Paul Baines produced the performance of the week in the Premier Division of the Northumbria League when YMCA North Tyneside visited Byker. After defeating Christine Burke in five ends and a straight sets win over Phil Prady he crowned a great night by coming out on top against Dave Robson in another five ender. With Andrew Dryden taking two sets the match ended in a 5 – 5 draw. Saint Chads found themselves 3 –1 down against Springwell  as Dave Bissett lost to Colin Hunt and Alex Smith and Chris Blake was beaten by Dave Pringle after Keith Weatherby had given them the lead. They fought back by taking the doubles set and levelled matters when Weatherby beat Pringle but Hunt got Springwell’s noses in front again with a victory over Blake. Saints, however, finished strongly with Bissett and Blake winning their final matches and Weatherby completing his hat-trick to give them a 6 – 4 victory.

Newton seem determined to make a quick return to the top flight from Division one after being relegated last season, Anthony Ainley, John Russell and Graeme Bell  all unbeaten as they crushed Matfen 9 – 1 only losing the doubles. Clive Dewison was in good form and was unbeaten  as North Fire A gained a welcome victory over Mortimer.

In division two Ouston A had a hard fight with YMCA North Tyneside B  with Mike Lyons winning two as did Neil Rodgers. Mark Rodgers chipped in with one but with Jim Robertson unbeaten, John Fisher getting one and Fisher and Robertson and taking the doubles it ended in a draw.

In the lower division there was success for all of Matfen’s sides, the B team beat Ouston B 9 – 1 and their C team came away from NESLC Codgers with a 7 – 3 vicory in division three while their division four side were too good for Ouston C, winning 9 – 1

 

Aubrey Drapkin