Knight engineers dramatic finish as Northants seconds sink Essex

With two balls remaining, the visitors were 139 for six in pursuit of a target of 152.

Trialist wicketkeeper Gary Knight scored two off the penultimate delivery to reduce the required runs needed to an impossible 11 from one ball.

But the final delivery was a no-ball, which was hit for four, and the extra ball was then deposited into the stands for six to secure an amazing four-wicket victory for Northants.

Unfortunately, the County couldn’t back this success up and crashed to an 88-run reverse in the second game.

Essex made a competitive 169 for four before dismissing Northants for 88.

Earlier in the week, the honours were shared at Hinckley as the County and their Leicestershire counterparts won a game apiece.

The next round of fixtures is a double-header against Middlesex at Bedford School on Friday.