Newton A appeared to be on course to produce a surprise result in the Premier Division of the Northumbria League when they led 4 - 2 in their home match against Cramlington Tigers courtesy of two wins by Anthony Ainley over Paul Stead and Robert Reed, success for John Russell against Stead and victory in the doubles by Ainley and Russell. But the visitors struck back to take the last four matches to win 6 - 4. Geoff Salter completed his hat-trick and Reed and Stead both finished on a high note although Stead was pushed all the way by Graeme Bell.

In division one Tyne Dock were given a hard match by Byker B and it took an unbeaten performance from Micky Grimes to give them a 6 - 4 victory. Steve Dickinson and Mark Kimberley both won a couple of sets for Byker but Grimes was also successful in the doubles partnered by Steve Wiberg. Wiberg won one of his singles as did Ian Stewart.

Mortimer and YMCA North Tyneside B both had resounding 9 - 1 victories in the second division over Ouston A and Saints respectively. Dave Bannon and Ray Purves both won all of their matches for Mortimer while Ron Scott and Jim Robertson did likewise for the YM.

Third division NESLC Codgers were held to a draw at home by Ouston C after leading 5 - 2 with Dave Swan winning twice but Tom Fowle and Rob Renton both got two for the visitors and Shirley Robson was also on the scoreboard. The Codgers played a second match in the week but lost out 7 - 3 to Cramlington Dragons for whom Ryan Guttridge was unbeaten. Adam Shafiq won three for Cramlington Spartans in their 8 - 2 victory over YMCA N.Tyneside C and the Swifts ran out easy 9 - 1 winners in the all Cramlington match against the Ravens.

Fourth division Sacriston Comets team of Debbie and Nikki Irwin and Colin Pritchard were too strong for the young Cramlington Magpies with a 10 - 0 win while Cramlington Jaguars defeated the Lions 7 - 3.

 

Aubrey Drapkin