James Harford will play fellow Parkway bowler Paul Dalliday in the final of the blue riband Northants Federation 4-bowl singles final at Stamford Indoor Bowls Club on Sunday, March 17.

A full schedule is published below.

The county’s Derbyshire Trophy captain beat the holder Martyn Dolby 21-12, fighting back from an early deficit to score nine shots in four ends in a devastating spell and finally clinched it on the 20th end.

It completed a tough spell of four semi-finals on successive days for Dolby who gave credit to his young opponent, who found a turning point when he killed an end while looking like he might go six shots adrift.

“James then started to improve his backhand line and length as I struggled,” admitted Dolby. “And as my batteries dried up, James drew so well and was a worthy winner.”

Said Harford: “I managed to hang on in the early part of the game and killing that end proved crucial. Drawing shots with my last bowl subsequently saved two or three shots and I stuck to my guns on my backhand to string nine shots in four ends together.”

Harford will also join Simon Law in the final of the pairs in what promises to be an explosive and entertaining match against Dalliday and Tristan Morton.

Former winners of the men’s triples – Stephen Harris, Cliff Watson and Peter Edwards have again reached the final. They beat Neil Wright, Trevor Collins and Jeff Newson 19-5 and will play Adam Warrington, Jon Earl and Martyn Dolby.

Christine Ford and Martyn Dolby reached the final of the mixed pairs defeating Sheila Craig and Dick Noble in a one-sided match 26-6.

Schedule

10 am: Men’s veteran 4-bowl singles – Dick Noble (West Ward) v Martyn Dolby (Blackstones) (rink 2); women’s senior 4-bowl singles – Sheila Craig (Conservative) v Christine Ford (Ketton)(4); Under 25 Open singles – Stephen Harris (Blackstones) v Helen Holroyd (Stamford Town) (5).

12 noon : Women’s 2-bowl pairs – Marlene Osbourne & Hazel Bass (Yaxley) v Louise Harris (Blackstones) & Helen Holroyd (Stamford Town) (1); men’s 4-bowl singles – Paul Dalliday (Parkway) v James Harford (Parkway) (3).

2pm : Mixed 2-bowl Triples – Alan Romaine (Vanguard) Carol and Bob Warters (Ketton) v Moira, Helen & John Holroyd (Stamford Town) (2); men’s 2-bowl pairs – Dalliday & Tristan Morton (Parkway) v Harford & Simon Law (Parkway); mixed 2-bowl pairs – Ford (Ketton) & Dolby (Blackstones) v S & L Harris (Blackstones) (6).

4pm: women’s 4-bowl singles – L Harris v H Holroyd (3); men’s 2-bowl triples – Adam Warrington, Jon Earl and Dolby (Blackstones) v S Harris (Blackstones), Cliff Watson (Peterborough & District) & Peter Edwards (Ketton) (4); women’s 2-bowl triples – June Brennan (Ketton), Jan Want (Ryhall), Chris Ford (Ketton) v Penny Hart (Whittlesey Town), Marlene Osbourne & Hazel Bass (Yaxley).

*Players will where whites and club shirts where they are all from the same outdoor club, otherwise all white. Red or white stickers will be provided. Raffle prizes welcome.

The Northants A side which earlier in the season won its opening match against Northants B

FOR THE first time more than a decade Northants Bowling Federation has qualified for the indoor final of the inter-county Derbyshire Trophy to be played at Newark IBC in April.

The 12-2 victory by James Harford’s Northants ‘A’ side over Norfolk last week at Stamford IBC proved good enough to clinch their qualification from the Southern Section after Norfolk just failed at Lincoln IBC to gain enough points to overtake them.

Norfolk needed a full house of 14 points against a Lincs side weakened by absentees from the host club competing in the Egham Trophy semi-final victory over Tye Green (Harlow) at Peterborough but could only manage an 11-3 win – albeit by more than 40 shots overall.

Boston skip Jonathan West assisted by Paul Flatters and Rod West steered his rink to an outstanding two points after trailing 10-17 with only a handful of the 25 ends remaining. They won 25-23, while Lincoln’s Chris Gill snatched a further vital point in a draw.

Lincs had needed just ten points themselves to qualify but late changes had further hampered selection.

Northants A, who beat Durham in the 2006 final, finished with 52 points from their five matches followed by Norfolk (49), Lincs (45), Hunts (40), North Cambs (14) and Northants B (10).

In the final they will play Nottinghamshire, who beat Northumberland 12-2 on their home surface at Newark.

Said Northants A captain James Harford: ” We are thrilled to have qualified for the first time since 2006. A massive thanks to the squad who have stuck by me over the last few years. Being captain can be a thankless job unless the end product of qualification is reached.

