Whitethorn Bowls Club recorded a fifth win from six in the Men's County League to qualify for the knock-out stages.

The victory over Royston in North Division A takes them into the next stage, starting back at Royston on September 4.

Success there will take them to the county knock-out on September 19 at Garstan.

Baldock meanwhile have won the Hertfordshire final in the National Top Club competition, beating Harpenden by three disciplines to two.

Martin Roberts and Darren Hickin won the pairs while Brian Todd, Steve Budge and Paul Andrews took the honours in the triples.

It left Sam Andrews, Joe Morley, Paul Haskins and Mike Parsons to guide them home as they won the rinks.

Baldock will now play Hendon, the top club in Middlesex, in the next stage.

Elsewhere Jamie Claydon qualified for the national mixed fours with Devon Cooper and Matt Coppin from Royston and Joan Welch from Riverain.