DEFENDING titleholders Mayfield West were pushed to the limit before overcoming Alder Park 59-58 in the opening round of the Newcastle district No.1 grade three-threes last Wednesday.
Mayfield West coach and co-ordinator Mick Brown and his trio of Murray Pearson and John Harvey were the heroes, beating Bob Wallace, David Evans and Gavin Kelly 23-16.
The Stallions won on the other two rinks with Mick Kiley edging out Wayne Hughson 20-19 and Martin Ball beating Greg Jordan 22-17.
Mayfield West are at home this afternoon to Boolaroo who must win to survive after going down 70-53 against Swansea last week.
Valentine survived a major scare before beating Cardiff 64-63.
Valentine host Stockton fresh from their first-round bye this afternoon.
Water Board, who upset Wallsend 64-59, travel to Kotara this afternoon. Kotara beat Belmont 66-49.
Raymond Terrace and Windale Gateshead were easy winners last week and they meet at Raymond Terrace.
In other matches between first-round winners, Warners Bay are at home to Cardiff and Swansea host Toronto Workers.
The chances of Raymond Terrace No.1 winning their third straight No.2 grade title received a major setback when they were beaten 58-52 by Lambton.
They meet Wallsend No.1, who lost 57-46 against Swansea Workers No.2, at Wallsend this afternoon.
Karuah RSL No.1 overwhelmed Raymond Terrace No.3 104-44 and head to Charlestown this afternoon.
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