NESLC Eagles team of Jim Stamas, Richard Wilson and Rob Reed swept aside bottom club Riding Mill A to keep them in the hunt to stop Cramlington TTC from taking the two top spots in the Premier Division of the Northumbria League. The Casuals are virtually assured of the title and the Reivers defeated Springwell 7 – 3 in their final match thanks mainly to a hat trick by Geoff Salter leaving them 15 points ahead of the Eagles but the latter have two matches still to play.
In division two Mortimer’s hopes of promotion received a blow when they were held to a draw at home by Old England Jacks. Dave Cutler won all three of his matches with Dave Bannon and Dick Karczewski getting one each but Lynne Herrington and Alan Atkinson got two each and also combined to take the doubles for the visitors.
Unbeaten performances by Karen Henry and Barry Hill against Riding Mill B kept North Fire B in the picture but they must now rely on Seaburn Dene slipping up in their last two games.
Division three Springwell B made sure of the title with an 8 – 2 away success against YMCA N.Tyneside B as Caron Guthrie and Mike Hope won all of the sets and Ouston A team of Mike Lyons, Jamie Dent and Mark Rodgers took advantage of the YM’s defeat by winning away to bottom club Saints but they were made to fight all the way before recording a 6 – 4 victory and are now favourites to accompany Springwell into division one.
Matfen B now only need one point from their derby match with Whitley Chapel to win the third division.
With the Winter season drawing to a close entries are now being accepted for the Summer League and any interested clubs should contact Aubrey Drapkin (Tel: 0191 2514983)
Aubrey Drapkin
