DURHAM County suffered a shock Liberty Trophy defeat at the hands of neighbours Northumberland.

And the margin of defeat could hardly have been more emphatic at Thornaby - 130-105 - as Durham's hopes of a seventh success in the national Inter-County competition crashed.

Northumberland had five winning rinks, with Durham's lone success being recorded by Marc Squirrell, Ian Lambert, David Bolt and England skip Gary Smith.

The result was a bitter disappointment for a county with six previous triumphs in the event, four more than any other county, and they were hoping to add the trophy to the outdoor Middleton Cup, captured for the first time this summer.

But it was not to be, though everyone south of the Tyne expected a home victory against opponents who have never won the Liberty Trophy and were certainly not regarded with such high esteem in the indoor game as their opponents.

l The guest of honour at the Durham County (EBA) annual dinner was national President John Austin, of Oxfordshire, who presented the Middleton Cup to proud Durham President Charles McCain.

Presentations were made to county champions - Four Bowl Singles: John Leeman (White-le-Head); Pairs: Tony Bousefield, Andrew Kirtland (Darlington); Triples: John Atkinson, Davie Webb, Bryn Jones (Clavering); Fours: Bryn Harris, Dave Metcalf, Chris Palmer, John leeman (White-le-Head); Two Bowl Singles: Barry Poulter (Usworth); Junior Singles: David Bolt (Silksworth).

Mr McCain then presented Durham stalwart Cliff Simpson with a silver salver, engraved with his many achievements during his 25 years' service to the county. Cliff, from the Hartlepool Owton Lodge Club and county captain, has retired from the county scene.

l The All-England Inter Club Canada Life Denny Cup resumed today. Draw: Stanley v Newcastle; Hartlepool v Cumbria; Tynedale v Concordia; Gateshead v Sunderland; Blackpool Borough v Darlington; Blackpool Newton Hall v Great Aycliffe; Metrodome (Barnsley) v Saltburn; Thornaby v Scarborough