golden Horse, Npton, 7.30pm

Karaoke, Crown & Anchor, Npton, 8pm

THEATRE

Reduced Shakespeare Company. The Castle Wellingborough, 7.30pm. 01933 270007

Murder In All Innocence. Abbey Community Ctr, Overslade Close, East Hunsbury, 01604 761418 or 01604 767568

The Merry Wives of Windsor. Underground, 2.30pm. 01604 624811

Winter’s Tale. Underground, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

The Hook, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Staverton Village Hall. On The Edge, 8pm

OTHER

Quiz Night. at Brafield WMC, A428. Hot food available.

Street Dance Class. Stanwick Village Hall, 3.45pm to 4.45pm. £4 per session.

Quiz Night. Shoulder of Mutton, Weldon, 8pm.

Bingo. Liburd Room, Whilton Road, Kingsthorpe, 7.30pm to 9.45pm

Martial Art of Tang Soo Do. Ringstead Village Hall, 6.30pm – 7.30pm. www.tangsoo.net

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

Tai Chi (every Fri). Duston Village Hall, Sycamore Road, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.

R-Zone Club. Young people aged 8-13 years. Community Ctr, Olden Road, Rectory Farm, 5pm to 6pm. 07979 152746.

Gentle Yoga. Stanwick Village Hall, 2pm to 3.15pm. 01832 358329 or email Patriciazstarkey@aol.com

Craft Club (every Fri). 11am to 3pm, Church Hall, St Peter & St Paul’s Church, Kettering. 07733 341674.

Gujarati Thali. Bay Tree Cottage Curry Club, 7pm-9pm www.btcworkshops.co.uk

LUNA FLIX Outdoor Cinema. Priscilla, Queen Of The Desert (15) at Stanwick Lakes, 8pm. www.lunaflix.co.uk

Wellingborough Ramblers walk. (8.5 miles). Start Woburn car park, 10am. Ring leader 01234 713526

Boothville Art Group. Art exhibition at Fernie Fields Scout & Community Ctr, Npton, 7pm to 9pm (also June 6 & 7, 10am to 4pm).

The NAB Mobile Sight Centre. Northampton Abington Street, Close to Central Library, 9.30am to 1pm

Free English and American Ballroom, Latin & Swing-Dance Lessons. James Lewis Courts, Cherry Orchard, 12.30pm.

The Whitefriars Church Retireds’ Group. 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Bridge Community Office at Whitefriars Junior School, Talk on Recollections of a World War Two pilot. 01933 676989)

Find The Joker. Foundrymans Arms, Npton, 9pm

South End Infant School. Activity Afternoon, Wymington Road, Rushden, 1.15pm to 2.50pm. Activities to inc Karate, Army Drills, Rugby and Zumba.

Saturday June 6

MUSIC

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

Live DJ. Bootleggers, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm till late

Brafield Working Mens Club. A428, Billy DeLaine from 8pm. Also bingo starts at 8.30pm.

Shaun E B at. Northampton WMC, Sheep Street, Npton

Switch. Walnut Tree Inn, 21 Station Road, Blisworth, 9pm.

Kevin O’Regan. Folk music in Hellidon Village Hall, 7.30pm.

The Hicksville Bombers Rockabilly Event. The Barratts Club, Npton, 7pm. Tickets £10, children under 13 free, 07917 413732.

SOUL-ar ENERGY. The Wayfarers Inn, London Road, Kettering, 9pm. Modern Soul Music 70s – Today

Accrington Stanley. Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

Magic of the Bee Gees. The Castle Wellingborough, 7.30pm. 01933 270007

Tony Gee’s Motown & Soul Disco. The Spread Eagle, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 8.30pm.

Kay T Daley. Kettering Rifle Band Club, Havelock Street, Kettering

Mod Story. The Windmill, Rushden, 9pm

Deaf by 30. Great Doddington Club, Lower Street,

Jamie Benkert & The Collective. Walnut Tree Inn, Station Road, 9pm.

Orbital Kaos. Thomas A Beckett, Npton, 9.30pm

Live DJ. Dance/House/Garage/R&B at Eastgate, Npton, 9pm

The Hicksville Bombers. Barratts Club, Npton, 7.30pm. Tickets £10. Raising money for Air Ambulance

Hunsbury Harmonettes in conjunction with Bethany Homestead & Victoria Road Congregational Church. An eclectic evening of song. Victoria Road Congregational Church, 7pm. £5, 01604 705083 or pay otd.

Woodford Halse Social Club. The GreatCentral Blues Club presents The Micky Moody Band, 7pm

The Witch and Sow, Guilsborough. The Witch and Sow Festival featuring live music and beer, 1pm-10.30pm; Also Sunday, 1pm-9pm

THEATRE

Along The Riverbank. The Castle Wellingborough, 11am/2pm. 01933 270007

Murder In All Innocence. Abbey Community Ctr, Overslade Close, East Hunsbury. 7.30pm. 01604 761418 or 01604 767568

The Merry Wives of Windsor. Underground, 2.30pm. 01604 624811

Winter’s Tale, Underground, 7.30pm. Box Office 01604 624811

The Hook. Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. 01604 624811

Chris & Pui. The Core at Corby Cube, 11am & 2pm. 01536 470470

OTHER

Military Fitness Class. Delapre Park, Northampton, 9.30am to 11am. www.bpt-uk.com

Martial Art of Tang Soo Do. Kingsley School, 10am to 11.15am, www.tangsoo.net

English and American Ballroom, Latin & Swing-Dance Lessons. St Albans Church, Broadmead Ave, N’pton, 2pm. 01604 787246.

Saturday Stage Stars. 5-8 years at Stanwick Village Hall, 11.15am. £10.50 per week. 07788 983403

Quiz Night. Semilong WMC, St Andrews Road, Npton

Hellidon Garden Festival. (& June 7), 1pm to 6pm. Visit over 10 beautiful gardens. Profits to the WNAA

Afternoon Walk. The Ramblers Association (6 miles). Meet 2pm Ascote Village Green.

