Yorkshire league commitments coupled with torrential rain and lightning played havoc with the league fixtures, leaving only one match out of nine played on the scheduled night.

The only course, not affected by flooding or in the interests of player safety to the point of postponement was Wilton as they played host to third division leader's, Wynyard. After last week's defeat, Wilton needed a good result to avoid losing touch with the three, clubs above them, the home players finished the night probably wet, but with the knowledge of a job well done. James Whatmore in his second league match of the season gave Wilton the hoped for start with a win over Tom Robinson in the number one game, it was a win that was followed in similar fashion by Richard Daley, Andrew Parks and Nell Hutchinson in Wilton's scratch section to earn the side eight points, The Wynyard players took four of 12 scratch points on offer with wins from Nick Mounter, returning after a week's absence and Luke Calvert. Wilton's handicap players proved even more dominant than their scratch team-mates, although the number one game went to Wynyard through Ritchie Gray, the other five games went to the Wilton players, Brian Christie, Barry Matthews, Paul Hutchinson, Rob Martin and Paul Mackell, Paul returning to winning ways and making his record this year to date into five wins out of six. With the handicap points ending 10 - 2 to Wilton. The overall result was 18 - 6 to the home side, a score-line sufficient to return Wilton to second place closing the club to within 13 points of Wynyard.

Bishop Auckland managed to rearrange their first division home match with Saltburn for the following night, when although with heavy rain still In the area, the course stayed dry enough to finish the fixture.

The quick rearrangement possibly contributed to the absence of some regular players and the baptism for others.

Moving up to number one in the absence of Jamie Birkbeck, Graham Milne went down to Dale Smith, another player with five wins under his belt, but that proved to be Saltburn's only scratch section win as David Whales, Nigel Dodd, Philip Graham and John Peart all earned two points for the home side.

The sixth game between Daniel Simpson and Darren Nalton was the league's only halved game in a curtailed week, meaning the Bishop Auckland scratch players finished with nine points to Saltburn's three.

The two clubs handicap sections were marginally closer, the Bishop Auckland players recording four wins from I graham, P Sawyers, W Bolton and A Ellison to Saltburn's two from A Malone and Colin Gray for an 8-4 points margin and a 17-7 match victory. The points eased Saltburn over Cleveland into first place by a single point and moved Bishop Auckland, after a stuttering start to the season up to third place, only three points behind Saltburn in a division which is so close that although halfway through the season, even a bookmaker would find it difficult to give odds on the championship or relegation.

Teesside Golf Club

Weekend results: Saturday 26th June Swan Medal 8: 1st : J. Dixon 78 -11 - 67; 2nd : I. Blakmore 85 -16 - 69 (back 9); 3rd A. Robson 83 -14 - 69.

Sunday 27th June: Northern Trophies 4BBB stableford: 1st E. Beevers & J. Wright 43 points; 2nd D. Rayner & P. Mannion 42 points (back 9).

Bedale GC

Matt Cook Trophy

A competition for the higher handicap golfers attracted a good entry with the surprising situation that only one player, Sam Bratley, managed a two in the Two club and collected 20 balls for his achievement and finished the competition as the runner up.

Leading scores: Ian Kirbitson (16), 70 Sam bratley (21), John Clarkson (23) also heath Jones (16). Card countback required.

Mail on Sunday

Bedale's team played an away match in this round of the competition and wins by Mike Hewson and Kevin Ward by margins of 5 and 4 and 2 and 1 respectively together with a half by Neil Brown ensured Bedale's progress into the last 64 clubs and a next round match against the holders Bishop Auckland.

Yorkshire Union Fourth Division Championship

A 36-hole competition reduced to 18 holes following heavy rain which flooded the Bingley St Ives course and cause a 90 minute suspension of play. Bedale with a score of 69 by Kevin Ward, 73 Steven Whitwham and 77 by Roger Parry and John Webster giving a total of 289 ensured Bedale's promotion into the third division to be played sat Scarborough North Cliff on July 21.

Rabbits Armstrong Millennium Cup

Two days of golf at Linden hall for a large party of Rabbit golfers witnessed a score of 78 points over two rounds by Kevin McCourt winning the trophy. Day one winners 36 points Phil Walker and Howard Dawson. Day two winners 41 points Dave Hennessey 39 points John Wilde.

A sum of £179 was raised for the Captain's charity The Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Seniors Stableford

Close scoring this week 37 points Dennis Powers (20) and Norman Routh (20), 36 Tony Leach (28) and Harry Young (22). Card countback required.