“To beat both Lincs and Norfolk shows as a county we are more than good enough to compete against bigger ones. The main job now is to finish the process and playing Nottinghamshire on their own patch will not be easy.

“However I am confident that with the players we have available we are giving ourselves a great chance to achieve a major trophy in the county’s 90th anniversary year.” BW

From the left: Martin and Elizabeth Wallace, Dick Ford and Shirley and John Suffling

John Suffling in action during the final.

NORTHANTS Federation bowlers competing in the annual competitions at Potters Resort near Great Yarmouth carried off the overall Top Club points trophy as the most successful county.

Of its five competing teams, two reached the knock-out stages with the Ketton combination of Elizabeth and Martin Wallace and Shirley Suffling and husband John, reaching the final where they lost by just one shot to the experienced Norfolk quartet of Geoff and Jenny Ramsbottom, Judy Gott and Ian Wones.

Northants’ Dick Ford, another Ketton player, organised the Northants squad and received the Top Club Trophy from national presidents Mick Rayson (Hunts) and Carole Swann (Norfolk).

Good fortune followed the local contingent into the bingo hall, where Denise Mackie (Vanguard) captured two jackpots worth – total of more than £900.

Northants runners-up with national presidents Carole Swann and Mick Rayson.

Trevor Collins and Nick Wilkie

Martyn Dolby and Tony Scarr in anticipation of an approaching bowl

James Harford and Paul Dalliday

Jeff Newson

Roger Martin

Tristan Morton (images courtesy of Stamford Mercury and Alan Walters)

BOWLERS representing Northants A have given themselves a fighting chance of reaching the finals of the indoor inter-county Derbyshire Trophy championship for the first time since 2006.

They beat Norfolk, one of their closest rivals, 105-70 at Stamford IBC picking up 12 vital points which takes them 10 clear of league leaders Linccolnshire whom they beat 11-3 last week.

However, Lincs have a superior shots difference and need just 10 of the 14 points at stake next weekend when they host Norfolk at Lincoln IBC.

An added twist to the plot reveals that several of their leading contenders will be missing, already committed to the EIBA code’s semi-final of the mixed Egham Trophy against Norwich IBC at Peterborough.

Says Northants A captain James Harford: “We played well to win on three out of four rinks and take 12 points from a strong Norfolk side. We have 52 points which we would have taken at the start of the campaign; we have done all we can but it is out of our hands now. We can only hope the result at Lincoln goes our way.”

After the initial exchanges, Northants, who included all but one in their side who play their indoor competitions at Stamford – Nick Wilkie (Spalding) was the only exception – took control as Norfolk players, more used to slower surfaces, took more time to adapt.

Particularly pleasing in the two-bowl triples format over 25 ends, was the new combination of experienced singles player Martyn Dolby leading on a rink skipped by talented left-hander Tristan Morton with Tony Scarr playing a key supporting role, tidying up heads and drawing strategic bowls as required.

They allowed Danny Mills’ trio few opportunities and after surging into a 17-7 lead with an excellent four count eventually ran out 29-13 winners.

On the adjoining rink, the tried and tested combination of Paul Dalliday, Harford and Simon Law were having similar success against Sam King, son of former world singles champion Mervyn. Ten shots in eight ends took them into a 24-9 lead from which they were never threatened.

When Adam Warrington switched roles with Roger Martin from lead to skip on the 14th end, as Federation roles allow, they trailed 12-15 but the transition – with Mick Humphreys at No.2 – quickly worked and they pick up seven shots in five ends. And with seven more in the last four they claimed more vital points in a 26-22 victory.

Northants’ only disappointment was 25-17 defeat of the experienced Wilkie, Trevor Collins and Jeff Newson whom, despite shuffling roles at 15 ends, couldn’t cope with a late surge of 12 shots in the last eight ends by Danny Cawthorne’s young trio after leading 15-13.

Results (Northants A names only):

Derbyshire Trophy ( at Stamford): Northants A 105 (12pts) Norfolk 70 (2). a Warrington,M Humphreys, Roger Martin won 26-22; N Wilkie, T Collins, J Newson lost 17-25; P Dalliday, J Harford, S Law win 33-10; M Do.by, T Scarr, T Morton won 29-13.

End by end: 19-18 (5 ends), 36-34 (10), 61-43 (15), 83-52 (20), 105- 70 (25).

It’s crunch time for the Stamford Men’s A team competing in the first division of the Lincolnshire League – a title they won two years ago and are aiming to regain at the expenses of the current holders Lincoln IBC.

