The Cobblers have confirmed their pre-season friendly programme, and will kick off their preparations for the Sky Bet League One season at Sileby Rangers.

The now traditional pre-season curtain-raiser against the United Counties League Premier Division side will take place at Fernie Fields in Moulton on Saturday, July 9, with a 2pm kick-off.

It is the first of six pre-season friendlies that have been planned in for the Cobblers first team, with four on the road and two at Sixfields.

After the pipe opener against Sileby, the Cobblers then travel to Nuneaton Town, who are managed by former Cobblers boss Kevin Wilson, on Tuesday, July 12.

The following Saturday (July 19) Rob Page will take his team to Evo-Stik North side Brackley Town, who are managed by ex-Cobblers striker Kevin Wilkin, before the team play their first home game.

Championship side Queens Park Rangers are the visitors to Sixfields on Tuesday, July 19 (7.30pm), before another second tier club, Wolverhampton Wanderers, come to town a week later on Tuesday, July 26 (7.30pm).

The pre-season campaign will then be wrapped up with a trip to National League side Eastleigh on Saturday, July 30 (3pm).

Cobblers pre-season schedule 2016:

Sat, July 9: Sileby Rangers (A, 2pm)

Tue, July 12: Nuneaton Town (A,7.30pm)

Sat, July 16: Brackley Town (A, 3pm)

Tue, July 19: QPR (H, 7.30pm)

Tue, July 26: Wolves (H,7.30pm)

Sat, July 30: Eastleigh (A, 3pm)

The man charged with the rape and murder of India Chipchase has denied the charges.

Edward Tenniswood, a bookkeeper of Stanley Road, St James, appeared via videolink at Northampton Crown Court today (Friday) and entered pleas of not guilty to two separate charges of rape and murder allegedly committed sometime between Friday, January 29 and Monday,February 1.

India, from Wootton, a 20-year-old barmaid at the Collingtree pub, was last seen alive outside the NB’s nightclub in Bridge Street, Northampton, in the early hours of Saturday, January 30.

Tenniswood was remanded in custody and a trial is set to take place on July 18.

Towcester’s annual Midsummer Music festival is just around the corner, and this year will be welcoming top BBC DJ Jo Whiley as a special guest.

Jo will be making an appearance at 185 Watling Street on Saturday, June 18 from 8pm to 10.30pm, where she will be presenting a selection of her favourite music.

Midsummer Music will kick start on Friday, June 17 and run until Sunday, June 19 with a wide variety of music and entertainment happening around Towcester throughout the weekend. From Rock, Jazz, vocal, ukulele and even a performance by the Towcester Studio Band, there should be something for everyone.

South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) is a supporter of Midsummer Music through its community grants scheme.

Cllr Peter Rawlinson, SNC’s portfolio holder for finance and procurement, said: “Midsummer Music is a great event for all the family and is an event which we here at SNC are proud to support”

The fun will begin with events at four venues on Friday evening: The Bull, The Plough, Brave Old Oak and Towcester Mill.

Saturday’s entertainment will start in the Market Square and continue throughout the evening at dozens of venues across Towcester, including the council chamber at The Forum, and will culminate in a firework display from Bury Mount at 10.30pm.

Midsummer Music will wrap up on Sunday with a special afternoon concert performed by Towcester Rock School in the town hall starting at midday, followed by ‘Songs of Praise’ in St Lawrence Church.

Entry to all venues is included in the cost of a programme, available from various outlets across Towcester costing £5 (concession), £7 (adult) or £18 (family).

SNC Community Grants are available to organisations and individuals located in the district or associated with the district.

A wide range of projects and activities may be eligible for assistance including capital projects (buildings and infrastructure) as well as smaller projects such as supporting the purchase of needed equipment or the delivery of local schemes.

For more information on SNC Community Grants visit www.southnorthants.gov.uk/grantscommunity.htm or contact Grants Officer Katie Arnold on 01327 322216 or via - grants@southnorthants.gov.uk

Detectives investigating racially-inflammatory comments made to a national newspaper have released a Wellingborough man without charge.

The 50-year-old was this morning (Friday, May 27) arrested by Northamptonshire Police on suspicion of inciting racial hatred.

The arrest came as a result of information received earlier this week from the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU) in relation to alleged racially inflammatory comments which were widely reported in the national media.

Following an investigation by the force, the suspect was questioned by detectives and a search of his home was conducted.

A spokesman said Northamptonshire Police would not name the suspect when called by this newspaper, but said: “Due to the live nature of this investigation it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

There is plenty of horrible history to be seen when a theatre company brings history to life in a very gruesome way.

The team behind the ever popular Horrible Histories bring two new shows Groovy Greeks and Incredible Invaders to Northampton’s Royal & Derngate.

Thousands of years after the Ruthless Romans, Savage Saxons and Vicious Vikings stormed ashore on the coast of Britain and the Gruesome Greeks competed in the first ever Olympic Games.

Audiences canrelive those horribly exciting times running from Tuesday June 7 to Saturday June 11.

Birmingham Stage Company are returning to Northampton with their new Horrible Histories shows, Incredible Invaders and Groovy Greeks, using actors and 3D Bogglevision special effects, as with their previous hugely popular Horrible Histories productions.

In Incredible Invaders the Celts are crunched when the Ruthless Romans invaded Britain.

Can crazy Caratacus can save the nation? Hide behind Hadrian’s Wall and witness the Savage Saxons smash theirway in.

Discover who’s at Sutton Hoo and survive the Vicious Vikings as they sail into the audience. It’s a thousand year journey with Incredible Invaders!