Circular Day Walk. The Ramblers Association (15 miles). Depart Turnpike, Harpole Turn, Weedon Road at 7am for walk, starting from Milldale car park.

Magic in the Nursery. exhibition of illustrations from the children’s books at Northampton Museum & Art Gallery (until July 12)

Baby/Children’s Nearly New Sale. The Pemberton Centre, H E Bates Way, Rushden, 10am to 12noon. Entry £1 Karen_aves@hotmail.co.uk

Whist Drive. Great Easton Village Hall in the Welland Valley, 7.30pm. 01536 770784

All Saints Summer Fete. Church and Church Hall, 10am to 1pm.

LUNA FLIX Outdoor Cinema. Showing Top Gun (12A) at Stanwick Lakes, 8pm. www.lunaflix.co.uk

Talks. Northampton Museum & Art Gallery, 2pm. From Wives and Daughters to Citizens”by John Buckell £5pp, 01604 837397.

Flower Festival. (& June 7), St Mary’s Church, Great Brington, 11.30am to 5pm.

Wellingborough Ramblers. walk (8.5 miles). Bulls Head PH, Coventry Road, Brinklow, 10am. 01604 459156

Christ Church Summer Fayre. Christ Church Hall, Christchurch Road, Npton, 1pm to 3pm

Antiques, collectibles and book fair. Abington Church Rooms, Park Avenue North, 10am to 4pm. Free

Jumble Sale. St Mary’s Church, Knox Road, Wellingborough, 10am.

English Paper Piecing Patchwork workshop. Kingsthorpe Community Ctr, Mill Lane, Npton, 2pm to 4pm. 07766 376460 or email rosekealy.ward@virgin.net

Harrington Aviation Museum. 10am to 5pm (& Sun).

Race Night. Semilong WMC, St Andrews Road, Npton

Nene Quilters. Abbey Centre, East Hunsbury, 10.30am. £7 01604 402518

Circle Dancing. Friends Meeting House, Wellington Street, Npton, 10.15am to 12.30pm. £6 01604 843113

Race night. Semilong WMC

Sunday June 7

MUSIC

Bullit’s Karaoke. The Welcome Inn, Irchester Road, Rushden

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

Bingo and Hoy. Queens Park WMC, Npton

Sunday Jam Night. Anne Marie at Thomas A Beckett, Npton, 9pm

Brafield Working Mens Club. A428, Ashby Clarke from 8pm. 8.30pm.

Honeywell. Kingsley Park WMC, Npton

The Geripatricks. The Spread Eagle, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 7pm.

Karaoke. Foundrymans Arms, Npton, 8pm.

THEATRE

David Sedaris. Derngate Auditorium, 7.30pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Badminton Club. (16+) – Every Sunday at Duston Sports Centre, Npton. 07946 631449

Bingo. British Rail Club, St Andrews Road, Npton (every Sun)

Circular Day Walk. The Ramblers Association (11.75 miles). 8.50am Church Lane

ON Chenecks FC. Car Boot Sale, Old Northamptonians Association, Billing Road, Npton. Sellers 8am £6 car, £10 van. Buyers 9am £1 a car.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk. (7 miles). Start at Draughton Crossing CP, 10am. 07775 485618

Pitsford Village Hall. Full English breakfast. £4.50 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Northampton Pitsford 10K. Register and collect number at Pitsford Causeway Car Park, Brixworth Road, 9am and 9.45am, for 10am start. £16 inc t-shirt and medal.

Creaton In Bloom. Chris Parker/Jules Hunt Jazz Quartet at Creaton Village Green, 12noon to 3pm.

Sunrise Walk. The Green Dragon, Higham Ferrers (choice of 3, 6 or 12 miles), 4.30am onwards or 10am. £1.50 entry. www.waendel.org.uk

Quiz Night. Mattyboy at Barratts Club, Npton, 8pm.

Quiz Night. Phil at Crown & Anchor, Npton, 8pm.

Garden Open Day. On aid of MS Society at 84 Overstone Road, Sywell, 12noon to 4pm.

Car Boot sale. Harpole Playing Field 8am to 1pm. Sellers 7am

Monday June 8

MUSIC

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

Acoustic Open Mic. The Woolpack, Rothwell from 9pm.

Northampton Music Appreciation Society. The Reynard Clarinet & Saxophone Ensemble Quaker Meeting House, Npton, 7.30pm.

THEATRE

The Hook. Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. 01604 624811

Derren Brown. Derngate Auditorium, 8pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Pub Quiz. Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 8pm. Entry £1pp
Movie Night. The Picturedrome, Npton, 8pm.

Lunchtime Bingo. Monks Park WMC, 259 Wellingborough Road, N’pton, 2.30pm

Just Voices. Kingsthorpe Baptist Church (every Mon), 7-8.15pm. stuartpauljenkins@gmail.com or 01604 717866

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

Northampton Morris Men. Practice night, 8pm to 10pm. Ages 18 to 80. www.northamptonmorrismen.co.uk

Tuesday June 9

MUSIC

The Roy Hawksford Band. Wig & Pen, Npton, 9pm. Free entry

Just Voices Community Choir. Meet (every Tues), 7pm to 8.30pm at Kingsthorpe Baptist Church, 01604 455682

Northampton Male Voice Choir. (every Tues), 7.30pm at Kingsley Park Methodist Church Hall www.nmvc.co.uk

THEATRE

That Is All You Need To Know. The Castle Wellingborough, 7.30pm. 01933 270007

The Hook, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Derren Brown, Derngate Auditorium, 8pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Yoga for Well-Being. Spencer Dallington Community Ctr, Npton (every Tue), 9.30am to 11.30am.

Salsa Estrellas. The Picturedrome, Npton. 7.30pm.

