The final promotion issues in the Northumbria League have been settled with Sacriston Bombers winning division three and Matfen B in second place. The last match of the season decided who went up from division four when Brandon and Byshottles entertained Ouston B. Simon Knopf got the home team off to a good start by defeating Jeff McKenna but the visitors soon took control and ran out 7 – 3 winners with Jamie Dent, McKenna and Mark Rodgers all getting two singles and Dent and McKenna taking the doubles. The result put them level on points with NESLC  and the home side narrowly missed out. NESLC took top spot based on the results of their matches with Ouston.

Two of Northumberland’s veteran players did well at the North East Veterans Tournament in Seaburn with Dave Robson reaching the final of the over fifties and Geoff Salter doing likewise in the over sixties.

After winning his group Robson accounted for Andy Frain of Staffordshire, Lancashire’s  Phil Bowen and Ivan Lewis of Yorkshire before overcoming John Paine of Middlesex in an extremely close semi which he won 11 – 6 in the deciding game.  The final saw him up against Keith Williams of Lancashire  but he had to be content with being runner up, losing out 9 –11  14 –16  7 – 11

Salter beat Rod Roberts, Pat Glynn and Phil Cawser to progress to the semis where he met Durham’s John Williamson in what turned out to be a very close and entertaining match. Williamson took the first end, Salter levelled before Williamson went in front again. Salter then narrowly won the fourth end 12-10 and progressed to the final by taking the decider but despite winning one game he lost out to Bowen.

Pauline Long took runners up spot in the Womens Over Sixties plate event, narrowly losing out to Carol Judson 11 – 13 in the fifth game.

 

Aubrey Drapkin