Alex Wakely hit the sixth individual century of the match as Northamptonshire drew their first-class opener against Loughborough MCCU following a record-breaking final day at Wantage Road.

The County skipper finished 104 not out from 124 balls with a six and 15 fours, guiding his side to 185 without loss when the teams called it a day. Northamptonshire debutant Max Holden provided excellent support with an unbeaten 75 including ten boundaries.

But the pair needed to be on their mettle after Loughborough claimed a substantial first-innings lead of 118, carrying their total to 553 all out with Sam Evans (114) becoming the third man in three-figures for the students before Josh Cobb bowled him.

The students total was comfortably the highest by a university side against Northamptonshire - exceeding Cambridge's 405 all out in 1906 - and is believed to be the biggest by a university against any first-class county since 1930, when the Light Blues (including future County captain Freddie Brown) amassed 572 all out against Surrey.

Left-arm spinner Saif Zaib emerged with much credit though, returning career-best figures of 6-115 from 36.3 overs - an excellent performance from the 18-year-old.

Wakely and Holden - who both missed out on a big score in the first innings - then took full advantage of the opportunity to spend some useful time in the middle ahead of Friday's opening Championship fixture against Glamorgan.