As things stand in the Northumbria Table Tennis League’s Premier division, Cramlington Casuals are top with 132 points and a game in hand over second place NESLC Eagles who have amassed 123 sets. For a short period of time the Eagles were top and, controversially, the Casuals then decided to use the January transfer window to sign-on “super sub” veteran David Robson. Robson has only played 6 matches since signing on but has won them all, only losing ends to Riding Mill’s Geoff Salter.

Kevin Wilson showed his quality again this week as he beat St Chads’ Keith Weatherby, Jimmy Scope and David Bissett. Unfortunately the other Cramlington Stingers players couldn’t assist him as they lost 5-4, only Rob Reed able to chip in with a win over Bissett. It was a similar story for Mitford A as Dale Aitkenhead returned from injury to earn a hat-trick against Mount A’s Phil Prady, Anthony Ainley and Rod Roberts. Despite this, plus Wraight adding a solitary victory, the home team lost 6-4. NESLC Eagles and NECA A had easier runs out as the Eagles beat Riding Mill A 8-2 and NECA beat bottom place Byker A 10-0. Jim Stamas took Player of the Match for the Eagles as he was the only player to beat Riding Mill’s Geoff Salter. Richard Wilson and Paul Baines both chipped in with 2 wins each though as the Mill’s Peter Stempczyk and John Williamson were unable to pick up a win. 

In Division 1, Rob Lawson had a stormer for Newton B as he beat all three Cramlington Reivers players Alistair Colin, Paul Jamieson and Alex Hinchliffe. The Reivers seemed to be in control throughout the game and eventually won 7-3 overall but Lawson proved to be a real thorn in the home team’s side. Andrew Firth, who has returned to table tennis this calendar year after a break, was once again in action this week for Riding Mill B when they beat Mitford B 7-3. Mitford were only able to turn out 2 players but put up a reasonable performance regardless. Mick Bull beat Shirley Gelder and was unlucky to lose 11-9 in the deciding end to Firth, Bob Atwell beat Maurice Cheek and the pair combined to win the doubles. Division leaders Newton A were too good for Mount C as they won 8-2. Graeme Bell won his three matches to seal the Player of the Match award, teammates Craig Fryer and John Russell both losing one game apiece – to David Bannon and Mohinder Rawat respectively.