Groovy Greeks takes us from savage Sparta to angry Athens to discover the truth about growing up in ancient Greece.

Take on the Trojans and pummel the Persians! Compete in the first ever Olympic Games and appear in the very first play.

Hold on tight as you gatecrash the gruesome and Groovy Greeks.

It’s history but with all of the really nasty bits left in and the show’s writer and director said the production values for the audience should be amazing.

Neal Foster said: “I had a hugely exciting time bringing the Groovy Greeks to life in Horrible Histories style and loved shining the spotlight on Celtic, Roman, Saxon and Viking life in Incredible Invaders.

“Both shows feature special amazing 3D effects that provide a spectacular way for both children and adults to enter these extraordinary historical periods.”

Tickets for the show are available at a cost of £18 and performances and the shows vary daily.

For more information about the show or to book tickets in advance call the box office on 01604 624811 or visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk.

Matt Adcock reviews Warcraft: The Beginning (12A)

Welcome to Azeroth, a peaceful realm that has a big problem – the kingdom stands on the brink of war as its fair citizens face being invaded by a fearsome race of bloodthirsty orcs. No, this isn’t a stealth fantasy Brexit campaign, this is Warcraft: The Beginning, the big screen adaptation of the hugely popular videogame.

First things first, Warcraft: The Beginning isn’t based on World of Warcraft, the huge online multiplayer nerd-em-up but rather mostly focusses on Blizzard’s first Warcraft game (Orcs & Humans) which helped shape the video game genre called RTS - ‘real time strategy’ - where opposing players command virtual armies in battle against each other or a computer-controlled enemy. I know this because as I was an avid fan of the game on PC back in 1994, much to my wife’s disdain.

Video games have mostly not faired well when given the cinema treatment. Here the very credible Duncan ‘Moon’ Jones steps up to the challenge as director and whilst Warcraft: The Beginning won’t be for everyone, it is certainly a decent effort.

The plot is an origins story – the epic tale of the first war between humans and orcs. The orcs, led by fierce and noble Chieftain of the Frostwolf Clan Durotan (Toby ‘Dawn of the Planet of the Apes’ Kebbell) must leave their world as it is dying. With Azeroth their refugee destination of choice and not much in the way of negotiation skills other than ‘kill’, this is bad news for the humans, dwarves, elves and other peaceful fantasy types.

But the humans aren’t weak, they have armies and the brave Sir Anduin Lothar (Travis ‘Vikings’ Fimmel), the Lion of Azeroth, the last true descendant of the ancient Arathi bloodline and knight champion to boot.

Warcraft: The Beginning looks absolutely incredible. You can feel the ten years of geeky love that has been poured into creating the world and the inhabitants, backed up by seriously cool CGI and practical effects work deliver a treat for your eyes. The orcs are marvelous creations who make The Lord of the Rings efforts look like pantomime bit players. The battles are furious and suitably exciting. But not all is so good.

The dialogue is as expected of high fantasy cliché tripe, fine once you acclimatize, but what is less forgivable is the acting. Ben Foster steals the show as the magic wielding Medivh, whilst everyone else seems to be in generic cliché mode.

Not a complete dud, fantasy fans should certainly check out this new beast on the block. Just don’t be expecting a big screen Game of Thrones.

Northamptonshire rider Hannah Barnes says she is thrilled to be competing in the Aviva Women’s Tour, which is returning to the county for the third time next month.

Hannah, whose family lives in Burton Latimer, is in the provisional line-up for the CANYON//SRAM Racing team, while her sister Alice is also set to ride in the race this year.

Hannah said: “I always love coming back home to race. You get a buzz being on roads you know and having friends and family there watching.

“I’m particularly excited about the final stage. Starting and finishing so close to home and on roads I know is special.”

The Aviva Women’s Tour is returning to Northamptonshire on Sunday 19th June for the final stage of the five-day event, which attracts some of the best female cyclists in the world.

Last year, the race was watched by 67,500 people who lined the streets from Oundle to Kettering and it brought £1million into the local economy.

This year the Northamptonshire stage of the event will start in Northampton and finish again in Kettering.

Joining Hannah on the CANYON//SRAM Racing team is defending champion Lisa Brennauer, who will be donning the number one placard.

Aviva Women’s Tour race director Mick Bennett said, “We look forward to welcoming Lisa Brennauer and her team back to the Aviva Women’s Tour in 2016 as a part of what is going to be a fantastic line-up for this year’s race.

“With Lisa, Hannah and the other riders in the squad, the CANYON//SRAM team have a very strong line-up for the Aviva Women’s Tour who we are sure will take the race to the other teams.”

The Aviva Women’s Tour begins in Suffolk on Wednesday 15th June, finishing five stages later in Kettering on Sunday 19th June.

Fans can look forward to highlights of each stage on ITV4 each evening, with repeats the following daytime and all programme’s available on demand via the ITV Player.

Amateur cyclists can also ride part of the Aviva Women’s Tour route this year in the Tour Ride Northamptonshire, the official sportive of the Aviva Women’s Tour.

Taking place one month after the final stage, on Sunday 17th July, 40 and 80-mile routes starting and finishing from Delapre Abbey in Northampton will take place using sections of the Stage Five route, while there is also a fun, off-road 10-mile route for families.

To sign-up head to www.tourride.co.uk.

Rob Page says the Cobblers will be mixing it up as they try to make their mark in Sky Bet League One next season.

The new Northampton Town boss was unveiled as the replacement for Chris Wilder last week.

It is his second managerial post, with the 41-year-old having been in charge at Port Vale for 20 months ahead of making the switch to Sixfields.

