NESLC Eagles kept up the pressure on Premier Division leaders Cramlington Casuals in the Northumbria League with a 9 - 1 victory away at Newton. Jim Stamas, Steve Penman and Richard Wilson were unbeaten in singles, Newton's sole win coming when Anthony Ainley and John Russell beat Stamas and Penman in the doubles. Newcastle Communities had their Chinese students back in action when they visited Saint Chads and with David Tang unbeaten, Clara Chau getting two and the pair combing to take the doubles they came away with a 6 - 4 win under their belts. Keith Weatherby did best for the home side gaining two sets.

Old England Jacks consolidated their place at the top of division one by defeating Cramlington Trojans 7 - 3 with Alan Atkinson unbeaten. Lindsey Storey pulled off a surprise victory for the Trojans when she defeated Lynne Herrington. Byker A showed their intention to be in the race for promotion with a 9 - 1 win away to Matfen A followed by an 8 - 2 success over their B team. Phil Prady and new signing Keith Patterson were unbeaten in both matches.

Moise Coulon got a hat-trick for Cramlington Corinthians in division two but his side were defeated 7 - 3 by the Cobras team of Alan Hedley, Duncan Wraight and John Morton who are in second spot. Mortimer go top after Newton C were unable to raise a team and conceded to them.

The third division leaders Old England FATTS were beaten for the first time when they visited Cramlington Spartans for whom Mike Dunn, Adam Shafiq and Paul Jamieson got two each as they ran out 6 - 4 winners. Ben D'Arcy got a couple for FATTS only losing to Jamieson.

Both leading fourth division teams, Sacriston Comets and Newcastle Communities B had 8 - 2 successes at the expense of Cramlington Jaguars and Lions respectively. The Comets team of Colin Pritchard, Terry Charlton and Nikki Irwin  were pushed all the way needing a fifth end to clinch four of their sets. Chen Xuan Ji and Yi Zhou were both unbeaten for the Chinese side.

 

Aubrey Drapkin