Cramlington Casuals now have a thirteen point lead at the top of the first  division of the Northumbria Summer League after winning both matches in a double  header against Tyne Dock and Saint Chads. Barry Richardson was unbeaten against  Tyne Dock and with Duncan Wraight beating Micky Grimes and Ian Stewart and Phil  Prady getting one single and helping Richardson to win the doubles they ran out  7 – 3 victors. Graeme Bell got a couple for the losers. In their other match  against St.Chads Andrew Wilkinson got his usual three sets as well as winning  the doubles with Dale Aitkenhead who also took two singles as they gained a 6 – 4 success, Chris Blake doing best for the losing side with two singles  victories.

With Sacriston Aces already having won the second division the race is on  for second place between North Fire and Cramlington Cobras, the latter closing  the gap to three points after their 10 – 0 whiewash of Old England. Wraight,  Gareth Pearson and Arran Kent being too strong for the opposition. Barry Hill  was in form for Fire with three victories against N.E.C.A. including a win over  Ben Huang who had previously beaten Frank Lasek and Bob Atwell to help his side  to a 7 – 3 win.

The top of the table clash in the third division saw Cramlington  Corinthians edge home 6 – 4 over Sacriston Bombers. Alan Hedley and Lynsey  Storey gave them a good start with wins against Ian McPherson and Lee Maher but  the Bombers struck back quickly as Nigel Coe defeated Kit Robinson and McPherson  got the better of Storey. The doubles went the way of the Corinthians and Hedley  then put them 4 – 2 ahead before Maher pulled one back. Wins by Sorey and  Robinson then secured the victory although Hedley lost out to Maher.

Ouston B and Brandon and Byshottles are joint top of the fourth division  after Ouston beat N.E.C.A. b 8 – 2 and Brandon defeated Cramlington Jaguars 10 – 0.

Aubrey Drapkin