NESLC Eagles visited Byker TTC knowing that they needed a good result to keep them in contention for second spot in the Northumbria League Premier Division but unfortunately were unable to field a full team. However they were still in the hunt after Jim Stamas defeated Christine Burke and Phil Prady, Richard Wilson beat Burke and the two of them combined to win the doubles to make the score 4 – 4 with two to play. Wilson then won the first two ends against Prady but the Byker player hit back to take the set. Robson then completed his hat trick by beating Stamas to give victory to Byker.

The result means that Cramlington Casuals are champions and the Reivers  runners – up.

Ouston A won the first set of their promotion battle in their home game with Birtley when Neil Rodgers was successful against Mike Bradley but the home side soon found themselves in trouble as John Rowell defeated Mike Lyons, Billy Edwards got the better of Mark Rodgers and Bradley won again against Lyons. A win in the doubles by the Rodgers father and son combination followed by victory for Neil Rodgers over Edwards levelled things up again and the remainder of the match swung one way and then the other before ending up all square at 5 – 5 with Neil Rodgers getting a hat trick. The five points were enough to ensure that Ouston will be promoted from Division Two along with Springwell B.

The top of Division Four is now settled with Brandon and Byshottles finishing their first season in the league in pole position after victory over Cramlington Lions. Max Duffin, Simon Knopf and Troy Maddison were never troubled in a 10 – 0 victory but the young Stokes twins, Alfie and Archie gave a good account of themselves on their league debuts.

 

Aubrey Drapkin