Tight at the top as trio battle it out

THERE is a three-way tie at the top of Division A of the Future Energy Eagles Community Foundation Central Venue League’s Under-14 League.

Kenton Force, Kingsmeadow Royals and Westgate Hoopstars are all on a 2-1 record - although Force’s 24-14 win over The Royals could prove significant.

Force also saw off South Tyneside in a tough encounter 25-20 to give them their two victories.

The Royals’ second win and the Hoopstars’ lone defeat came when they matched up against each other - the Royals on the right side of the 19-15 result.

Hoopstars had previously beaten Ryton Rockets Reds 35-10 10 to seal their second success.

Ryton showed a lot of character coming back from that loss, edging out Newcastle East Griffins 21-18.

Division B still has two unbeaten sides.

North Shields’ two fine victories - 42-9 over Gosforth Goliath Boys and 33-18 against Birtley Phoenix - took them to 3-0.

Gosforth Goliath Girls are a game behind on 2-0 after they claimed victories over Morpeth Raptors (32-16) and Cardinal Hornets (18-10).

Hornets fought off a gritty Birtley Phoenix side 16-14. ■■SOUTH Tyneside lead the way in Division A of the Under-12 League.

They are on 3-0 after defeating Kingsmeadow Royals 29 -15 and picking up a 20-0 verdict against Birtley Phoenix.

The Royals also slipped to an 18-12 defeat to Kenton Force while North Shields Hurricanes saw off Newcastle East Griffins 20-17.

Division B also has a 3-0 record leader after Tyne Met Tigers registered a 20-0 success over Ryton Rockets.

The Rockets had previously defeated Cardinal Hornets 25-11, the Hornets bouncing back well to see off the Gosforth Goliaths 22-12. ■■MORE junior basketball in tomorrow night’s Grassroots Sport.