He led Vale to a 12th-place finish in league one in the season that has just finished, and knows what it takes to be competitive at that level.

Page is confident the Cobblers have the tools to compete, and has outlined the style of play he is keen to see his team produce.

The former Wales international says he wants the Cobblers to be an entertaining team to watch, to get the ball down and play - but to also be able to do the dirty work if required.

“I do like to get the ball down and play, but at the lower two levels you have to compete as well, and compete in both boxes so we have to mix it up,” said Page.

“My team last year did do that.

“We did compete, and we did both sides of the game really well.

“We knew when we had to get the ball down and play, but on the other side of it if we had to dig a trench and put our tin hats on then you have to do that.

“You have to manage each game, and each game is different, but in the main, all supporters want to see is entertaining games, and us winning games of football.”

Page played at all levels of English football, from league two to the Premier League, so is well placed to highlight the difference in quality between league two and league one.

He accepts there is a gap in quality between the bottom two divisions of the Football League ladder, but the fact that the Cobblers have just won league two by a massive 13 points fills the new Town boss with confidence that the difference can be made up.

“The gap from league one to the championship is far greater than the jump from the league two to league one, and that is not being disrespectful to league one,” said Page.

“It is a competitive league, there are some fantastic football clubs in the division that are filtering down from the Premier League and the championship.

“Obviously the quality of player is better in league one, and instead of maybe two or three chances being offered before the ball is in the back of the net, there are one or two and you are punished.

“The quality is better, but with what the team has done in league two, that fills me with confidence.”

Page appears to have taken easily to management, having spent three years in various coaching positions at Vale Park, from youth team coach to assistant manager.

He cites the man who took him to Vale Park, Micky Adams, as having been a big influence on him, but as he also played more than 500 games he has worked under plenty of managers, with two more than most making a big impression.

“I worked under Graham Taylor at Watford, and Kenny Jackett, who is now Wolves manager,” said Page, who also played 41 times for Wales.

“I still speak to Kenny quite a bit if I need to talk about something, or need a little bit of advice, I will touch base with Kenny, and Graham Taylor to a lesser degree.

“Then there is people like Micky Adams from when I first went into Port Vale as youth team coach.

“I had the perfect transition from playing to youth team coach, to then being stood on the side watching how other managers work, and it has been a great transition for me.”

He will now be hoping to stamp his style on the Cobblers.

The Town boss will be a stranger to the majority of the Northampton squad, but there is one familiar face for Page in club skipper Marc Richards, and he is delighted to be working with him again.

“I know Rico from when I first went into Port Vale five years ago,” said Page.

“I went in as youth team coach to start off with, and I knew about Rico and worked with him, and the intensity he trains at is what he does in the game as well.

“It is characters like that you need around.”

A 16-year-old boy was punched in the face by a passing motorist as he walked along Wood Street in Kettering, towards Bath Road.

The incident happened just before 8am on Tuesday, 24 May, when the driver of a car travelling in the direction of Rockingham Road stopped in front of him.

A police spokesman said: “A man got out of the vehicle and punched him, causing a bloodied nose and bruising around the left eye.

“The suspect then returned to his car and drove off.”

The attacker is described as white, 20 to 30-years-old, about 6ft with a muscular build.

He wore a grey hooded Converse top with the hood up, and drove a silver hatchback vehicle, possibly a Peugeot, described as having no exhaust and a noisy engine.

Witnesses or anyone with information about the attack can contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Eddie Jones’ squad for England’s tour of Australia was always going to open up a can of wichetty grubs.

No matter which sport, whether it is rugby, football or cricket, there are always a plethora of different opinions about who should be in or out.

The main reason for this is allegiance.

Club fans watch their men week in, week out, forming strong opinions about them in the process.

Some players are rubbish and should never wear the shirt again, while others are the best thing since sliced bread and simply cannot put a foot wrong.

And as England boss Jones said himself this week: “One of the best pieces of advice I ever got was that if you listen to the fans, you’ll end up in the grandstand with them.”

So outcry from a particular set of club supporters about a player missing out on selection for their country has to be analysed carefully.

But when a group of judges, who have a broad knowledge of the game, possess no specific allegiance to a club and watch a broad spectrum of players, tell you that a man is worthy of recognition, it is worth noting.

That has been the case of Mike Haywood this season.

For a long time now, the hooker has been highly rated at Franklin’s Gardens, but he had struggled to get the recognition he deserves outside of Northampton.

He started both the Aviva Premiership and Amlin Challenge Cup final wins back in 2014, playing a huge part in one of the greatest seasons in Saints history.

And he has continued to go from strength to strength ever since.

In the season just gone, he showed almost inhuman levels of energy to ensure Saints didn’t miss Dylan Hartley, who was only able to make nine appearances for his club due to injury and international commitments.

Haywood featured in all 29 of his club’s games, starting 23 of them and showing no signs of the tiredness you would have expected.

Saints’ own version of the Duracell bunny just kept going and going, rarely dropping below 7/10 and often hitting 8/10 or 9/10 (no one ever gets a 10/10).

He shouldered the weight of the Northampton No.2 shirt manfully and Magic Mike, as he is known by his team-mates due to a penchant for performing magic tricks, even popped up with three crucial tries.

And, consequently, a selection of impartial judges placed him in the Aviva Premiership’s team of the season.

Haywood and Teimana Harrison were both deservedly named in the dream team, alongside the likes of Saracens stars George Kruis and Maro Itoje.

But while Harrison, Kruis and Itoje were rightly named in the England squad, which was announced on Sunday, there was no sign of Haywood.

