Northants batsmen battle back against County

7:07pm Friday 2nd May 2008

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NORTHAMPTONSHIRE captain Nicky Boje and David Sales rescued their team from the clutches of defeat as they bounced back from an awful day with the ball against Worcestershire at Wantage Road.

Skipper Boje hit 55 off 99 balls and Sales chipped in with 48 as Northants rallied to 161-2 to all but avoid an innings defeat after they failed to bowl out the visitors on day three.

Worcestershire eased their way to 400 as the trio of Kabir Ali (46), Gareth Batty (37) and keeper Steve Davies (31) ensured the tail wagged before skipper Vikram Solanki declared.

England spinner Monty Panesar was once again wicketless as Northants mustered only eight victims - seam duo David Lucas and Johann Louw taking seven between them.

With a lead of 232, Solanki decided he had had seen enough and declared just before tea in the 117th over.

Peters began his innings with purpose but was let down when partner Rob White edged Australian Steve Magoffin to Daryl Mitchell at first slip in the first over.

Boje promoted himself to number three following Alex Wakely's injury and showed his pedigree with an array of elegant strokes as the pair put on 47.

But Peters quickly fell hooking Andrew straight to Stephen Moore at deep square-leg for 33 before Sales entered to start the Northants rescue mission.

The pair notched an unbeaten stand of 92 as Northants finished 71 behind - Boje reaching 50 in the final over.