LANCASHIRE look set for a title-decider with Yorkshire in the final round of the Northern Counties League after moving up to second spot in the table at the weekend.

The Red Rose county were in full bloom against Northumberland at Pleasington on Saturday on their way to a comprehensive 12-6 victory.

Northumberland had high hopes of continuing their revival sparked by an opening day success over defending champions Cheshire. But Lancashire, and in particular Blackburn's Tony Jackson, had other ideas.

Two points ahead from the foursomes, the newly-crowned county champion set them on course for victory by sweeping aside John McCallum six and four in the top singles match.

Northumberland briefly rallied as Shaun Phillipson beat England Boys star Nick Dougherty two and one.

But Lancashire upped the tempo to take six out of the last eight points to seal an easy win.

"It was a great win because it was important for us to bounce back after getting beat in a friendly with Yorkshire last week," said Jackson. "But everyone was feeling confident going into the match.

"I was four under after 14 holes so that was the perfect start.

"And everyone else followed on from there."

Lancashire must now meet Cheshire and Cumbria before an end-of-season showdown with Yorkshire at Birkdale.

The White Rose county currently top the table with two wins from two games and lead Lancashire by a point.

"It all hinges on that game at Birkdale. Whoever wins that will win the league," said Jackson.

In the meantime, Lancashire will focus their attention on the Northern County Championships at Formby next week.

A six-man team will fight it out in a 36-hole medal and once again Jackson believes Yorkshire pose the biggest threat to their chances.

"It's between us and them, although I would make Yorkshire slight favourites because they've got five internationals."

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