NORTHANTS A made it three wins out of three, and a second maximum 14 point haul in a row, when they defeated Hunts 115-70 at Stamford as they bid to retain the Derbyshire Trophy, the English Bowling Federation indoor inter-county championship.
Now they have to wait until mid-February before concluding their campaign with crucial away fixtures against Lincs and Norfolk that will surely determine the outcome of the southern section title race.
Northants A currently top the table with 38 points, but both Norfolk and Lincs have only played one match apiece, both gaining maximum points against Northants B at Peterborough & District.
The rink of Brian Martin, Bob Warters and Roger Martin led the way against Hunts with a 40-14 victory, ably supported by the rinks of Martyn Dolby (25-15), Simon Law (25-20) and team captain James Harford (25-21).
Next up for Northants A is a trip to Lincs on February 16 and then Norfolk the following Sunday.
Northants B were hoping to aid the A team's title chances by taking some points off Lincs, but it was not to be with the visitors claiming all 14 in a 122-71 victory.
The rink of county president Dick Noble looked on course at one stage to prevent a rinks 'whitewash', but were overhauled over the last few ends and lost by nine shots.
The B team return to action on Sunday, January 5 with a visit to North Cambs, who are playing out of Sutton St James following the closure of Wisbech at the end of last season, and conclude their programme with a trip to Hunts on February 16.
RESULTS
Northants A 115 (14), Hunts 70 (0) – (Northants rinks only):
Wayne Aspinall, Trevor Collins, James Harford won 25-21; Richard Allam, Adam Warrington, Martyn Dolby won 25-15; Brian Martin, Bob Warters, Roger Martin won 40-14; Paul Dalliday, Michael Humphreys, Simon Law won 25-20.
Northants B 71 (0), Lincs 122 (14) – (Northants rinks only):
Melvyn Beck, Mick Greaves, Ray Keating lost 17-35; John Holroyd, Cliff Watson, Mick Linnell lost 18-29; Jeff Clipston, Brian Bassam, Dick Noble lost 21-30; Mike Ramsden, Malcolm Squires, Mick Duell lost 15-28.
