Cramlington Reivers and NESLC Eagles stayed on the heels of Cramlington Casuals in the Premier Division of the Northumbria League when they beat Riding Mill and Cramlington Stingers. The Reivers side of Dale Aitkenhead, Mark Christie and Gary Sangster were never troubled by the Mill and ran out 10 – 0 winners while the Eagles visited Cramlington Stingers and came away with a 7 – 3 victory, Eddie Smith winning all of his matches.

Seaburn Dene are now favourites to accompany Newton back into the top division after Chris Dixon got a hat-trick in their match against Matfen. With Rod Roberts and Ken Bowman getting two apiece and Bowman and Dixon combining to take the doubles they recorded an 8 – 2 victory.

At the other end of the division one table Byker B took a big step towards safety by defeating North Fire A 8 – 2, Mark Kimberly and Dean Eadington both unbeaten.

YMCA North Tyneside B team of John Fisher, Don Catley and Jim Robertoson narrowly defeated Newton B 6 – 4 to go into second spot in division two. Fisher and Robertson both won twice but none of the YM side were able to beat Jim Hunter.

At the other end of the table Saints are still stranded on the bottom after losing 8 – 2 at home to Birtley but Old England FATTS played a draw with Cramlington Trojans to give them hope of avoiding relegation.

Third Division Sacriston Comets moved out of the relegation places when they came away from bottom team Cramlington Dragons with a 7 – 3 success, Dan Hutchinson winning all of his matches  to take them above NESLC Codgers who lost  6 – 4 at home to Cramlington Spartans.

YMCA North Tyneside C team of Ray Pini, Gerry Meller and Ron Bain seem to have virtually guaranteed promotion from division four along with Brandon after a 6 –4 victory over their nearest rivals, Matfen D

 

Aubrey Drapkin