They head to the city for the final game of the season on Saturday (March 2) with what looks on paper to be an unassailable 36-point lead over their rivals. But defeat could make it extremely fragile, especially as Lincoln have two games in hand – albeit away to Sleaford and Boston – and exactly those precious points at stake.

Stamford captain Paul Bailey has the opportunity to draft in a handful of experienced players waiting on the sidelines but in the sporting tradition of the club has decided to maintain faith in those who have been available with their support throughout the season.

However, it will mean a couple of tweaks with the return of Neil Wright and Peter Edwards both with experience of the Lincoln surface.

Stamford A: Richard Allam, Mick Linnell, Trevor Collins, Jon Earl; Mick Humphreys, Neil Wright, Adam Warrington, Paul Bailey; Mike Ramsden, Jay Travis-Jenner, John Holroyd, Jeff Newson; Wayne Aspinall, Chris Ballard, Bob Warters, Roger Martin; Dave Hudson, Mal Smith, Peter Edwards, Martyn Dolby. Res: aOwen Aspinall, Tony Barwell.

FEDERATION COMPETITIONS LATEST

The final of the Northants Bowling Federation’s Blue Riband event, the four-bowl singles – will be between players who all play their indoor competitions on the Stamford IBC surface.

This was confirmed when Martyn Dolby beat new England Under 25 international Stephen Harris in a high quality match to earn a semi-final tie with former England EBA outdoor triples champion James Harford.

In the other semi-final Paul Dalliday, who only converted fully from carpet bowls a couple of seasons ago and who beat Mike Ramsden 21-11, will play Richard Allam, a 21-20 victor over Tony Barwell.

The veteran singles semi-final matches two former winners Bob Warters against Martyn Dolby and Dick Noble, the county president, against Alan Romaine.

In the women’s four-bowl singles final Louise Harris – a 21-15 winner at Peterborough against Sheila Craig plays pairs partner Helen Holroyd. In the seniors, Chris Ford, who beat Joan Robinson 21-5, plays Craig.

The county finals will be at Stamford on March 17.

Northants Women’s Bowling Federation fixture secretary Norma Squires is seeking the names of affiliated bowlers to put their names forward for either the Donald Steward
Trophy or Jubilee Silver Vase county first and second teams.

The Donald Steward matches are due to be staged at Ketton while the Silver Vase will again be played at City of Peterborough.

Respective captains are Joan Robinson and Ann Cooper.

Norma reminds players that they need not necessarily have county experience but are willing to make themselves available for a series of midweek matches against North Essex, Norfolk, North Cambs, Suffolk and Hunts.

The matches played, simultaneously are: June 12 home to North Essex; June 19 home to Norfolk; June 26 home,to North Cambs; July 3 away to Suffolk; July 10 away to Hunts.

Notification of availability should be made by March 30 to: mandnsquires@talktalk.net

A late run of ten shots in the last six ends by Nick Wilkie, Trevor Collins and Jeff Newson proved crucial in overhauling Lincolnshire by just four shots overall to put Northants A still in with a chance to qualify for the final stages of the Federation inter-county Derbyshire Trophy in April.

Lincs are one of Northants’ chief rivals in the chase to qualifying for the final at Newark but were hampered by absentees competing elsewhere so it was vital that the home side were able to take full advantage on the Stamford surface.

With Tris Morton’s trio struggling to hold Gill’s rink, it needed the others to step up in the closing stages of the 25-end two bowl triples marathon.

And so it proved, with Newson’s rink extending their 23-15 lead, Simon Law grabbing a vital singles on the last end against Jonathan West and Roger Martin adding a significant three count at the death.

Northants A entertain Norfolk at Stamford on Sunday (Feb 24) with Norfolk visiting Lincs at Lincoln on March 3. Unfortunately Lincs will be depleted by players involved in the Egham Trophy semi-final at Peterborough

Results (Northants A names first):

Derbyshire Trophy: Northants A 95 (11pts) Lincs 91 (3). B Martin, T Scarr, T Morton lost 15-32 to I Clarke, A Field, C Gill; P Dalliday, J Harford, S Law drew 20-20 with G Wood, G Parker, J West; N. Wilkie, T Collins, J Newson beat RJackson, R Ashton, D Brown 33-17; A Warrington, M Humphreys, R Martin beat S Ashton, S Derby, M Thompson 27-22.

DOLBY RECALLED AGAINST NORFOLK

Martyn Dolby is recalled to the side for the visit of Norfolk to Stamford on Sunday (Feb 24 at 10 am) replacing Brian Martin at lead in Tristan Morton’s rink alongside Tony Scarr.

