Pears are foiled by Boje

May 5 2008

SOUTH African Nicky Boje chalked up a match-saving double century as Northamptonshire recovered from a first-innings collapse to rescue a draw in the County Championship Division Two match against Worcestershire.

Boje, resuming on 55, added a second consecutive hundred in his new team's colours, finishing on 226 not out as the home side salvaged a share of the points.

The Northamptonshire all-rounder brought up his century in the morning session, before going on to record a career-best double hundred after lunch.

He was well supported by fellow Protea Lance Klusener as the big-hitter plundered 74 quickfire runs to put Northamptonshire in command with a fine 181-run partnership - a club record fifth-wicket stand against Worcestershire.

Klusener looped Magoffin to 2005 Ashes hero Simon Jones, on as a sub, at midwicket but Boje reached a sparkling career-best 202 not out and the Pears - deprived of the injured Kabir Ali - had a torrid time in the field.

The players emerged after tea for just an hour's play - both captains acceptant that neither side could realistically expect to win. n Worcestershire are back in action today when they take on Glamorgan in the Friends Provident Trophy at New Road.