The Northant's 2nd team's title ambitions were dealt a blow with defeat to Daventry 4 at home last wednesday.

Andy Fraser opened up at 5 against Austen Humphrey and despite losing his accuracy for a short time in game 3, won the rubber 3-1 giving his opponent little chance with his usual consistent length and width interspersed with winning drops.

Pete Rhodes at 3 started on the other court against a friendly face in John Maynard - Pete was as clinical as his playing record this season in dispatching the Daventry/Harborough man, losing just 7 points in the process.

All looked good at this stage and unfortunately it was all downhill from here.

Tim Arthur, after complaining that he was only playing at number 4, then proceeded to display old bad habits. Despite winning the first game 9/7, he then failed to show a killer instinct, preferring to wear his opponent down - unfortunately for Tim, the opposing captain Ben Smallwood, whilst not being quite as young, is certainly as fit and turned in a great performance to win the next three games.

Earl Harrison at 2 was strangely out of sorts - we are used to him losing the first two games, only to storm back and win the next three, however mainly due to a mad dash from Manchester, Earl couldn't get his game head on and lost to Joe Bodenstein in straight games, despite the Daventry man pulling a calf muscle in game 2.

This left Steve Iles to salvage the victory at 1 against Keith Morgan. Again Harborough took the lead in the rubber, only for Steve to be outfought in the next three - to be fair to Steve, his chest infection was just as much a factor as his opponent in restricting his ability to chase Keith's shots around the court - I'm sure given a fit Ilesy, not only would he have won, but more Bitburger would have been sold !

Many Thanks to Ruth-Ann for stepping in to Sandy's shoes for the evening - the Cottage Pie was well received and don't take it the wrong way when I say "Get Well Sandy" !!

So after Cripps slipped up against Dallington, the good news is the league is still in our hands - currently 5 points clear with 2 games left.

Next Up - Lings 3 away on Wednesday 23rd.