Kill-er blow as champs lose opener

REIGNING Northern Alliance League Premier Division champions Killingworth suffered a shock start to the new season, losing 3-1 at home to Gateshead Rutherford.

Benevolent Bowl winners Wallington fell to a 3-1 defeat at newly-promoted Newcastle Independent while Winlaton Community were felled 4-0 at another promoted side Cramlington United.

Josh Laverick bagged an hat-trick to put Cramlington top of the pile, while Harvey Walsh netted twice as Independent started off with a big win.

Lee Waugh fired a four-goal salvo as Burradon and New Fordley prevailed 5-2 at home AFC Newbiggin.

There were narrow, home wins, for Haltwhistle Jubilee (2-1 over Seaton Delaval), Newcastle Blue Star (2-0 against visiting Percy Main Amateurs) and Newcastle Chemifca (1-0 against Whitley

Bay Reserves).

The remaining game in the top division finished in a 2-2 draw as hosts Alwnick Town and visitors Ponteland United shared the spoils.

Luke Molloy and Benjamin Bradburn netted for the hosts, James Walker and Joe Rowan replying.

■■BEDLINGTON began the Reeves Independent First Division season in style, hitting visitors FC United of Newcastle for ten without reply.

Joseph Thompson fired a late hat-trick, Tommy Wilkinson adding a brace.

Hebburn Town Under-23s and Willington Quay Saints both started with 2-0 home victories.

Town saw off Wallsend Boys Club with goals from Dominic Solman and Robbie Gateshill.

The Saints overcame Stobswood Welfare thanks to Mackenzie Sharpe’s early double.

Newcastle East End, Newcastle Blue Star Reserves, Rothbury and Whitburn also collected three points on the opening day. ■■NEWCASTLE Independent Cabrito and Blyth Town Under-23s both kicked off with victories in Team Valley Carpets Division Two.

Cabrito won 4-0 at Seaton Sluice, and Blyth saw off visitors Newcastle Chemfica Amateurs 3-0, Josh Elsander with a brace.

Newcastle University A enjoyed a 4-3 success over Whitley Bay Sporting Club.