The NCBA county team continued their EBF Derbyshire Trophy campaign against Lincolnshire with games being played at Acle IBC and Lincoln IBC.

The Norfolk bowlers were looking to build on their success in the first game against Northants and knew that a good result would give them an excellent chance of qualifying for the national final. But Lincolnshire have proved a tough nut for Norfolk over the years and with a number of enforced changes in the Norfolk team a difficult game was expected.

After five ends the game was level at 25 shots each and it remained close after 10 ends with Lincolnshire just one shot ahead. This was extended to six after 15 ends and the next five ends proved pivotal as Norfolk clawed back the deficit to move one shot ahead after 20 ends.

As is often the case in these games the team that finishes strongest runs out the winner. On this occasion it was Norfolk, who extended their lead to 19 shots to triumph 151-132. They also won on five of the six rinks to pick up 20 of the available 22 points.

This result put them level on points with Northants, who have completed their fixtures. Norfolk now require two points from Sunday's final fixture against North Cambs. The games are being played at Acle IBC and Wisbech IBC, 10am start.

Rink scores: At Acle IBC: M Elliott, J Howlett, J Dyball 28-24; J Colcombe, S Elliott, G Tubby 29-23; D Seabourne, T Dunton, I Wones 24-17. At Lincoln IBC: A Sayer, N Blyth, R Parker 24-20; T Elvin, C Woodcock, D Goodley 17-31; L Hills, P Winter, I Whiley 29-17.

• The NCBA Executive team played their last game in the Eversley Trophy against North Cambs at Wisbech IBC – and it proved every bit as difficult as previous matches they only managed to win on one of the four rinks to go down 71 shots to 104. The only winning rink was A Sayer, R Greef, C Woodcock.

This is the last time this competition will be played in this format. In future games will all be played off on one day at the EBF National Championships.