Bingo. Monks Park WMC, N’pton, 8pm

Classic Movies Afternoon. The Picturedrome, Npton, 1pm

Body Balance. (every Tues) at Stanwick Village Hall, 1.30pm to 2.30pm. £4 07958 382720

Iyengar Yoga. 7pm to 8.30pm, Perry Street – 07759 152986

Free Ballroom & Latin Dance Lessons. (every Tues), 1.30pm to 3.30pm at Eden Close Community Room, Lakeview 01604 787246

Absolute Beginners Dance Class – Ballroom and Latin. Weston Favell CE Primary School, Westwood Way 7-8pm. £7pp,.

Wellingborough Ramblers walk. (5.5 miles). Start near the church, Haselbech, 10am. 01536 710427

Quiz Night. Phil Hollis, The Spread Eagle, Wellingborough Road, Npton, 9pm.

Free English and American Ballroom Latin & Swing-Dance Lessons. Eden Close Community Room, Lakeview, 1.30pm. 01604 787246.

Friends of Victoria Park. Open Meeting at the Foundry PH, Npton, 7.30pm.

Medieval Northampton, Part 2 with Ruth Thomas. Discussion group, St Michaels Road, Npton, 10.30am to 11.45am. 01604 858252.

Gretton Womens Hour. Gretton Baptist Church Hall, 2.15pm. 01536 770188.

Wednesday June 10

MUSIC

J for Jazz. The Coach & Horse, Lubenham, 8.30pm. 01848 463183

Acoustics Night. Horseshoe Inn, Sheep St, Wellingborough, 9pm.

Acoustic Session. The Cuckoos Nest, Clare Street, Npton, 8.30pm.

Jazz & Blues. Charles Bradlaugh, Npton, 8.30pm.

Freight Train Jam Night. Thomas A Beckett, St James Road, Npton, 9pm.

Legends Open Mic. Kitty O’Shea’s, St Peter’s Way, Npton, 8pm (every Wed)

Open Mic. Harpers Brook, Corby, 8.30pm

Jaykay’s Sixties Band. Wednesday Beat Scene 4th Birthday, The Headland, Longland Road, Npton, 8.30pm.

THEATRE

La Boheme, The Castle Wellingborough, 7.15pm. 01933 270007

Marjory, Edward and George. The Castle Wellingborough, 7.45pm. 01933 270007

The Hook, Royal Auditorium, 7.45pm. Box Office 01604 624811

Derren Brown, Derngate Auditorium, 8pm. 01604 624811

OTHER

Craft Club. Knitting, stitching and cardmaking (every Wed). Hazlewood Community Ctr, Corby, 7pm to 9pm. 07910 989410

Mums, Grannies, Childminders & Toddlers. Meet (every Wed) in the Church Hall, Edinburgh Road, 1.30pm to 3pm.

Althorp Literary Festival. (until June 13). For more details www.spencerofalthorp.com or call 01604 770107

Morning Walk. The Ramblers Association (7.5 miles). 9.30am start from Great Doddington, nr shop. .

Wellingborough Ramblers walk. (7 miles). The Cock PH, Roade, 9.30am. 01604 810581

The NAB Mobile Sight Centre. Northampton Town Centre, Market Square, 10am to 1pm

Evening Walk. The Kings Head, Wadenhoe (6 miles), 6pm www.waendel.org.uk

Dogs for the Disabled. Robert Davis. St Michaels Road, Npton, 7.30pm to 9pm. 01604 858252.

Quiz Night. Lord Byron, Npton, 8pm.

A shop owner whose wife was subjected to a brutal robbery on Saturday in a quiet residential area has urged “catch these dangerous people before they do it again”.

Two men entered Khinda’s Convenience Store on Colingwood Road, Abington, at around 2pm on Saturday, May 30 and demanded the shop worker hand over the contents of the till. But when she refused they subjected her to a brutal attack using a blunt weapon.

The woman, co-owner of the family-run shop, was left with a possible fractured nose and severe bruising.

This week her husband, George Khinda, who has run the shop with her for 31 years, has urged people to get in touch with police if they have any information about the incident.

He said: “These people need to be caught they are dangerous.

“If they are not caught they are only going to go and do this again somewhere else.”

As a police investigation is ongoing, Mr Khinda could reveal very little about how the incident happened.

But he described the attack itself as ‘unprecedented brutality’.

“They didn’t need to go to the lengths that they did, she is only five feet two inches.

“But they really badly beat her, it was barbaric.”

Mrs Khinda was taken to Northampton General Hospital following the incident and is unlikely to return to work for some time.

“It’s been very traumatic,” Mr Khinda said. “This is such a good area, this sort of thing doesn’t happen round here.

“I have been here for 31 years and we have had the odd sweet go missing, the odd grocery, a stroppy customer here and there. But this is like going from a one on the scale to a 10 in an instant.”

Mr Khinda said he has been ‘absolutely humbled’ by the response from the Abington community. He said:“They have been bringing in flowers and cards and cakes, it’s such a humbling experience. It’s the most flowers my wife has received in her whole life.

“We just want to say a huge thank you to the people round here for their support,” he added.

Knitwear design student Ella Nisbett has scooped two top awards at Graduate Fashion Week.

The 25-year-old, from Kingsthorpe, who studies at Nottingham Trent University’s School of Art & Design, won the Stuart Peters Visionary Knitwear Award and the Menswear Award.

Her designs – the outcome of her dissertation on men’s fashion and subcultures – was inspired by the 1940s’ Zoot Suiters and the Sapeurs in the Congo.

She said: “It’s only really just started to sink in. It’s all been so unexpected. It’s the first time I’ve done a whole menswear collection.

“To have been recognised in such a way by such highly- respected industry professionals is an absolute honour.

“The standard at Graduate Fashion Week was so high, I cannot believe I won two categories. I’m so happy.

“I think that now is a very exciting time for menswear, and the collection is a bit of a celebration of men being able to dress with confidence.”

Ian McInnes, course leader for Fashion Knitwear at Nottingham Trent University, said: “Staff and fellow students are delighted with Ella’s double win.

“The layering of intense colour and bold floral motifs is combined with innovative fabrication and dramatic menswear shapes.

“Industry visitors and judges commented on its originality in fabric and shape and the intelligent use of knit in colour proportion and silhouette for menswear.

