DERBYSHIRE TITLE DEFENCE BEGINS

NORTHANTS A begin the defence of the English Bowling Federation indoor inter-county championship on Sunday against their own B team at Peterborough & District (10.00am).

James Harford's team lifted the Derbyshire Trophy for only the third time in the county's history at the expense of Nottinghamshire at Newark in April, and they will be looking to repeat the feat this season.

There are two changes from the that succesful team for Sunday's opener, with Brian Martin and Stephen Harris replacing Jeff Newson and Nick Wilkie.

Malcolm Squires' B team finished bottom of the southern section last year – only their second season in the competition – so they will be hoping to improve matters this time around.

One new face in their squad from last season is that of Mick Duell, who will skip one of the four rinks.

How the teams line-up;

Northants A

Michael Humphreys, Adam Warrington, James Harford; Brian Martin, Bob Warters, Tristan Morton; Stephen Harris, Roger Martin, Martyn Dolby; Paul Dalliday, Trevor Collins, Simon Law.

Northants B

John Holroyd, Cliff Watson, Graham Agger; Jeff Clipston, Brian Bassam, Dick Noble; Les Sharp, Ray Keating, Mick Linnell; Mike Ramsden, Mick Greaves, Mick Duell. Res: Phil Afford.