The only remaining Premier Division teams in the Northumbria League Handicap Cup were in opposition when Byker entertained Riding Mill in the third round. Rob Scott put the visitors ahead when he defeated John Donnelly but the home side soon got into their stride with victories by Dave Robson and Christine Burke over Andrew Firth and Mark O’Connor. Robson then beat Scott who had an eleven point start, Donnelly had a five point advantage over Scott and edged home 22 – 20 in the third game, and Burke beat Firth to put Byker into the quarter finals where they will visit third division Cramlington Spartans.

The Spartans beat North East Chinese Association B with Chris O’Connor and Adrian Barnes taking good advantage of their handicaps to win all of their matches against Chun Yin Yu, Terry Kwong and Xiao Huang.

Third Division Matfen C appeared to be on their way out at Old England FATTS when Nigel Tree and Mark Perrin narrowly lost out to Barry Matthews and Steve Martin and Keith Hodges losing to Nigel Coe. But Tree then put them back in the picture and they went on to make a tremendous comeback and win 6 – 3 and will now meet YMCA N.Tyneside C or Whitley Chapel.

Chas Robertson was in form for Newton B in a hard fought match with the Ouston B team of Jamie Dent, Tom Fowle and Jeff McKenna winning all of his matches and was backed up by Rob Lawson who got two in a narrow 5 – 4 success. 

Cramlington Corinthians had Alex Creighton to thank as he was unbeaten in their derby match with the Swifts which they won 5 – 3, Mike Dunn and Steve Ralph getting the other two and they will now visit Newton B.

Ouston A who had a walkover against Newton A will now entertain Saints who won 5 – 4 at Brandon.

 

Aubrey Drapkin