Birtley A team is Stung by loss.

DESPITE a hat-trick of singles by Eddie Smith, last season's Northumbria Winter Table Tennis League Premier Division runners-up Birtley A were surprisingly beaten 6-4 at home to Cramlington Stingers.

David Graham and Calum Main (two each and the doubles) enjoyed most success for the winners.

Three from Mike Boyce and two each from John Dyson and top junior Ryan Richardson assured Cramlington Casuals of a 7-3 win in Division One over a depleted Blaydon B side.

In Division Two, Peter van Dijk and Christine Burke were both unbeaten for Byker B in their 7-3 victory over newly-promoted Saints.

Another promoted side, Dunston CC, held NESLC to a 5-5 draw in Division Three, mainly due to Archie Fletcher (two and the doubles).

Pauline Long was undefeated for the hosts.

The Ouston C team of Mark Rodgers (3), Aaron Reed and Tom Turnbull (2 each) were 7-3 winners in Division Four at Cramlington Swifts.

The Swifts could only manage two from Thomas Beckwith and the doubles.

THE Newcastle Grand Prix will be staged at the city's Eldon Leisure on October 24 and 25.

DON'T miss a picture special on the Cramlington Two-Star junior competition in Grassroots Sport next Wednesday night.

CAPTION(S):

THREE WINS: Birtley's Eddie Smith