“Ella’s collection at the early stages showed originality and these two prestigious awards are testimony to her quiet determination, design talent and manufacturing expertise.

“She is an excellent ambassador for the fashion knitwear and knitted textiles course.”

Graduate Fashion Week, held in collaboration with George, is the world’s leading event for fashion students.

It provides a platform for more than 1,000 graduates from 40 of the most influential UK and international universities to showcase their work to industry.

A collision between two cars in Kingsthorpe in Northampton caused lengthy tailbacks on the surrounding roads.

Mill Lane in Kingsthorpe was blocked at the junction with Kingswell Road while emergency services attend the scene.

Police, fire and rescue and ambulance services all attended the incident.

As a result traffic is queuing in both directions between the Cock Hotel and the Nene Valley Way junction on the A508, Harborough Road.

The incident is now clear.

Northampton Saints star Ben Cohen will be visiting the town centre next week to celebrate the launch of his first fragrance.

The former Strictly Come Dancing contestant will be meeting fans and signing bottles of Ben Cohen For Men at Superdrug in the Grosvenor Centre between 4-5pm on Thursday, June 11.

Since retiring from professional rugby in 2011, the 36-year-old has been focussing his attention on the Ben Cohen Stand Up Foundation - a charity he launched last year.

Having now also launched his own fragrance, he said: “I am delighted and excited to be launching my first Eau De Toilette.

“I think the fresh scent will make it ideal for males of all ages, it will appeal to young and more mature men alike and it will be available exclusively in Superdrug from June. I really hope the guys out there like it.”

Released in time for father’s day, the scent has been described as fresh and woody, with top notes of citrus.

Simon Houghton, Superdrug Northampton store manager said, “We’re really excited to welcome Ben Cohen into the store to celebrate the launch of his debut fragrance. I’m sure Ben visiting the store in his home town will really excite our customers and create a great atmosphere on the day and a great buzz around the launch.”

Superdrug launched Ben Cohen For Men exclusively in stores nationwide and www.superdrug.com on Wednesday, June 3, at £15 (100ml, EDT).

An 11-year-old Northampton girl has raised £1,000 in a single week with her plan to cut her hair for charity after a number of professional footballers spotted her appeal.

Imogen Davies, of Highdown Close in Hunsbury Hill, will next month be cutting off her long blonde locks for the Little Princess Trust to make wigs for children who have lost their hair due to cancer treatment.

But the keen football-player’s online appeal for sponsors received a huge boost after it was retweeted by AFC Wimbledon striker Adebayo Akinfenwa to his 150,000 followers, leading to a number of pledges by women footballers.

Imogen, who also plays as goalkeeper for Welland Valley Girls under 11s and Northampton Town PDC, has also secured several donations from Cobblers fans after the club also helped to share her campaign, bringing her total up to more than £1,000.

She decided to make the bold move after winning the title of May Queen at her school, Rothersthorpe Primary School.

She said: “I know that my hair will grow back. Poorly children deserve to have hair too.

“I was recently crowned May Queen at my school and everyone said that I looked like a Princess. That’s why I am donating my hair so that a child fighting cancer can look like a Prince or Princess too.”

The big haircut will take place in early July, after she breaks up for the summer holiday, and all the proceeds from the event, as well as Imogen’s hair will go directly to the charity.

Her father Tony said: “The amount of support has been unexpected and she is now beyond her target within eight days.

“She’s a pretty caring and sensitive soul.”

To add your donation, visit Imogen’s Just Giving page on: www.justgiving.com/ImogenRDavies

England’s Moeen Ali has been named in the Worcestershire Rapids squad for their NatWest T20 Blast match at Northants on Friday night.

And the visitors will also field Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal, who will be playing the first game of his third spell with the New Road club.

All-rounder Ali has been made available by England for the next month to fine tune his game ahead of the Ashes, but he is also free to play T20.

The 27-year-old played in four T20 Blast matches last season, scoring 101 runs at an average of 25.25 and a strike rate of 150.74 and taking four wickets at an average of 28.00 at an economy rate of seven runs per over.

In 2013 he produced a brilliant man-of-the-match performance in a T20 game at the County Ground, scoring 72 from 45 balls and then claiming five for 34 as Worcester beat the Steelbacks by 34 runs.

Saeed is starting his third spell with the club, and the first since remodelling his action during the winter to meet ICC guide-lines after a spell of being banned from international cricket.

Ajmal played in 10 T20 Blast matches last summer, taking 12 wickets at an average of 19.75 and an economy rate of 6.07 runs per over - the best of all the Worcestershire bowlers who played regularly in the competition.

The Steelbacks have lost their opening two games of this season’s competition, while Worcester have won one and lost one, but Rapids director of cricket Steve Rhodes isn’t taking any notice of those statistics.

“In T20 cricket any side can beat each other on the day and it evens itself out, the shorter the game,” said Rhodes.

“It is only two years ago that Northants were champions in this competition. I went to finals day that year and watched them that day and they played magnificently well.

“They’ve still got quite a lot of those match-winners in that side and they are always going to be tough opposition.

“We respect them, we won’t fear them, but we’ll respect them because they’ve got some good cricketers and hopefully they will take a look at our side and think similarly.”

Worcestershire (from): Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Richard Oliver, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Colin Munro, Ross Whiteley, Ben Cox, Brett D’Oliveira, Ed Barnard, Joe Leach, Saeed Ajmal, Jack Shantry, Alexei Kervezee

Steelbacks (from): Alex Wakely, Rory Kleinveldt, Steven Crook, Josh Cobb, Richard Levi, Adam Rossington, Mohamed Azharullah, David Willey, Rob Keogh, Ollie Stone, Graeme White, Shahid Afridi.

Head of recruitment Martin Foyle is hoping Josh Lelan is the first in a long line of young players he will be able to attract to Northampton Town.

The 20-year-old defender signed for the Cobblers this week from Derby County, after being recommended to Chris Wilder by Foyle.

The head of recruitment has been in place at Sixfields since January, and says he hopes the Lelan signing is the first of many he can entice to the club.

