Northants bowlers competed well, but came up short in North Essex

Following the previous week's heavy defeat at the hands of North Cambs, they pushed hosts North Essex all the way on Sunday, but finished with only two points from a 104-90 defeat.

Those points came courtesy of the rink of Ally McNaughton, Roger Strong and Roger Martin, who won 34-26, while the other three rinks suffered single figure losses by nine, nine and four respectively

They close their five-match campaign at home to Hunts on Sunday, February 8.

Result: NORTHANTS B 90 (2), NORTH ESSEX 104 (12)

Northants rinks only: Gareth Dickenson, Andy Cox, Ben Wilson lost 20-29; Tien Ngo, Phil Jones (debut), Dudley Smith lost 18-27; Ally McNaughton, Roger Strong, Roger Martin won 34-26; Peter Smith, John Holroyd, Neil Wright lost 18-22.