>>This is exactly what I gave you in one of my messages as well.
>>
>>Re: Functions in a select Thread #1341594 Message #1341631
>
>Almost but not quite. Cetin's works, your doesn't. Note the difference in the last ON clause.
>
>Thanks for your help anyway. I still learned something from the discussion.

I see no difference except for CAST as Integer. That may be a good point, actually.

cast(val(substr(sponsor_id,5,2)) as int)