The team is: P.Dalliday, J Harford, S.Law; A. Warrington, M. Humphreys, R.Martin; N.Wilkie, T.Collins, J.Newson; M.Dolby, T. Scarr, T.Morton.

Says captain James Harford:” I appreciate all the effort and time given by the players within the squad to give us a chance to qualify from final game against Norfolk.”

Derbyshire Inter County League table

1 Lincs P4 W3 L1 (+217) 42pts; 2 Northants ‘A’ P4 W 3 L1 (+76) 40; 3 Hunts P5 W3 L2 (+22) 40; 4 Norfolk P 3 W3 L0 (+73) 36; 5 North Cambs P5 W1 L4 (-174) 14; 6 Northants P5 W0 L5 (-214) 10.

B TEAM END WITH LOSS AT HOME TO HUNTS

Northants B completed their Derbyshire Trophy fixtures with a disappointing home defeat at Peterborough by 15 shots against local rivals Hunts.

Only the rink of John Holroyd, Cliff Watson and Pete Brown salvaged points as Hunts adapted better to the pace of the surface.

Results (Northants B names first):

Derbyshire Trophy: Northants B 78 (2) Hunts 93 (12) . J Holroyd, C Watson, P Brown beat J Baldwin, J Hygnett, R Jepson 24-18; L. sharp, M Greaves, M Linnell lost to J May, J Stevens, R Stevens 16-19; J Clipston, R Keating, J Earl lost to D Peak, T Dignton, T Swannell 15-28; B Bassam, D Noble, G Agger lost to N Swannell, S Purell, R Greenwood 23-26.

A Race Night and fish supper to boost funds for Northants Bowling Federation and Northants Women’s Bowling Federation is being hosted by the Whittlesey Manor club on Friday, March 29. First race is 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £8 which includes race card and a fish and chips supper (chicken is also available). These can be booked via NBF and NWBF committee members or from the respective county secretaries, Melvyn Beck and Terri Handley.

It is hoped that Federation members will make every effort to support the event, profits from which will be divided equally between the two county bodies and the host club. Funds raised will help prevent the NBF & NWBF having to explore other avenues to raise money, avoiding possible subscription increases for clubs and individuals.

If you haven’t attended a race night before, the organisers can guarantee fun and excitement as previously unseen films of eight-horse races are screened with commentary in real time, enabling the audience to bet nominal sums on the outcome.

At the end of the night groups can form syndicates to ‘buy’ and back their favourite horse for one climax race.

EBF SHORTS EXCLUSIVE FROM SHOTBOWL

New, approved shorts bearing the white rose logo of the English Bowling Federation are now available exclusively from Market Deeping retailers Shotbowl.

Available in both grey and white, the shorts cost £24.99 and come in sizes from XS to 6XL.

They can be worn at indoor or outdoor venues, subject to approval of host clubs, as well as in Adams and Newton Trophy matches and at the national finals in Skegness.

For more information visit www.shotbowl.com

Above: Les Sharp (left) and Malcolm Squires, who respectively
recently won their 100 & 200 appearances ties for the county.

DESPITE WINNING on three out of four rinks, Northants Federation B team suffered a devastating 85-91 defeat at the hands of fellow Derbyshire Trophy strugglers North Cambs at Peterborough.

In this 25-end match, the closing stages proved crucial as Northants fought to close the overall 69-73 deficit with just a handful of ends to complete. But the visitors proved resilient and late shots took them over the line to claim eight of the 14 points at stake.

Playing on an unfamiliar surface Richard Allam, John Holroyd and Jon Earl never came to terms with the pace and lines of the Peterborough carpet losing a valuable 19 shots in a seven-end spell.

It left the other rinks, glancing worryingly at the overall scoreboard to pull their fortunes around while encouraging their team-mates.

Mick Linnell’s rink romped to a 29-13 victory with Graham Agger snatching seven shots in the last five ends to win 23-22. For Helen Holroyd, Cliff Watson and Peter Brown a seven shot lead at 22 ends, finally dwindled to a 23-20 win.

Northants B complete their fixtures at Peterborough on February 17 (10am) against Hunts while simultaneously Northants A entertain Lincs at Stamford in a bid to set up a chance of reaching the finals at Newark in April.

Results (Northants names only):

Derbyshire Inter-County Trophy (at Peterborough IBC): Northants B 85 (6pts) North Cambs 91 (8). Brian Basson, Dick Noble, Graham Agger won 23-22; Ray Keating, Mick Greaves, MIck Linnell won 29-13; Helen Holroyd, Cliff Watson, Peter Brown won 23-20; RIchard Allam, John Holroyd, Jon Earl lost 10-36.