Griffins not in action but still top

JUNIOR BASKETBALL

THE lead is unchanged at the top of the Under-18 Division of the Newcastle Eagles’ Community Foundation’s Central Venue League.

Newcastle East Griffins’ 6-1 record keeps them in top spot even though they have not had a game in recent weeks.

Kenton Force saw off a dogged Westgate Hoopstars Black 36-31 and then were a little more comfortable against Walbottle, Wizards - winning 43-34.

Black did bounce back in fine style, seeing off Morpeth Magic 70-16.

North Shields Jets defeated Westgate Hoopstars White 34-31.

■■KENTON Force stretched their unbeaten record to eight straight wins in the Under-16 Division.

They first defeated Newcastle East Griffins 22-13 before showing their power with a 69-14 demolition of Morpeth Magic.

Cramlington Vikings are their closest challengers and two solid wins enabled them to move to a 7-1 record.

They overcame North Shields Thunder 35-23 before holding off South Tyneside 22-15.

North Shields Thunder hit back well in their next game, defeating Newcastle East Griffins 27-19.

Ryton Rockets are on a good run and picked up two victories impressing against Morpeth Magic (36-11) and Birtley Phoenix (29-15).

The Phoenix also lost to Westgate Hoopstars 53-16.

■■NORTH Shields moved to a highly impressive 9-0 record with three fine wins in the Under-14 Division.

Their victims were Walbottle Wizards (34-9), Gosforth Goliaths (39-11) and Cardinal Hornets (33-7).

Kenton Force kept their challenge going and moved to 8-1 for the season after picking up two victories - 34-15 over Tyne Met Tigers and 21-11 against Cardinal Hornets.

For the Hornets it meant three losses in a two-week period as they were also defeated by Newcastle East Griffins 23-3.

Griffins had less luck in their other game, going down to Westgate Hoopstars 26-19.

That meant Hoopstars enjoyed a brace of successes as they had previously defeated Gosforth Goliaths 46-18.

Kingsmeadow Royals saw off South Tyneside 31-16 and Tyne Met Tigers 30-17.