Sunderland Thirds picked up their first win of the season, but remain rooted to the bottom of the Division Four table, after a 3-2 victory over Hexham Seconds.

Hexham boasted a full strength side, while Sunderland named their strongest team of the season so far, only missing Simon Heath to a shoulder injury.

It was first blood to Hexham as Keith Roberts struggled to get to grips with conditions, falling to a 3-0 defeat to Jon Stewart. Stewart’s short game impressed, he was lethal on anything half court.

Aliasdair Campbell has been Ashbrooke’s form man this season, and he levelled the scores, taking the fourth string battle with Julian Stewart 3-2.

Matthew Edmunson played is first game for the Wearsiders this season, returning from a back injury, but struggled to discover his best form, beaten comfortably 3-0 by Damon Watts.

A brutal second string game then followed, Sunderland’s Ben Sims sneaking past Joe Anderson 3-2. The Hexham youngster impressed, and there were some lengthy rallies, but he tired as the match reached its fourth and fifth games.

Martin Baxter then sealed the Mackems first win of an injury hit season, putting in a composed performance to beat Guy Jepson 3-0.

Sunderland next face a tough challenge as they welcome top of the table Westoe Thirds on Wednesday, while Hexham visit Chester-le-Street Thirds on Monday.