“My job when I came in in January was to try and find these boys that are on the fringe, and we have had one or two of them,” said Foyle.

“I want to try and make three or four because it is the future of the club.

“We can’t keep getting top players all the time, so now if we can bed in and have that blend of experience and youth, it is a good recipe to go forward.”

Asked about his working relationship with Town boss Wilder and assistant manager Alan Knill, Foyle said: “We have known each other for a number of years, so there is that trust element.

“I have enjoyed the role, and Chris and Alan know that I will try and do it to the best of my ability.

“If I can get young players here to Northampton, and they can improve, then you never know there might be one or two that you might be able to sell on in future times.”

And he added: “The first two or three that come in are always going to be testers.

“I have been that manager so I know exactly what Chris and Alan are thinking.

“Sometimes you have to have that trust though, and not go blind, but we have to get him the right footage so he (Wilder) can actually see him as well.”

Foyle is confident Lelan will make his mark on the first team at Sixfields next season.

He insists the Derby youth product isn’t just coming in to make up the squad numbers, and says the example of Lawson D’Ath last season proves that Lelan could be a key man.

“Lawson was a boy who was on trial last summer,” said Foyle,

“He was going from place to place and couldn’t find anything when it come right to the end.

“Chris Wilder said ‘let’s bring him in and have a little look’, and there are shining examples and Lawson did very well last season.

“He had a good campaign and I don’t think the manager here has any qualms about putting young boys in if they hold their own.

“Then if they are playing well, and the team’s on a roll, you don’t change things.”

And what about Lelan? What can the Cobblers fans expect from him?

“Lee Glover (under-21 manager at Derby), who I played with, speaks very highly of Josh,” said Foyle.

“He highlights his attitude, and I think Chris wants those players, players that are hungry and actually want to come here and play for Northampton Town.

“At Swindon, Josh played on the right hand side of a back three, but he can also play right-back and slot into the anchor role in midfield as well.

“He is mobile, he is strong, and that’s good.”

Officers investigating a serious road collision in a village near Daventry are appealing for witnesses.

The crash happened on the A361 crossroads near Charwelton, south of Daventry, just after 11pm on Thursday, May 21.

A grey Land Rover Discovery and a blue Mercedes E280 where involved in the collision, which left the Land Rover on its side.

The driver of the Mercedes had to be taken to University Hospital, Coventry for treatment.

Witnesses, or anyone with any information about the collision, can call Northamptonshire Police’s drivewatch hotline on 0800 174615.

Victims and witnesses of serious and fatal road traffic collisions are being asked to share their experiences in order to help improve the service offered to them by Northamptonshire Police.

A review is currently being conducted into how the victim support service operates for people affected by road crashes and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner are keen to improve the offer to victims, witnesses and their families and want to know what more can be done to meet their needs.

Linda Lee, Chair of Voice, said: “We know that the services on offer do not always meet the needs and requirements of people who have been unfortunate enough to be involved in serious road traffic collisions or who have been bereaved as a result of a road traffic collision.

“Our aim is to better understand how we can support them throughout the whole process to be endured including the immediate aftermath and legal processes such as attendance at the Coroners Court.

“Victims of these incidents are not currently recognised in the current Victims Code of Practice, which will be enshrined in law during the course of this year.

“If we are able to prove that these services are operating well in Northamptonshire and are provide a tangible benefit it will add further weight to calls nationally for these victims to be formally recognised in the new Victims Law.”

Northamptonshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Adam Simmonds, said: “We will shortly be commencing a process to appoint the provider of support to victims, witnesses and their families of serious and fatal road traffic collisions. The findings from both the review that we have conducted internally and from the results of this public consultation will help us to shape the future design of our services.

“I remain committed to putting victims at the very heart of the criminal justice system and everything we do.”

Anyone who would like to respond to the survey can do so by going to www.surveymonkey.com/s/RTCVoice

So after the opening two Twenty20 defeats, a win tonight at a hot and humid Wantage Road is critical.

If we don’t win, then I think it’s probably all over.

I don’t think you can compete at this level with such a small squad, and to me Northants look short of a plan and bespoke bowling.

When we won in 2013 it was all about partnerships and accelerating the scoring rate, but that tactic has appeared absent in the first two games.

On the pitch this week and the superstition in club cricket goes that if you are behind in the game you turn left for wickets or right for runs from the pavilion (it might be the other way around but that’s how I remember it) and hope for the best.

For Northants the home matches are very much about runs and the away matches all about the chance for wickets as the bowlers get to enjoy more competitive pitches away from the home concrete runways.

This week’s trip to Wales promised the bowlers some relief with a grassier and bouncier strip as Willey led the team for the first time in the championship, Wakely being rested.

Alas, there would be no victory for Willey to celebrate his second England call-up.

You can already feel evolution taking place in the first-class game, as all-year Twenty20 peps up Championship and Test Match run-rates.

The relative good ball on a length is now getting slammed by impatient, aggressive batsmen, and Glamorgan were proof of that in this match as Willey put the home team in.

After morning rain they didn’t mess around catching up time and recovered from 94 for four in seaming conditions.

Glamorgan risked being skittled in the pursuit of quick runs, mirroring the NZ Test series, but, as ever, a relative unknown took his chance with yet another player to get a career-high score against Northants.

This now a running joke at Wantage Road with the supporters.

This time, South African-born Craig Meschede’s 107 guided Glamorgan to that rapid 371 all out off just 71.3 overs, with good support from Chris Cooke with 73 that allowed Ruaidhri Smith to slog the disappointing fourth batting point with 49 not out.

There was yet another irritatingly high tally of 39 extras that added to the bowling woe.

It was good to see Maurice Chambers get a go, but he struggled and went around the park for 88 from his 14 overs.

Northants’ reply also had rain interruptions to deal with as Willey became the first Northants captain I can recall to use a number 11 nightwatchman in Mohamed Azharullah to open the batting.

But it made no difference on day two as Northants, coming off prospering on those home pitches that had contributed nine out of their 10 first class innings this season, were soon in trouble as the ball swung under the cloud and murk.

