Northants teams & Race Night

Both Northants Federation inter-county Derbyshire Trophy teams will be in action on Sunday, February 18 as their respective indoor seasons draw to a close.

James Harford’s title-chasing Northants A side visit Lincoln IBC to play Lincolnshire Federation in a fixture which could decide who represents the southern section at Newark in April, while Northants B, captained by Malcolm Squires, visit Hunts at Huntingdon IBC.

Both 25-end matches start at 10 am.

Harford, is still finalising his side but will himself be playing, while those unavailable, following the 14-point defeat of North Cambs at Stamford include Tony Scarr and Mike Robertson, who will be preparing to compete in the Commonwealth Games in Australia in April.

Squires, however has named his side as: M. Ramsden, M. Humphreys, J. Earl; L. Sharp, M. Greaves, P. Brown; B. Bassam, G. Agger, M. Linnell; S. Roden, D. Noble, R. Maplethorpe. Reserves: M Squires, C Watson. Advise captain of any extra meals by Feb 11.

Northants A complete their fixtures at Fakenham (Gallow IBC) against Norfolk on February 25.

FEDERATION RACE NIGHT SET FOR WHITTLESEY MANOR ON APRIL 13

Whittlesey Manor Bowls Club will be hosting a fund-raising Race Night on behalf of the Northants Men’s and Women’s Bowling Federations on Friday, April 13 (first race 7.30pm).

Tickets for the event, held in conjunction with the host club, cost £8 and includes a fish and chip supper (chicken can be ordered as an alternative). Tickets can be obtained through NBF management committee members or by applying via email to melvynbeck@btinternet.com.

Alan Croxford has died (aged 82); funeral February 19

Sad to report that former president of the Northants Bowling Federation, Alan Croxford, has died, aged 82.

He died at Papworth Hospital following emergency double by pass heart surgery.

Alan was a dedicated member of the Federation for many years and had recently retired from his role as county delegate to the EBF. He was also a highly respected umpire.

The funeral will be held at St John’s Church,Stanground on Monday,February 19 at 1pm.

FOOTNOTE: The Federation also reports the recent passing of former North Cambs Federation stalwart Mick Hartop after a short illness.

Northants A team extend Derbyshire Trophy lead

Northants Federation A team stretched their lead at the top of the southern section of the Derbyshire Trophy indoor inter-county championship with a comprehensive defeat of North Cambs at Stamford IBC.

They took a maximum 14 points – winning all four 2-bowl triples rinks – for an overall 137-56 scoreline on a surface far more familiar to the home side, all but three of whom play their winter bowls at the Stamford club.

Top scorers were the rink of Brian Martin, Bob Warters and Tony Scarr who included a maximum six count in their 43-10 win. Law also recorded a game-changing six-count in a good comeback win with Paul Dalliday and Phil Afford.

Northants A complete their fixtures with visits to Lincs and Norfolk on February 18 and 25 respectively.

Result (Northants names only):

Derbyshire Trophy: Northants A 137 (14 pts) North Cambs 56 (0). S Harris, J Harford, M Dolby won 29-15; H Shipp, N Wright, Roger Martin won 30-11; Brian Martin, B Warters, T Scarr won 43-10; P Dalliday, P Afford, S Law won 35-20.

‘A’ team look to strength Derbyshire Trophy lead

Northants Bowling Federation’s indoor A team will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Derbyshire (inter county) Trophy Southern Section when they host North Cambs at Stamford on Sunday January 21 (10am).

Captain James Harford has included himself to replace unavailable Adam Warrington in a slightly re-shuffled team to that which took all 12 points from Hunts in the previous round and secured a strong position in the top of the league chase with Norfolk and Lincs to reach the national finals in April.

He will link Stephen Harris and Martyn Dolby, while Bob Warters switches to join Brian Martin and Tony Scarr.

Team: P Dalliday, P Afford S Law; H Shipp, N Wright, R Martin; B Martin, B Warters, T Scarr; S Harris, J Harford, M Dolby.

Northants B earn first county win

Northants’ second string, in their Derbyshire Trophy debut season, cruised into second place in the Southern section with 128-69 defeat of North Cambs at Wisbech IBC.

It was their first win in the competition after three defeats but not unexpected against a North Cambs side whose access to players is limited, while Northants B can dip into multi talents at Peterborough and Stamford.

And it was a combination of these two clubs – Les Sharp and Mick Greaves (Peterborough) and skip Jonathan Earl (Stamford) who carried off the individual honours with a 46-9 in unfamiliar conditions.

Northants B now just have to play Hunts (Huntingdon, Feb 18) to complete their fixtures while unbeaten Northants A are still due to face North Cambs (January 21at Stamford), Lincoln (Feb 18 at Lincoln) and Norfolk (February 25 at Gallow, Fakenham) in their bid to reach the national finals.

