Northumbria League fourth division sides Sacriston Comets and Matfen C both made the most of their starts to  progress to the quarter finals of the handicap cup competition with victories over higher ranked sides. The twins, Debbie and Nikki Irwin both won twice and were backed up by Colin Pritchard as the Comets gained a 5 - 4 success away to second division Saints although Tom Marley did his best to keep Saints in the competition with three victories. 

Sam Beedle was the man of the match when Matfen came away from Old England FATTS with a 5 - 2 win under their belts. Brian Harrison and Mark Perrin got the other two with Steve Martin and Nigel Coe getting one each for the losers.

Lowly second division side Cramlington Corinthians took advantage of their handicaps to get through at the expense of   Premier Division side Saint Chads coming from 4 -3 down to win the final two matches. Joe Swinburn was their star with three victories.

Premier side YMCA North Tyneside A were another team to win 5 - 4 after being behind with two to play against North Fire A with Paul Baines and Andrew Dryden taking the final sets. Second division Mortimer defeated third division Ravens 5 - 4 despite Chris O'Connor and Sam Nair winning two each,   Dave Cutler winning the decider to complete his hat trick. 

Old England Crocks were too good for Newcastle Communities running out 5 - 1 winners and second division Ouston A got the better of first division opponents Riding Mill A with a 5 - 2 success.

Duncan Wraight and Alan Hedley both won twice for the Cobras in the Cramlington derby match against the Spartans as their side went through 5 - 2, Adam Shafiq getting the Spartans' two.

The draw for the semi finals is as follows: Mortimer v YMCA N.Tyneside A, Cobras v Matfen C, Sacriston v Old England Crocks, Corinthians v Ouston A.

 

Aubrey Drapkin