Robinson: “It proved to be a thriller on a great wicket”

Mark Robinson dubbed Warwickshire's dramatic win over Northamptonshire as a 'a thriller on a great wicket'.

Having lost day three to the weather, both captains manufactured a result-driven agreement with the Bears chasing 175 in 60 overs.

Put under-pressure by the visitors opening bowling pair of Ben Sanderson and Jack White, Warwickshire fell to 24 for five, but the inspired Michael Burgess hit an unbeaten 78 as part of a 52-run ninth-wicket stand with Olly Hannon-Dalby, sealing a two-wicket win.

“We had ambitions to have a game, which stemmed back to yesterday when it was raining,” said Robinson. “The chat around our dressing room was how can we create a situation where can we win, because no one wants to draw games. You want to create something that’s exciting for the crowd and we knew with Northamptonshire’s position they’d want to as well.

“So, that was what this morning was about, trying to get in a position where both teams felt they had a chance at winning a match. It obviously proved to be a thriller on a great wicket that had good carry and it did nip around a little bit when the overheads came in.

“We’ve tried to be brave all season and sometimes it backfires, but the ambition is to win. All the decisions we make are around how do we win from here, so we’re pleased with our rewards.

“At 24 for five you don’t win many games and there were some excellent balls, especially the ones that Hainy and Kraigg got. It was great skill from Barney and Burgy to get us to 90 for five and from there we probably got into safer waters. From there, we had some more twists, but Burgy there we knew we had a chance and with Olly we knew he wouldn’t give it away. He’s a warrior.”