Action all the way in the NUL

There is another week of Norwich Union League action all the way with this round of matches taking place on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The lights will be burning brightly and will no doubt illuminate some significant developments in the title, promotion and relegation battles that give every match a cup-tie atmosphere at this stage of the season.

In Division One on Sunday, the Midlands become the focus of attention. Leicestershire Foxes entertain Yorkshire Phoenix with the visitors rather more in contention for a place in the frame than the home side who can probably relax as far as relegation are concerned. The same cannot be said of Nottinghamshire Outlaws and Somerset Sabres who meet at Trent Bridge. Both appear consigned to the drop.

In Division Two, Essex Eagles have games in hand on the leaders still, but will want to get points on the board against Hampshire Hawks in an airborne battle at the Rose Bowl. That will spur on Surrey Lions - currently in third place - as they entertain Derbyshire Scorpion at The Oval.

There are two Division One matches on Monday, with Warwickshire Bears against Worcestershire Royals the vital one when it comes to the top of the table. The day after meeting at trent Bridge, Somerset Sabres and Nottinghamshire Outlaws repeat the fixture at Taunton.

Sussex Sharks meet Lancashire Lightning at Hove on Tuesday, and then, on Wednesday, it's Kent Spitfires against Leicestershire Foxes at Canterbury while The Oval is the setting for Surrey Lions to play the Hampshire Hawks.