He would not be going on the three-Test tour of Australia, but, surely, a day later, he would at least get the consolation of a place in the Saxons squad for their trip to South Africa?

Reading down the list, the name of new Wasps hooker Tommy Taylor was there.

So too was that of Newcastle Falcons player George McGuigan.

But there was no Haywood.

So just why had he been overlooked for both squads.

Obviously, the main theory is that England boss Eddie Jones just doesn’t rate a man who has been impressing for one of England’s top teams for a number of years now.

A player whose most recent appearances in the white shirt came in the England Under 20s’ run to the Six Nations Grand Slam and the Junior World Championship final in 2011.

But another theory could just be perception.

Those who indirectly assume the title of deputy are never quite allowed to step into the spotlight until they become the main man.

They are seen as solid understudies, there to step onto the stage if the lead performer falls down.

But it is tough for their talents to be truly appreciated, as they are always in the shadows.

And there is no bigger shadow than the England captain.

Dylan Hartley is the man with that title - and rightly so.

He is a natural leader and his ability to solder a group of players together was shown in the recent Grand Slam success.

Not only that, but he’s a pretty good hooker, too!

But just because Hartley is seen as the best England has to offer, it doesn’t mean Haywood should be placed below other first-choice players at other clubs when it comes to England selection.

Being the best at your club doesn’t mean you are better than a man seen as a back-up elsewhere.

And that perception seems to be the only plausible reason for Haywood’s complete omission from both England squads this summer.

In truth, as much as he is desperate to get his chance and show what he is made of, the rest will probably do him good.

He has been indefatigable in his work for his club, playing 80 minutes more often than most backs.

And that campaign at the coal face will take its toll sooner or later.

But, mentally, he is fresh and fired up, knowing that if he gets the chance to wear the rose, he will blossom and establish himself.

He just needs that opportunity.

Now, barring injury to another player, it won’t come this summer.

But he can take some consolation in knowing that those who picked him for the Premiership dream team and the fans who watch him every week recognise that the 24-year-old has everything he needs to shine for his country in the years to come.

A Corby man has been convicted of murder after a woman was shot in the head from point blank range in Oxfordshire.

Billy Johnson, 20, of Ripon Court, was convicted along with accomplice Charles Noble, 21, from Ealing in London.

The pair were unanimously found guilty of the murder of Kerry Reeves in Abingdon on November 3, after the conclusion of a 15-day trial today (Friday).

Miss Reeves knew both offenders and there was bad feeling between the pair and her friends.

It is believed Johnson shot Miss Reeves with a sawn-off shotgun after he and Noble ambushed her and her friends in a garden.

Senior Investigating Officer, Det Ch Insp Mike Lynch said: “Today the jury at Oxford Crown Court found Billy Johnson and Charles Noble responsible for the murder of Kerry Reeves.

“It is with regret that neither of the men showed any remorse for taking the life of an innocent woman by shooting her at point blank range on that evening on November 3, 2015.

“Kerry’s murder has had a huge impact on her family and the community of Abingdon.

“Although there can be no sense of happiness at today’s convictions of and Billy Johnson and Charles Noble, I hope there is a sense of justice for Kerry’s mother, Nicky and her family.

“The conviction of these men would not have been possible if it was not for all of the witnesses who agreed to come forward from the community to give evidence.

“I commend them for this, as they have had to re-live the moment that Kerry’s life was tragically taken.”

Adrian Foster, Chief Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: “This case involved the tragic murder of 26-year-old Kerry Reeves in Abingdon last November.

“Billy Johnson and Charles Noble were known to Kerry, but there had been bad feeling and a number of instances of violence and harassment between them and their respective friends for over a year.

“Johnson and Noble ambushed Kerry and her friends in a garden behind Thornhill Walk in Abingdon and Kerry was shot, at close range, to the face with the sawn-off shotgun.

“She was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, but died of her injuries two days later on November 5, 2015.

“Although it is believed that Johnson pulled the trigger, both Johnson and Noble played a significant role in this planned attack, which led to the untimely death of Kerry.

“They both acted jointly, together, and are clearly extremely ruthless, calculated and violent individuals.

“Both Johnson and Noble answered ‘no comment’ during police interviews, but were linked to Kerry’s death with telephone evidence (call data and cell site analysis), Internet search history and CCTV. The jury has today found them guilty of murder despite their denials.

“This case represents a tragedy for Kerry’s family and friends who have been devastated by her death.

“The witnesses were utterly unprepared for what they saw, some of them acted courageously on the night in their efforts to save Kerry’s life, and all of them have given evidence in very difficult circumstances.

“I would like to pay tribute to Kerry’s family and friends and the witnesses for their wholehearted support of the investigation and prosecution.

“We have worked closely with Thames Valley Police since this investigation was launched and as a result of the hard work and diligence of the prosecution team, a just outcome has been achieved.

“The consequences of this incident highlight the significant danger weapons, drugs, alcohol and violence have on lives.

“The CPS takes all allegations of violence and gun crime extremely seriously and will continue to vigorously prosecute all such offenders.

“We know that nothing will bring Kerry back to her family and friends, but we hope that today’s convictions bring them at least a small sense that justice has been done.

“Our thoughts are very much with them all at this time.”

The pair are due to be sentenced at the same court on Tuesday (May 31).

Northants claimed a second dramatic win in as many NatWest T20 Blast matches as they defeated Derbyshire Falcons in front of a jubilant crowd at the County Ground.

It was the highest T20 run chase at the ground as the Steelbacks surpassed the Falcons’ impressive 195 for seven to claim a three-wicket victory.

