Northants A could be involved in a bowls title decider after a big weekend win at Stamford
Northants A's hopes of reaching the final of the English Bowling Federation's Derbyshire Trophy now hinge on their final match of the season against Norfolk on Sunday February 22.
They went top of the southern section with a 139-51 demolition of North Essex at Stamford on Sunday, but with title rivals Hunts also collecting a maximum 14 points from their 129-60 defeat of Northants B at Peterborough, there is just one point between them with one match each to play.
Northants will know what they have to do as Hunts play their final match this Sunday at home to North Essex, but Norfolk are also still in with a chance of snatching top spot. They have two games remaining and only trail Northants by 10 points, so it is all set up for a possible title showdown at Stamford on Sunday week.
Scores (Northanks rinks only)
A team: Stuart Agger, Paul Dalliday, Simon Law won 31-11; Michael Humphreys, Wayne Morris, Adam Warrington won 33-16; Martyn Dolby, Mick Linnell, Graham Agger won 33-14; Chris Ballard, Brian Martin, Peter Brown won 41-10.
B team: Ally McNaughton, Roger Strong, Roger Martin lost 11-31; Peter Smith, Neil Wright, Ben Wilson lost 10-38; John Holroyd, Andy Cox, Mike Anderson lost 18-32; Tien Ngo, Phil Jones, Dudley Smith lost 21-28.