Result (Northants names only)

Derbyshire Trophy (at Wisbech): North Cambs 69 (2pts) Northants B (12). M Ramsden, M Humphreys, J Holroyd won 31-13; L Sharp, M Greaves, J Earl won 46-9; S Roden, G Agger, M Linnelll won 34-19; C Watson, D Noble, P Brown lost 17-28.

Northants B re-shuffle for Wisbech visit

For their fourth match in the Derbyshire Trophy, Northants B captain Malcolm Squires has re-shuffled his side for the visit to Wisbech IBC to play North Cambs on Sunday, January 7 (10am).

Despite defeats by Northants A, Norfolk and Lincolnshire the new team showed they are more than capable of holding their own at this level and will be keen to chalk up a victory , even though the slower conditions might not initially suit them.

Back in the side after the home defeat by Lincs is the experienced Mike Ramsden, while Jonathan Earl moves across to skip Mick Greaves and the recalled Les Sharp.

Northants B: S. Roden, G. Agger, M. Linnell; L. Sharp, M. Greaves, J. Earl; M. Ramsden, M. Humphreys, J. Holroyd; C. Watson, D. Noble, P. Brown. Reserves: M. Squires, R. Maplethorpe, B. Bassam.

FOOTNOTE: No meal is provided but those who wish to eat at The Stables carvery afterwards should advise the captain accordingly.

*In their next match, Northants A will play North Cambs at Stamford IBC on Janaury 21 (10am).

Northants A top Derbyshire Trophy table


Northants B players and officials ahead of their match against Lincs at Peterborough IBC.

CLAIMING 25 points from a possible 28 from their first two matches, Northants A have taken an early lead at the top of the southern section of the English Bowling Federation’s inter-county Derbyshire Trophy.

Having already beaten their county rivals Northants B by three shots, picking up 11 points, James Harford’s team added the scalp of neighbours Hunts at Stamford, taking all 14 points – winning on all four two-bowl triples rinks and claiming the overall points by 30 shots.

But it was no easy ride as Hunts quickly adapted to the unfamiliar carpet and led by six shots after 10 ends and by two after 15 ends before Northants began to assert their authority.

While the rink of Brian Martin, Neil Wright and Roger Martin (drafted in at the 11th hour) took command over Lindsey Swannell’s trio after dropping a maximum six shots on the second end, a run of 11 shots in four ends put Tony Scarr’s rink 19-15 ahead from which they never relented.

Elsewhere Stephen Harris, Bob Warters and Martyn Dolby were getting little change out of Richard Stevens trio in which Neil Swannell was outstanding in spearheading a 14-5 lead. Then, as the Federation Rules allow, Northants shuffled their positions at halfway to allow Dolby and Harris up front, to conjure an advantage and eventually they added a run of 15 shots in the last six ends.

It was left to Paul Dalliday, Phil Afford and Simon Law to mop up the maximum points against Tom Swannell’s trio. With the scores level after 24 see-saw ends and the match lie against him, Law fashioned a slightly fortuitous deflection to pinch the shot from which Swannell was unable to respond.

Results ( Northants names only):

Derbyshire Trophy: Northants Federation A 105 (14 pts) Hunts 85 (0). P Dalliday, P Afford, S Law won 25-24; S Harris, B Warters, M Dolby won 29-21; H Shipp, A Warrington, T Scarr won 25-23; B Martin, N Wright, R Martin won 26-17.

NORTHANTS B OUTGUNNED BY BILLY & CO

Playing simultaneously at Peterborough IBC, the Northants B side came up against a Lincolnshire squad that included former world singles champion Billy Jackson.

They battled hard but the slick carpet also suited the visitors, most of whom are equally familiar with similar conditions at Lincoln & District IBC.

Mick Humphreys, Jonathan Earl and John Holroyd put up the most stubborn resistance in a 22-25 defeat, claiming seven shots in the last three ends.

The new combination of Steve Roden, Graham Agger and Mick Linnell led 16-15 at 19 ends but finally lost by five to Trevor Bannister’s rink who picked up eight shots late on.

Peter Brown’s trio lost 11-34 to Jackson who gave a masterclass in draw and conversion shots while Rod Maplethorpe’s rink lost early momentum and went down by 13 shots in a closing barrage.

Results (Northants names only):

Derbyshire Trophy: Northants B 75 (0) Lincs 119 (14). S Roden, G Agger, M Linnell lost 18-23; B Bassam, M Greaves, R Maplethorpe lost 24-27; M Humphreys, J Earl, J Holroyd lost 22-25; C Watson, D Noble, P Brown lost 11-34. BW

Harford names team for Northants A v Hunts

Northants A Derbyshire Trophy captain James Harford is still awaiting a fitness report on Parkway’s Tristan Morton ahead of Sunday’s fixture against Hunts at Stamford (10am).