Graeme White hit the penultimate ball for four to spark celebrations in the stands, but his effort didn’t matter as Andy Carter’s delivery was deemed a no ball.

Nevertheless, White had done his job from the first ball he faced, just as Seekkuge Prasanna did a week earlier when the Steelbacks won a final-over thriller at Leicestershire Foxes.

As he had at Grace Road, Richard Levi set David Ripley’s men up for the victory, hitting a second half-century in as many matches.

Josh Cobb, who was standing in as skipper for the injured Alex Wakely, hit a valuable 35, while Steven Crook played a superb innings and was there at the end on 33.

The Falcons had looked destined for victory after racking up a big total, which owed much Wes Durston (47), Chesney Hughes (46) and a late unbeaten 37 from Tom Poynton.

The Steelbacks had stemmed the tide thanks to some spin, with Prasanna the pick of the bowlers with two for 27 from his four overs.

But a special reply was still needed, and Northants produced it to maintain their 100 per cent record in this season’s competition.

Hamish Rutherford had hit the first ball of Derbyshire innings for four, but Rory Kleinveldt produced a good response, restricting the Falcons to just four more runs from the over.

Olly Stone bowled a tight second over before Kleinveldt started to force the Falcons into errors.

Crook dropped the first chance to get rid of Rutherford but took the second, three balls later, to give Kleinveldt and the Steelbacks the wicket they wanted.

The Falcons were taking chances and after an edge dropped just short of Levi at slip, wicketkeeper Adam Rossington dropped the final ball of the over.

Both missed catches resulted in fours for the fortunate Chesney Hughes and the away side were up to 34 for one after the fourth over.

And the Steelbacks’ good start was fading when Crook conceded 20 off his first over, with Durston cashing in with some welcome boundaries.

Falcons were 65 for one after the powerplay and they cruised up to 86 for one two overs later, with the Steelbacks struggling to create chances and desperately needing a wicket.

It was to be Prasanna who made the breakthrough, celebrating with a cheeky ‘dab’ after seeing the destructive Durston stumped by Rossington for 47.

The Falcons continued to play some flashy shots, but Neil Broom, who had replaced Durston in the middle, was also to fall to Prasanna as Rob Keogh took the catch at cover.

The Steelbacks had started to hit back, but Ben Duckett dropped a tough chance to get rid of Chesney Hughes, who was starring in his own version of The Great Escape.

Wayne Madsen had started to get in the groove, but he was trapped LBW by Cobb for 21.

And the stand-in skipper soon had another wicket as, two balls later, he claimed the prized wicket of Chesney Hughes, who was bowled for 46.

The Falcons’ innings was starting to roll towards the ditch when Stone returned to claim the wicket of Jimmy Neesham for one.

It was three wickets in four balls, leaving the Falcons on 141 for six, needing to rebuild in the final six overs.

But Shiv Thakor came and went as Graeme White took the catch off his own bowling to dismiss the Derbyshire man for just eight.

The Steelbacks were strangling the Falcons with spin and they resisted the temptation to throw Kleinveldt or Muhammad Azharullah back into the fray until the final two overs.

When Kleinveldt did return he conceded 14 runs, prompting the Steelbacks to revert to the spin of White for the final over.

But Poynton was to plunder a six from the penultimate ball and the Falcons were sitting pretty on 195 for seven, which was the joint sixth highest T20 score on the ground.

The Steelbacks needed a brilliant reply to have any chance of claiming the win, and Rossington hit a stylish four to help them earn eight from the first over.

He then proceeded to hammer a six and a four in the second over before Thakor smashed the ball into the stumps to leave the Steelbacks opener infuriated.

But Levi was starting to hit his straps and he smashed a superb 18 off Thakor’s second over to leave the Steelbacks on 60 for one after just five overs.

It was exactly the start they needed and they were to finish the sixth over on 71 for one, which was better than what the Falcons had managed during their powerplay.

The Falcons eventually turned to spin and Matt Critchley only conceded four from his first over.

But when Alex Hughes returned, the Steelbacks were soon scoring freely again and Levi made his way to a classy 50 from just 28 balls.

Cobb brought up the hundred in fortunate fashion as he was dropped on 29 by Madsen off the bowling of Durston.

But the reprieve was only temporary as Alex Hughes took the catch off the bowling of Critchley, leaving the Steelbacks on 108 for two.

Duckett headed to the middle and with eight overs to go, the Steelbacks needed 76 runs to win.

But the Falcons then got the big wicket of Levi as he holed out off the bowling of the impressive Critchley.

And after Alex Hughes conceded just two runs off his final over, the Steelbacks’ required rate crept above 10 an over, with Duckett and Crook the men in the middle.

Crook started to crank things up in the 15th over, with the Steelbacks taking 18 from it, and Duckett then smashed a superb six from the first ball of the next over.

That sweep shot, which ended up in the burger van, was followed by a four, but Duckett was out next ball as Thakor took the catch at point off the bowling of Durston.

The Steelbacks had taken 31 from two overs when they needed it and the required rate had dropped below eight.

But from the first ball of the 18th over, Andy Carter struck, bowling Prasanna, who was to go for a duck.

The Steelbacks still needed 27 off the final 17 balls, but Kleinveldt came in and hit a silky four to aid the bid.

The home side needed 16 from the final two overs and Crook set about getting them there with a lovely four.

Kleinveldt followed suit and the Steelbacks needed five runs to win from the final six balls.

Carter started the final over with a wide but he got rid of Kleinveldt next ball as Neesham took the catch at long-on.

That brought Rob Keogh to the middle and he hit a two to leave the scores level with three balls remaining.

