NORTHANTS’ Adams and Newton teams suffered comprehensive defeats away to Suffolk in their opening county championship fixtures of the season.
Suffolk are nearly always the team to beat if you are to challenge for the southern section title, and that fact that both teams were scrambling around for players on the night before the match far from helped their cause.
Consequently, the Adams collected just four points from their long trip to Leiston in a 198-140 defeat, while the Newton team, playing at Laxfield, picked up only three in a 210-131 mauling.
The rinks of Mick Linnell and Trevor Collins gained the points for the Adams, while Barry Lawrence’s trio edged home by one shot in the Newton, with Kevin Vinter’s finishing all square.
Both teams are on the road again this Saturday with a visit to near neighbours Hunts.
RESULTS
ADAMS TROPHY
Northants 140 (4), Suffolk 198 (18) – (Northants rinks only):
Darren Middleton, Dusty Miller, Martyn Dolby lost 23-27; Roger Stevens, Steve Roden, Graham Agger lost 27-31; Stuart Agger, Robert Heath, Mick Linnell won 33-28; Dave Roberts, Ally McNaughton, Roger Strong lost 13-39; Howard Shipp, Craig Campbell, Trevor Collins won 29-25; Martin Prudhoe, Duncan Lee, Roger Martin lost 15-43.
NEWTON TROPHY
Northants 131 (3), Suffolk 210 (19) – (Northants rinks only):
Les Sharp, Melvyn Beck, Brian Bassam lost 13-51; Andy Cox, Alec Emery, Paul Buckley lost 16-32; Jon, Martin & Paul Bailey lost 30-37; Michael Humphreys, John Holroyd, Kevin Vinter drew 24-24; Philip Burbridge, Andy Cook, Peter Smith lost 20-39; Steven Shaw, Andy Dyer, Barry Lawrence won 28-27.