England international Morton – ironically a Huntingdon IBC member – was hurt during a charity football match recently, injuring knee ligaments but is determined to take the opportunity to face his clubmates in a match which is vital for both counties.

Says Harford: “It’s good to have a good, solid squad which are all challenging for spots. If we are going to win the Derbyshire Trophy you need at least 14 good team players and I feel we have that this year.

“Mike Robertson would have played but was has been called up to the disabled Commonwealth Games squad who have a practice day this Sunday.

The team against Hunts will be: P Dalliday, P Afford, S Law; H Shipp, A Warrington, T Scarr; B Martin, N Wright, T Morton; S Harris, B Warters, M Dolby.

Northants B, narrowly defeated by Norfolk at the weekend, are due to face Lincolnshire at Peterborough on Sunday, December 3 (10am).

Captain Malcolm Squires has re-shuffled his side as follows:
B. Bassam, M. Greaves, R. Maplethorpe; S. Roden, G. Agger, M. Linnell; C. Watson, D. Noble, P. Brown; M. Humphreys, J. Earl, J. Holroyd. Reserves M. Squires, L. Sharp, M. Ramsden.

Plucky Northants B undone by late Norfolk rally

Northants Federation fully justified its decision to include a second team in the Derbyshire Trophy by taking four points from a maximum 14 against Norfolk at Peterborough.

Despite a frustrating 10-shot defeat (85-95), Northants B proved the county has more than sufficient ability at its disposal to play a key role in which among the six teams contesting the southern section will progress to the national finals at Newark in April.

Northants B had narrowly lost their opening fixture against Northants A but the rink of Mike Ramsden, Mick Humphreys and John Holroyd retained their unbeaten record with a 21-20 win – a four count on the 16th of the 25 ends proving the turning point.

Cliff Watson, Dick Noble and Peter Brown were held to a draw in their previous match but we’re in determined mood against Norfolk surging into a 13-4 lead then adding seven more shots in three ends to run out 27-14 winners.

Unfortunately, despite Northants holding a one shot lead overall with five ends to play, they were unable to halt a late Norfolk rally.

Steve Roden, Jon Earl and Graham Agger conceded eight shots in the last six ends in an 18-28 defeat with Les Sharp, Mick Linnell and Rod Maplethorpe dropping nine in the last four ends.

On Sunday,December 3, Northants B entertain Lincolnshire at Peterborough while Northants A host Hunts at Stamford. Both matches start at 10am.

Results (Northants names only):

Derbyshire Trophy (at Peterborough). Northants B 85 (4pts) Norfolk 95 (10). M Ramsden, M Humphreys, J Holroyd won 21-20; S Roden, J Earl, G Agger lost 19-23; L Sharp, M Linnell, R Maplethorpe lost 18-28; C Watson, D Noble, P Brown won 27-14.
Scoreline: 17-21 (5 ends), 36-37 (10), 51-59 (15), 74-73 (20), 85-95 (25).

Jessica Phillips is new county president


Rita Mace hands over the chain of office to Jessica Phillips

Jessica Phillips is the new president of the Northants Women’s Bowling Federation. The City of Peterborough bowler was elected at the annual meeting and succeeds Rita Mace from Whittlesey Manor.

A retired Northborough resident with two children and five grandchildren, Jessica has a busy lifestyle in which she also helps run the village community centre where she is treasurer and is a volunteer with the Glinton Friendship Club which provides meals for local pensioners once a week.

Born in London, she moved to the Peterborough area in 1974 with her late husband Tony who worked for Molins, where she was also an accounts clerk.

Jessica is looking forward to her year of office, which will include representing the county at the EWBF indoor championship at Newark (April 23-29) and outdoor finals at Skegness (August 18-25). Annual presentations will be at Orton Hall in September 23.

Another appointment was that of Valerie Du’Kett (Ketton) as competition secretary, succeeding Janet Duffy who has held the post for 25 years. Another Ketton bowler – Shirley Suffling was elected to the committee.

NWBF secretary Liz Barr advised the meeting it would also be her final year in the post but hopefully someone would come forward to take over the duties in the future.

A proposal by City of Peterborough BC that only the captains of the Donald Stewart and Silver Vase should select the teams was defeated in favour of the status quo when a selection committee of seven would continue to share responsibility selecting each squad with captains picking respective teams.

Officers elected: President Jessica Phillips; secretary Liz Barr; treasurer Christine Ford; competition secretary Valerie Du’Kett; match secretary Norma Squires; captains Joan Robinson (Donald Steward), Ann Cooper (Silver Vase); committee Doris Flowers, Shirley Suffling.

2018 county fixtures: May 30 ( home to Hunts), June 19 (away to North Essex), June 25 (away to Norfolk), July 4 ( away to North Cambs – Donald Steward only), July 11 (home to Suffolk).