But Keogh was bowled by Carter next ball, meaning White would have two balls to hit that precious run.

He only needed one as he hit Carter’s no-ball for four, giving the Steelbacks a superb success.

Northants Steelbacks: Levi, Rossington, Cobb, Duckett, Crook, Prasanna, Keogh, Kleinveldt, White, Stone, Azharullah.

Derbyshire Falcons: Durston, Rutherford, Hughes, Madsen, Broom, Neesham, Hughes, Thakor, Critchley, Poynton, Carter.

David Ripley hailed his Northants chasers after they hunted down a big Derbyshire Falcons score to win at the County Ground.

The Steelbacks mounted their biggest T20 chase as they knocked off the 196 needed, beating the Falcons by three wickets.

It was the second time in as many matches that they have replied in style, following the previous Friday’s five-wicket win at Leicestershire Foxes.

Richard Levi made it back-to-back half-centuries to get the Steelbacks up and running and they were to win with a ball to spare following Andy Carter’s no ball, which was hit for four by Graeme White.

The victory means Ripley’s men are now two from two in this season’s 20-over competition - and the head coach is keen to see the winning run continue.

“It was another edge-of-the-seat game, a bit like last week,” Ripley said.

“Winning those tight games is a good habit to have. We had it last year and I hope it continues again this year.

“It’s a good start to the campaign and I was pleased with the way we’re chasing.

“There will be a point where we’ve got to set a score and defend it, but, at the moment, chasing is our thing, and we’ve done it very well.”

A mystery girl who helped Northampton General Hospital raise funds by appearing in a film from her hospital bed has been identified.

The cine film was made in 1935 for NGH and a scene at the end where a girl is shown placing a coin into the hospital donation box had been perplexing archivists.

But the children of Sylvia MacDonald from Long Buckby have successfully proved the girl was their mum.

However the whole family knew little of their mother’s illness before spotting her in the film - only that she had been in various hospitals for four years - and the film revealed to them an insight into her life almost 30 years after she passed away.

Sylvia’s daughter, Fiona Parks, said: “As a family we only knew that in her childhood she had been in hospital for about 4 years, so these records answered questions for us, but posed more that remain unanswered.

“She never discussed it with any of her children. They remember seeing photographs of her with callipers and crutches but never asked questions. She always walked with a slight limp.

“She spent time wearing callipers and her school friends used to have to help her up the school steps whilst she was wearing them and also when she later used crutches.

“By all accounts she was as fast as any other child when using crutches.”

Photographs showed her with callipers and using crutches, but Sylvia never spoke of these times.

Over the years, she no longer needed walking aids and all that remained was a slight limp.

It was suggested that the girl or her relatives could be traced to learn more of her story.

So an appeal was published by the Chronicle & Echo and two families came forward believing it was their mother.

After tracing medical records it has been established that the girl was Sylvena (known as Sylvia) MacDonald.

Her son Stuart, his wife and the extended Bruce family have provided a comprehensive medical and family history.

She was born on July 22, 1924, to Helena and Thadrous MacDonald in the area of Long Buckby, known as Salem.

In 1930 she was diagnosed with a psoas abscess on her left hip, aged six.

She was admitted to Knightley Ward at NGH and then later transferred to Manfield Orthopaedic Hospital.

The records then established that she had been admitted to John Greenwood Shipman Home in June, 1933, aged nine. This home was the convalescent home for Manfield Hospital and she was discharged from that home on 4 August 1934.

The fact she appears in the 1935 film, now aged 11, possibly indicated that she still needed some form of treatment.

As a teenager she had lots of friends and enjoyed dancing.

At the age of 14 she went to work at Cooks Shoe Factory in Long Buckby,

Sylvia married and had six children, four boys and two girls, over 13 years. She remained active and often took part in sponsored walks held locally, sometimes up to 10 miles.

In 1974 she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and was treated at John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

She made a reasonable recovery but could not return to work and died on May 1, 1978, aged 54.

ABOUT THE FILM

Before the introduction of the NHS all the running costs of the hospital had to be raised by the local community, with some assistance from the

local authorities.

By 1935 the Hospital Week Committee decided to move forward and make a cine film of the various wards and departments.

The 40-minute silent film with captions, was produced by Messrs. Kodak Ltd and Mr WJ Bassett Lowke, a prominent local businessman acted as the director of the film. He was a talented photographer and had already produced a film on Northampton’s history.

The cost of the film and the apparatus to show it amounted to £145 in old money.

The first show was on January 30, 1935 and that year it was shown at 27 other locations.

A new car was needed in 1936 for the film transportation team and an Austin car was purchased from Grose Ltd. Northampton, at a cost of £292. By that time, the number of shows that year had risen to 59 locations.

In the 1937 annual report there were discussions about updating the film as there was a new Secretary/Superintendent, Major Disney (the source of the name ‘Disney Ward’) and Matron, Helen Bell. However, there is no record in later years of this happening.

It was thought the film had long since disappeared but then it was discovered that it is now owned by the Northamptonshire Film Trust, based at Wellingborough Museum.

If you are interested in viewing clips of this film go on to the NGH website: www.northamptongeneral.nhs.uk/AboutUs/OurHistory

The film is then listed as ITV Podcast – 1935 NGH Film

Northampton General Hospital has scooped a prestigious baby friendly award from Unicef.

The Baby Friendly award is given to hospitals who are deemed to have best practice standards in place to strengthen mother-baby relationships and to support mothers who choose to breastfeed.

Kate Bates, NGH infant feeding co-ordinator, said: “The award means we’ve been recognised as giving a very good standard of care in terms of breastfeeding support and feeding support for all mums whether they’ve chosen to breast or bottle feed.

