SURPRISES were absent from the opening round of the Canada Life Denny Cup National Inter-Club Championship, when all of the region's fancied clubs made progress.

But the powerful Stanley club had some anxious moments before overcoming the three-rink Hebburn Community Club by only one shot, while South Shields were disappointed to lose to Tynedale.

Cumbria, the holders of the trophy, gained a runaway 137-26 victory over Durham, and will now meet a much stronger challenge from previous winners Hartlepool, 118-49 victors over Dalston.

Darlington made light of a potentially difficult task when they beat Huddersfield 96-52, while Sunderland were comfortable 106-47 winners over Ferryhill.

Gateshead also made progress, but it was a close call in the 75-73 win over The Parks from North Shields.

Other results from the North-East area were: Newcastle Eldon Square 100, Spennymoor 53; Concordia 94, Houghton 58; Great Aycliffe 83, Old Mill Leisure (Lancs) 65; Metrodome (Barnsley) 86, Shildon 83; Saltburn 80, Blackburn 70; Thornaby 75, Selby 59; Scarborough 86, Redcar 62.

l The Domnick Hunter Durham County quest for a seventh Liberty Trophy Inter County success begins at the Thornaby Indoor Club today (2pm) when Northumberland provide the opposition.

The neighbours have contrasting records in major competitions.

While Durham have gained their first success in the outdoor Middleton Cup this year, North have appeared in ten finals, winning six.

On the indoor scene Durham have lost only once in seven final appearances, while today's opponents have yet to reach the final hurdle.

Durham have introduced a younger element at the front end for their opening match.

The team is: Ian Jackson, Tony Bousefield, John Wells, Andrew Kirtland (skip); Ken Tinkler, Brian Storr, Alan Theobold, John leeman (s); Steve Cairns, Paul Smithson, Bill Delaney, Chris Palmer (s); Marc Squirrell, Ian Lambert, David Bolt, Gary Smith (s); Pat Thompson, Fred Adams, Bob Dykes, Jim Lambert (s); Brian Arkley, Eddie Henry, Jim Humphrey, John Thurlbeck (s).

l The English Bowling Association's "Top Hundred", based on performances over the past five years, has Stanley's John Leeman at number three, club colleague Chris Palmer is 14th and Ian Peacock, also of the North West Durham club, is 44th.

l Durham bowlers were in international action in the Mixed Test Match when England went to Jersey for a series consisting of singles, pairs, triples and fours.

Anne Knott, of South Shields, and Sunderland's rising young bowler David Bolt.

They both won their triples matches, were rink-mates in a fours success and, importantly for self-esteem, were winners in their singles events in a tournament which England won 38-12