Northants lost five wickets for five runs at one stage.

Rain delayed start on day three as fans’ favorite Adam Rossington and new boy Josh Cobb dug in with a half-century each.

Cobb has impressed me in the way he slots into the side, and although we have had to find a place for him as the pseudo spinner, he has been an integral part of the run machine is nearing that debut ton.

But after Rossington was unluckily run out that was it, and Northants were all out for 157 meaning they were asked to follow on.

This was comfortably Northants’ lowest score since that black day at Durham last year.

It was better second time around with Rob Newton dominating that second innings with an excellent hundred full of those signature flashing square cuts and pulls, but a silly dismissal cost the partnership.

Run outs should never really happen unless it’s a fourth-innings run chase, but Rob Keogh was run out for 42 when another ton beckoned.

We know Rossington can play at a higher level, and he enjoyed his second half-century of the match to at least avoid the innings defeat.

It would have been nice if Newton finally turned his seventh hundred into a ‘biggy’ to earn the draw, but it was not to be and so we suffered the first championship defeat of the season.

I’m sure Rob will add that to his game, but playing the way he does it exposes him to more types of dismissals, the same way Allan Lamb never went on to doubles.

To be honest, I was expecting this defeat away from the comfort blanket of those flat pitches at Wantage Road, and just hope the lads can win tonight to keep the season going.

A girl’s childhood note written in 1994 and buried in her grandmother’s garden in Northampton is to be returned to her 21 years later thanks of the power of social media.

Jenna Kennedy, who is now 29 and living in Southend, Essex, wrote the note on September 4, 1994, sealed it in a jam jar and buried it at her grandmother’s house in Woodside Way, Kings Heath.

The then nine-year-old, who had been inspired by a project she was completing at school on time capsules, drew a picture of her self in biro and wrote: “Hello my name is Jenna Kennedy.

“I won’t write my address because I might have moved houses.”

But last week when the current occupant of the house, Steven Roche, was digging in his back garden, he spotted the jam jar and note.

Mr Roche put out an appeal on Facebook to see if he could get in touch with the author of the time-sealed scribblings.

And after his posting was shared more than 100 times on the social networking site, an old school friend recognised Jenna’s handiwork.

Miss Kennedy, who is now a chemistry teacher, says she is thrilled at the prospect of being reunited with her letter.

“I was just really, really shocked.

“I don’t really have much left of my childhood, I maybe have an old picture of that time that is very small.

“I didn’t think I would see this again.”

Miss Kennedy said she is coming to Northampton to pick up the note, which she wrote when she was a ‘bit bored’, from Mr Roche on June 20.

She added: “It just goes to show the power of Facebook.”

As a passionate Saints supporter, Alex Wakely knows all about peaking at the right time.

A couple of weeks ago, he watched on as his beloved rugby club bowed out at the play-off semi-final stage of the Aviva Premiership.

A season of hard work, that saw Saints top the Premiership table for the first time in their history, went up in smoke against fourth-placed Saracens.

The Barnet-based team went on to beat Bath in the grand final last Saturday to complete a remarkable turnaround, having only sneaked into the top four on the last day of the regular season.

Wakely was there to see the Sarries-Bath showpiece, having purchased tickets in the hope that Saints would make it.

A year earlier, he was forced to pay sizeable sums to attend the dramatic Twickenham win against Saracens.

But his team won, making it worthwhile.

And he is now taking inspiration from the rugby format as Northants look to rebuild in this season’s NatWest Blast T20 competition.

He knows it is not how they start in the group stage - David Ripley’s men have lost both of their opening two games - but how they finish their 14-match campaign.

And after last week’s defeat to Warwickshire - a team who perfected peaking at the right time to win last season’s T20 at Edgbaston - he was remaining upbeat.

“It will be nice when all the games come in a block,” said Wakely ahead of a two-week period when Northants play four times in the T20, including three times in four days next week.

“When you have to play one and then wait another week, it’s frustrating. You just want to play them back to back.

“You can also get the plans more in place when you play each day.

“We’ve still got plenty of games to go. You can’t win the competition in the first two games and how good would it be now sitting bottom of the table to turn it around and still get a home quarter-final?”

Northants’ next game is at home to Worcestershire on Friday night, with matches against Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Yorkshire to come before next week is finished.

If last season clouded the memory slightly, then last Friday night was a sharp reminder.

Mohammad Azharullah’s display in the final-ball defeat to Birmingham Bears inspired flashbacks to 2013: the season when the sun shone on Burewala-born bowler.

Back then, the right-arm fast-medium bowler regularly blitzed batting line-ups for fun.

He was crowned Northants’ best player in the T20, with his 27 wickets in the competition helping the county to glory.

He was miles ahead of the next best bowler in the competition and played a leading role in big wins against sides with bigger budgets.

It was a fairytale story for a player who had emerged from a lengthy grounding in league cricket.

And it made Azharullah one of the most feared bowlers on the county circuit in the 20-over format.

But last season, the hype didn’t help him as batsmen steeled themselves and stopped him being as effective.

The wickets dried up and the 31-year-old didn’t make the cut in the first game of this season’s competition, at Durham.

But with Ollie Stone out injured, Azharullah came back with a bang against the Bears.

He took three wickets that almost salvaged a win for the Steelbacks, who looked to be slipping to a sizeable defeat before the away side started to get a bit nervy.

And the signs were good for Northants because they know that if they can get the 2013 version of Azharullah back, they can start to win games in this season’s scrap.

“I got dropped for the last game because I didn’t do well last year so it was good to get some wickets and some confidence,” Azharullah said.

“Obviously last year didn’t go according to plan, but I’ll work hard, keep going and get myself where I was in 2013.”

And skipper Alex Wakely was delighted to see one of his main men hitting his straps again.

“Azhar was brilliant,” said Wakely. “It was a very difficult decision to leave him out of the first game and he’s come back and shown he’s going nowhere.

“It was a really good effort from him.