“We support mums and babies in spending time just getting to know each other; we suggest lots of skin-to-skin contact and we help mums to understand how their babies communicate so they can respond because that’s so important for babies’ development and for relationship building.”

In Northampton, just under 80 per cent of mothers choose to breastfeed their babies. It has been proven that breastfeeding helps protect babies from a range of illnesses like gastroenteritis, chest infections, ear infections.

Being a baby-friendly hospital means:

-During pregnancy you will have a full discussion about caring for and feeding your baby, including the benefits of breastfeeding.

-You will be given your baby to hold against your skin straight after they are born.

-A midwife will offer to help you to start breastfeeding in the first half hour or so after your baby is born.

-Your baby will be kept with you at all times.

-If you decide to breastfeed, a midwife will show you how to hold your baby and how to help them latch on

Sue Ashmore, Baby Friendly Initiative director, said “We are delighted that Northampton General Hospital has achieved full Baby Friendly status.

“Surveys show us that most mothers want to breastfeed but don’t always get the support they need. Mothers at Northampton General Hospital can be confident that their maternity team will provide high standards of care.”

A new social media campaign is being launched by Northants Police next week aimed at preventing sexual violence and challenging the attitudes and behaviours that lead to it.

Running from Monday, May 30 until Friday, June 3, daily messages will be posted on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter using the hashtag #NoConsentNoSex

The campaign will primarily target young people – both potential victims and perpetrators - and seeks to help create an environment where sexual violence is not accepted but is prevented and challenged.

Superintendent Steve Lingley, Head of Safeguarding, said: “It is important for people to understand what consent is and that sex without consent is rape.

“Perpetrators also need to understand that if they cross the line we will take action.

“We are dedicated to helping anyone - male or female and whatever the circumstances – who may have been a victim of these crimes.”

Superintendent Lingley said police understand that reporting a rape or sexual assault is often an “extremely difficult thing to do”.

He said: “This is why we have a team of specially trained officers who can help and support victims throughout the entire process. These officers will investigate offences in a discreet and professional manner offering help, support and guidance from the time of reporting right through to the conclusion of an investigation.

“Perpetrators need to be aware that as well as a lengthy prison sentence and being placed on the sex offender register, a conviction for rape can place significant restrictions on career choices, severely affect job prospects and limit overseas travel. In other words, it’s life changing.”

Northamptonshire Rape Crisis Centre (NRC) is supporting the campaign.

NRC manager, Dawn Thomas, said: “Northamptonshire Rape Crisis is pleased to be working with Northamptonshire Police and partners on this campaign, we have 30 years experience of supporting survivors both male and female.

“Digital technologies have become a significant and completely integrated part of our daily lives we hope this on-line campaign will reach more survivors and their non-offending friends and family to seek support.”

Dylan Hartley says ‘character and hard work’ are the secrets behind Teimana Harrison’s success.

Harrison will make his England debut on Sunday, lining up at six in the Old Mutual Wealth Cup clash with Wales at Twickenham.

Hartley, who recommended the New Zealand-born flanker to Saints back in 2011, is delighted to see his club-mate getting a shot at international level.

And he knows his fellow former Rotorua Boys School pupil has earned it.

“Four years ago when I met Tei it was obvious he had raw talent and I thought straight away he could come and play for Northampton,” Hartley said.

“I never thought he could get into an England shirt and the fact he has is down to his character and his hard work.

“He’s waited for his opportunity, he’s taken it with two hands.

“There are still areas of his game that I’m sure Eddie (Jones) is getting him to work on and he is hungry to learn and develop and that is his character, he wants to get better and I’m chuffed to bits for him.”

And Hartley is not the only one who has been impressed by Saints’ supporters’ and players’ player of the year.

“He’s come into camp, he’s very raw, he doesn’t have a great rugby background and played a bit of high-school rugby at Dylan’s school,” said England boss Jones.

“He’s come over here as a young kid, decided England is going to be his home and his form post-Christmas has been absolutely outstanding.

“His attitude has been very good and now he has his opportunity.”

Skipper Hartley and Harrison will be joined in England’s starting 15 by club-mates Courtney Lawes and Luther Burrell this weekend.

It is a big chance for Burrell to show that he should be the man to replace injured Leicester Tigers centre Manu Tuilagi in the squad for June’s three-Test tour of Australia.

Burrell missed out on World Cup selection last year, and Hartley hailed his desire to regain his international place.

“Everyone deals with setbacks in different ways,” Hartley said.

“He’s gone away and got his head down, he’s lost a bit of weight, he’s worked on his fitness and he’s always had this carrot of playing for England again and fair play to him he has got his shot.”

Ben Duckett admitted his disappointment at missing out on a double hundred in the first day of the County Championship Division Two clash with Essex.

But the Northants star was pleased that his positivity paid off in a superb 189 against the table-toppers.

The 21-year-old’s impressive knock was supplemented by 75 from fellow opener Rob Newton and an unbeaten 49 from Josh Cobb.

Northants ended the day in control on 376 for five, but they lost late wickets, with Ravi Bopara taking four for 64 from his 20 overs.

And Duckett was frustrated that he won’t still be in the middle going into day two.

“I was fairly uninterested this morning,” he said. “I’ve been in poor form, had a few low scores, so I just tried to go out and be positive.

“The leave is still the shot I’m learning the most in four-day cricket and I did that a bit better until they bowled straighter which I prefer.

“The last few games here have been on dead wickets but it was easier to time the ball here.

“I was disappointed to get out when I did.”

