NORTHANTS A are through to the final of the English Bowling Federation’s Derbyshire Trophy for the second time in three years.
They defeated Norfolk 88-82 in their final match at Stamford and the ten points they collected was sufficient for them to overhaul southern section leaders Hunts and end Norfolk’s title hopes in the process.
They will now head to Lincoln on Saturday, April 25th to meet the northern area winners in the hope of winning the indoor county championship for only the fourth time since the competition was introduced in the mid-eighties.
Twice in five matches their margin of victory was eight shots or less, and in the only one they lost the deficit was just three, but with Norfolk close on their heels as they sought the points to keep their hopes alive going into their last match away to North Essex, Northants managed to hold their nerve over the tense final ends.
Rink honours were shared at two apiece with the rink of Chris Ballard, Brian Martin and Peter Brown again in commanding form winning 26-17 victory, while Michael Humphreys, Wayne Morris and Adam Warrington added a 27-15 success.
Although Martyn Dolby, Mick Linnell and Graham Agger went down 25-22, they deserve credit for fighting back from 13-0 down to actually take the lead at one stage.
RESULT
NORTHANTS A 88 (10), NORFOLK 82 (4) – (Northants rinks only):
Michael Humphreys, Wayne Morris, Adam Warrington won 27-15; Martyn Dolby, Mick Linnell, Graham Agger lost 22-25; Stuart Agger, Paul Dalliday, Simon Law lost 12-25; Chris Ballard, Brian Martin, Peter Brown won 26-17.