“It’s been difficult for Azhar and it’s one of the things I hate about captaincy: having to drop anyone.

“It was a tough decision because in 2013 he was our best bowler.

“I wasn’t involved last year (due to injury), but he didn’t perform the way he did in 2013 and we couldn’t really leave Ollie Stone out at the time because he was bowling so well.

“Now he’s proved he should be back in the team, he’s set himself there and he’s a massive asset for us in all forms of cricket.”

Azharullah almost bowled William Porterfield with the final ball of last week’s five-wicket defeat, which would have secured a tie.

As it was, the ball went through wicketkeeper Adam Rossington, who came up to the stumps, and flew away for four byes that won the Bears the game.

But it didn’t affect the view of Azharullah’s performance and he will now be expecting to start against Worcestershire on Friday night.

“It makes selection very tough, but that’s what we want,” said Ripley.

“Azhar had a fantastic 2013, but last year he didn’t quite manage to perform at that level.

“He responded really well last Friday and he’s a fine one-day bowler.

“The fact he wasn’t in our side at Durham wasn’t so much about anything he’s short of, it’s more about the quality we’ve got.

“We’ve got competition for places and it bodes well for the campaign.”

Steelbacks take on Worcestershire Rapids at the County Ground on Friday night (start 6.30pm).

Chairman Tony Hewitt says Saints still have room in their budget to make ‘one more good signing’ to replace Samu Manoa.

The American star will move to Toulon this summer after agreeing a four-year deal at the Top 14 giants.

And with his countryman Cam Dolan also departing, it leaves Saints with just Jon Fisher and Sam Dickinson at No.8.

That means director of rugby Jim Mallinder will be keen to bolster his squad further.

And Hewitt said: “We have to stay within the salary cap structure.

“We’re possibly looking for another forward to continue our building of the squad.

“It’s probably one more player, that’s what we’re looking at.”

And he added: “We’ve got a new second row in Michael Paterson and with Samu having covered both the second row and No.8, what we’re looking for now is a No.8 as well.

“We’ve got provision to make one more good signing and that’s where we are.

“We strongly believe in the salary cap because it suits the model we have here at Northampton, which is to run a sustainable business that makes a profit.

“We pay up to the maximum of the salary cap and that keeps the whole thing going.

“If the salary cap was done away with it would be dominated by a couple of teams that have billionaire owners who want to throw money at trying to get success.”

Drugs detectives have revealed how a Northamptonshire cocaine cutting enterprise worth £10.7 million ‘fell apart’ after its Albanian supply line was arrested.

Former teeth whitening company owner Nicholas Riviere, was handed a prison sentence of 14 years and eight months at Northampton Crown Court yesterday, and his trusted lieutenant Zachariah Lovell given the same.

The men ran a cocaine cutting gang from their base in Wellingborough, importing pure grade drugs from an Albanian gang and ‘diluting them’ for onward sale across the East Midlands.

The two heads of the organisation were jailed yesterday alongside a number of their ‘underlings’ Fred Carvalho, Marco Varone, Stuart Hart, Nathan Edghill and Nicholas Ovens.

Information released by the police following the gang’s sentencing has revealed their illegal enterprise began to fall apart in May 2014, when seven members of the Albanian gang were arrested by the Metropolitan Police as they completed an importation into the country.

Officers recovered 40kg of cocaine and 8kg of heroin on that occasion.

The following month, Riviere, Lovell and Hart were seen attending a ‘clandestine meeting’ in the Vauxhall area of London.

There they met with Marco Varone and Fred Carvalho, who acted as wholesale suppliers of controlled drugs in the London area.

A little while after leaving the meeting, Hart, who acted as a courier for the gang using his taxi firm, was stopped by police and found in possession of 1kg of high purity cocaine.

A warrant was executed at a small garage on Palk Road, Wellingborough, where four bank safes were discovered, containing 2kg of cocaine, 1.5kg of heroin, 115kg of cutting agents and £34,000 in cash.

Another search was conducted at Hart’s partner’s home, in Weir Close, Wellingborough, and a further £107,000 in cash was found by officers.

A total of 18 people linked to the investigation were subsequently arrested in Leicester, High Wycombe and Northamptonshire. Searches of 21 premises resulted in further discoveries of cocaine, heroin and £70,000 in cash.

Carvalho’s home in south London contained equipment for the mixing and pressing of adulterated cocaine.

The street value of drugs seized during the operation were estimated at £10.5m worth of cocaine and £343,000 of heroin.

Riviere, Lovell, Hart and Edghill were each charged with two counts of conspiring to supply class A drugs, one count relating to cocaine and the other to heroin.

Ovens was charged with conspiracy to supply cocaine only.

Varone was charged with supplying cocaine, and Carvalho faced two counts of being concerned in the supply of cocaine and being in possession of cocaine with intent to supply.

• Nicholas Riviere, 36, of Roman Way, Rushden, Northants, was sentenced to 14 years and eight months each for both counts, to be served concurrently

• Zachariah Lovell, 35, of Mosel Close, Wellingborough, Northants was sentenced to 14 years and eight months each for both counts, to be served concurrently

• Stuart Hart, 39, of Charles Street, Wellingborough, Northants, was sentenced to nine years and four months on both counts to be served concurrently

• Nathan Edghill, 27, of Pope Street, Wellingborough, Northants, was sentenced to nine years and four months each for three counts, to be served concurrently

• Nicholas Ovens, 39, of Kiln Way, Wellingborough, Northants, was sentenced to six years in prison

• Marco Varone, 39, of Mount Nod Road, Streatham, London was sentenced to six years and eight months

• Fred Carvalho, 33, of Dorset Road, Lambeth, London, was sentenced to six years and eight months for one count and eight years and eight months for two further counts, to be served concurrently

• Karen Riviere, 57, of Barret Close, Wellingborough, Northants, was sentenced to two years in prison

• Keri Marks, 29, of Whitworth Road, Wellingborough, Northants, was not sentenced today but adjourned for pre-sentence reports

Judge Sally Tayton, in sentencing yesterday, said: “Such Class A drugs as found in this conspiracy are both malicious and addictive. They ruin the lives of addicts and their families.”