Luther Burrell scored on his international return as England stormed back to beat Wales 27-13 at Twickenham on Sunday.

The Red Rose had gone 10-0 down thanks to an early Rob Evans try and five points from the boot of Dan Biggar, but Burrell’s score breathed new life into Eddie Jones’ men.

And though Biggar added another penalty, further England scores from Anthony Watson, Ben Youngs, Jack Clifford and Marland Yarde earned a comfortable victory.

If George Ford had landed his kicks it would have been a walk in the park for the men in white, as the Bath man only hit the target with one of his seven attempts.

But it didn’t matter as England secured the win in the Old Mutual Wealth Cup match, which saw a debut for Saints flanker Teimana Harrison, who started at six.

Harrison’s joy was mirrored by Burrell as the big centre registered his first England try since the 29-18 Six Nations win against Wales at Twickenham in March, 2014.

Dylan Hartley and Courtney Lawes were also heavily involved in this victory, with the former skippering England.

And Paul Hill also got some game time, coming off the bench for the final 12 minutes, with England cruising to the win.

The only Saints man to suffer disappointment was George North, who played the full game for Wales on the wing.

But it had all started so well for North and Co as prop Evans used his power to shrug off Clifford to score.

Biggar converted with ease and Wales were again at the England door soon after as Lawes conceded a penalty that allowed the men in red to go for the corner.

Burrell was then penalised for not releasing and Biggar decided to take the points, putting Wales 10-0 up inside the first 15 minutes.

Ford had the chance to respond with a fairly simple penalty, but he spurned the opportunity, prompting groans from the home fans.

But England were to get on the scoreboard soon after, and it was Burrell who did the business.

The Saints centre, who had been victorious in all of his five previous appearances for England at Twickenham, ran a lovely line and bulldozed Biggar to score on his first appearance for his country since August, 2015.

Ford fluffed the conversion and Biggar was doing a better job at the other end, adding another penalty to his team’s tally.

But again England issued a riposte and wing Watson showed great balance and poise to grab his side’s second try as he evaded Liam Williams before stretching to score.

Ford missed his third kick from as many attempts, sending the conversion to the right of the posts and that left England three points behind at the break.

But they were to lead for the first time five minutes into the second period as Youngs picked up the ball from a lineout and weaved his way through for the score.

Ford’s difficult day continued as he missed the conversion, but England were starting to ramp it up though, and Wales were wilting in the Twickenham heat as Clifford sprinted clear to score.

Wales were furious at the award of the try, with Biggar taking particular issue, feeling Dan Cole had knocked on in the build-up.

But referee Marius Mitrea waved away the protests and Ford converted to bring the biggest cheer of the afternoon from the Twickenham faithful.

Wales were now under real pressure and Lawes was the architect of England’s third second-half score.

The Saints second row smashed Jamie Roberts, picked himself up to hit him again and then, after England won the ball back, Lawes offloaded superbly to Yarde, who scored.

It was to be Lawes’ final act as he was replaced after a big shift and Ford then missed the conversion.

The fly-half missed his sixth kick from seven attempts seven minutes from time as Hartley decided his team should go for goal.

But luckily for Ford, his abundance of missed kicks wasn’t going to cost England as they proceeded to canter to victory.

England: Brown; Watson, Joseph (Daly 68), Burrell, Yarde; Ford (Devoto 75), B Youngs (Care 56); Mullan (Genge 66), Hartley (c) (Taylor 76), Cole (Hill 68); Launchbury, Lawes (Attwood 62); Harrison, Haskell (Kvesic 62), Clifford.

Wales: L Williams, North, S Williams (Anscombe 56), Roberts, Amos; Biggar (Priestland 56), Webb; R Evans (Jenkins 56), Baldwin (Dacey 56), Lee; Ball, Wyn-Jones (Turnbull 57); Moriarty, Lydiate (King 22), Faletau.

Referee: Marius Mitrea

Attendance: 81,128

There’s a chance to get into the countryside on free guided bike tours this summer with a range of levels from beginners to those looking for a challenge.

In partnership with British Cycling and Sky, Northamptonshire Sport have scheduled a series of guided bike rides for 2016. As part of a campaign to get more people cycling for fun and fitness, Sky Ride Local rides are guided by British Cycling trained Ride Leaders and cover a range of routes, giving the opportunity to see the area by bike like never before. The rides are pitched at three different levels, so there’s something for everyone.

David Bourque, British Cycling’s Director of Recreation and Partnerships, said: “There’s no better way to get outdoors, get some exercise and explore your local area with friends than on a bike ride. Join the fun and register for a bike ride taking place in Northamptonshire this summer.Whether you’re building your confidence or looking to challenge yourself, there’s a ride for you in Northamptonshire.”

Will Heckford, Sports Development Officer at Northamptonshire Sport, said: “With the Aviva Women’s Tour once again returning to Northamptonshire we hope this will inspire people to take up cycling, and this programme of free guided bike rides offers the perfect way for people to continue their interest.

“There are a range of different rides to choose from catering for riders of all abilities and I would urge people to have a look at the website to sign up to a ride near you.”

Even more cycling opportunities are available in Northamptonshire this year with Breeze and Ride Social.

Breeze is the biggest national programme designed to inspire and support more women to ride their bikes. Breeze is led by women, for women. The programme is supported by a network of trained volunteers called Breeze champions who organise local guided rides on a weekly basis.

Meanwhile, discover more with Ride Social, Britain’s biggest social cycling community. Ride Social allows cyclists to meet up, form groups and start riding together.

To register for a free guided bike ride and find out more about getting into cycling, visit: goskyride.com/northamptonshire.