Young Israel is doing Sho well for the Ravens

LAST year’s Northumbria Winter League Division Four winners Cramlington Ravens have made to a flying start in Division Three this season, winning their first match 6-4 against club rivals Jaguars who were promoted with them.

The man of the match was Israel Shodeinde, who won all three of his games against Joe Hastings, Jamie Hall and John Murrells as well as combining with Jack Cairns to take the doubles.

Cairns also claimed two hardfought five-enders to complete the 6-4 victory.

The Ravens then took on another of their club rivals the Spartans and drew against on paper a much stronger side.

The fast improving Shoideinde again took the man of the match award by winning all three of his singles and the doubles again with Cairns, who secured the other set for the draw.

In Division Four another Cramlington team has started the campaign well.

The Knights have won both of their opening matches 9-1 and both Mathew Mastaglio and Patrick Easton are undefeated with their other player John Hogg losing only once - a dropped doubles set accounting for the other.

However, the Newton C team, who may be challengers, have only played the one match so far prevailing 10-0 against Cramlington Magpies and having a bye last week.

The team of Julian Manuel, John Morgan and Raymond Lazareto secured the win comfortably - only dropping one end in the match.