Detective Inspector Mark Pattison, from Northamptonshire Police, said:

“Tackling drugs activity is a key objective for us. Targeting organised criminality like this, impacts widely on our communities and as a consequence results in significant low level crime as well.

“As a result of successful working with our east midlands forces as well as other forces we can demonstrates through cases like this that we will come down hard on those involved in criminality.

“I am pleased with the outcome of this case.”

Detective Sergeant Gamble of EMSOU Serious Organised Crime, said: “The five forces of the East Midlands are committed to reducing the threat and risk posed by organised crime groups throughout our region. Operation Tiful illustrates how the forces are able to combat organised criminality throughout the East Midlands region and thereby reduce the harm that this causes to our communities.

“I would like to thank my officers for their hard work and dedication, and all those involved across the country that assisted in this investigation. The sentence received by this group illustrates the serious nature of the offending and the dim view that the Criminal Justice System takes on those involved in the trafficking of dangerous, controlled drugs.”

Former England captain Paul Collingwood believes the inclusion of David Willey for this month’s Royal London ODI series could shake up the squad in time for Trevor Bayliss’ arrival.

The Northamptonshire all-rounder is part of a youthful one-day side that is likely to see a host of players make their England debuts against New Zealand.

Willey himself has just one cap so far – in last month’s rain-abandoned clash with Ireland – and he will be eager to impress with new England boss Bayliss taking over in time for the Ashes.

The 25-year-old has already hit two first-class centuries this season but according to Collingwood, it his bowling that could well prove his standout feature.

“He’s different, he’s a left-arm seamer which we haven’t got a lot of going around the county scene at the moment,” said Collingwood, speaking as he launched Royal London’s summer of cricket, which includes the first Royal London One-Day International, starting on Tuesday, June 9 against New Zealand.

“He can also hit a ball extremely hard which in the one-day form of the game is pretty crucial.

“These guys have got opportunities. It’s great to see them in there and now they’ve got the chance to show the world, and certainly in England, what they can do.”

England veterans Ian Bell, Stuart Broad and Jimmy Anderson have all made way for this new look ODI side, with all-rounder Moeen Ali also dropped from the squad in order to revive his red-ball cricket form with Worcestershire.

In their absence Willey and company have been told to ‘go out and express their skills’ by interim head coach Paul Farbrace – and Collingwood, who captained England to t20 success in 2010, admits an ice-cool mentality will be key.

“Players who are naturally attacking and aggressive, you’re always going to get dips in form and a run of scores that you’ll be disappointed in,” he added.

“It’s finding that balance between giving yourself a chance and going out to express yourself from ball one.

“The best players in the world at the moment are the ones who are literally going out there not thinking about the consequences, it’s as if they’re going out there for a backyard game of cricket.

“And the fun they’re having out there as well, it seems like when they’re on fire AB de Villiers, Glenn Maxwell when he’s on song, David Warner, Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum, they’ve got amazing skill levels but they seem to take the pressure right off themselves on the mental side of things.”

Paul Collingwood was speaking at the launch of the Royal London Gilbert Cup, a new grassroots U11 cricket tournament. www.royallondoncricket.com

Burglars stole jewellery after they broke into an elderly woman’s house in Northamptonshire claimed to be police officers after climbing in through a kitchen window.

The house in Spencelayh Close, Wellingborough, was broken into at about 10.30pm on Tuesday, June 2.

After climbing through the kitchen window, the burglars told the occupant, who is in her 80s, that they were police officers searching for paperwork.

One of the men then kept the woman in the living room while the other searched all the upstairs bedrooms and took a large quantity of gold jewellery.

Both men then climbed back out of the kitchen window before climbing over the garden fence to escape.

They were both white, in their 20s, had English accents and wore dark clothes, face coverings and gloves.

The pieces of jewellery they took included gold earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Witnesses, or anyone who knows anything about the incident, can call Northamptonshire Police on 101.

Alternatively, they can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Cobblers boss Chris Wilder is anticipating a short lull in signing activity at Sixfields.

Four players have arrived at Northampton in the past two weeks, with Alfie Potter, Nicky Adams, David Buchanan and Josh Lelan all putting pen to paper.

Wilder is working hard to bring in the extra five or six players he wants to bring his squad up to strength, but admits it may be a quiet week or so ahead.

That’s because he is having to be patient as he waits to discover if transfer-listed pair Chris Hackett and John-Joe O’Toole can find themselves new clubs.

If they do, then their wages will be freed up to spend on other players, if they don’t, then Wilder knows he will have to cut his cloth accordingly.

“There is still a lot of movement under the surface on certain things,” said the Cobblers boss.

“We are still looking at getting the numbers up to 20 or 21, and we are up to 14 with the two other boys (Danny Clifton and Sam Warburton) floating about, so there won’t be a massive influx of players.

“We are still working on filling those spots that we need to.

“We need to bring in two goalkeepers, and I am still looking to bring a left-footed centre-half in.

“We are looking to add a little bit of competition in the middle of the park, and maybe one up the top of the pitch as well.

“But it might mean we have to be patient and wait on what happens to John-Joe and Chris, as that might free some money up.

“We are going to have to do some wheeling and dealing, but those two players know what the situation is, and know they are not part of the plans here.

“They need to go and find themselves another club if they want to play regular football.”

Wilder is unaware of any definite interest in the pair as yet, but said talks had been held with their agents, where the club’s stance was made pretty clear.

But the Town manager also accepts that, as they are both under contract, they don’t have to rush anything.

“We have spoken to their agents and it is early days, as it is when we are speaking to players,” said Wilder.

“But it’s especially early for players who have clubs, as they have the luxury that they are still under contract.

“Some players out of contract like to get things tied up early because there are a lot of players out there on the free transfer market.

“But Chris and John-Joe have contracts, so they can pick and choose a little bit.

“We have been on to their agents, and their agents know the position we are in, and ultimately the boys want to play football.

“The ball is now in their court.”