NESLC Eagles kept up the pressure on the leading sides in the Premier Division of the Northumbria league by beating a weakened Springwell side 9 - 1 with Eddie Smith and Jim Stamas both unbeaten. Springwell's only success came when Alex Smith defeated Steve Penman.

Matfen A picked up vital points in their fight against relegation from the first division when they narrowly lost 6 - 4  to North Fire A after being 6 - 0 down with Phil Rainford leading the comeback with two sets. They then made another comeback after trailing 5 - 3 to Riding Mill A to force a draw, this time young Arran Kent led the way.

YMCA North Tyneside B stay in contention for promotion from the second division but they dropped four sets when they visited Ouston B. Jim Robertson got a hat-trick but Ronnie Scott and Don Catley could only get three between them in a 6 - 4 victory.

The YMCA's C team are struggling to stay in the third division but Ramon Pini and Gerry Meller managed two sets apiece against promotion hopes Cramlington Swifts in a 6 - 4 defeat. Peter Wilkinson was unbeaten for the victors.

Chen Ji and Yi Zhou were once again too good for the opposition in the bottom division as Newcastle Communities B defeated Ouston D 7 - 3.

The Northumberland Junior Tournament takes place at the Sporting Club, Cramlington Learning Village on Friday evening. Ellis Cooper will be hoping to retain the Norman Moore Memorial Cup in the Junior Boys but Dean Richardson will be all out to take it from him while Arran Kent is favourite to retain the Harry Dignan Cup in the Cadet boys.

 

Aubrey Drapkin