Express & Star

Hannon-Dalby sets standard for Warwickshire

Seamer Olly Hannon-Dalby yet again carried Warwickshire’s bowling attack as Northamptonshire gritted their way to 200-5 five on a weather-affected opening day of their LV=Insurance County Champions match at Edgbaston.

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The visitors, put in, advanced smoothly to 171-2 as Emilio Gay (77) and debutant Karun Nair (78) added 147 in 46 overs.

But Hannon-Dalby powered his side back into the game after tea with bowling of sustained accuracy and menace. His 19-7-29-3 on a placid pitch was worth many a five-for harvested in more helpful conditions.

The seamer’s excellence also nudged Northamptonshire towards Division Two in a match they desperately need to win to preserve their slender hopes of avoiding relegation.

After choosing to bowl, the Bears made early breakthroughs as Hassan Azad lifted Chris Rushworth to cover in the second over and Luke Procter edged Hannon-Dalby to slip with score of 24.

n Abigail Freeborn’s century proved in vain as Central Sparks lost by four wickets to Sunrisers in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy,

Freeborn scored 107 not out as Sparks made 227-8 but half-centuries from Grace Scrivens, Amara Carr and Mady Villiers saw Sunrisers to victory.