N.E.S.L.C. Eagles suffered a set back to their title hopes when they lost at home in the Premier Division of the Northumbria League to Byker. Rob Reed got the visitors off to a good start by beating Jim Stamas and Dave Robson then accounted for Richard Wilson. Paul Baines got one for the home side by defeating Christine Burke but Reed was successful again against Wilson and then combined with Robson to beat Stamas and Baines in the doubles to give Byker a 4 – 1 lead at the halfway stage. Although the home side fought back with all three of them winning once, Robson completed a hat trick to win the match 6 – 4 for Byker.

Unbeaten performances by Joe Muldowney and Lynne Herrington along with two singles victories by Alan Atkinson saw Old England Jacks defeat Division one leaders North Fire 8 – 2 while Byker B moved into contention for promotion with a 7 – 3 defeat of Matfen A with Steve Dickinson winning all of his matches.

Sacriston Aces now have a huge  lead at the top of the  division two after Duncan Fraser, Ian McAllister and Max Duffin easily beat Cramlington Cobras 10 – 00. Old England Crocks moved up to second by defeating Cramlinton Trojans with hat tricks by Ken Clark and Colin Robson.

Barry Matthews was in fine form in division three when second placed Old England FATTS visited third placed Saints to help his side to a 7 – 3 victory and go top of the table although Ouston B have a game in hand and should regain top spot when they visit Whitley Chapel.

Cramlington Spartans managed a draw at Brandon Anacondas with three sets from Sam Nair and two from Adrian Barnes to keep them just above the relegation places.

 

Aubrey Drapkin