The parent company of Newcastle Jesters, the ice hockey team which has been stripped of its North-East franchise, yesterday won further breathing space in its battle against High Court moves to have it wound up.

Two weeks ago, the High Court, in London, adjourned a compulsory winding up petition, which was brought against club owner Fablon Investments by former major shareholders and Finnish sporting giant Jokerit, for another 14 days.

Yesterday, Mr Registrar Simmonds granted a further 14-day adjournment after being told that negotiations were continuing.