The league has drawn to a close with the Chester dominating the league and cup competitions.

In their final season in the league Chester, as in the last few seasons, set the standard for everyone to try and match with only one league defeat all season.

Everyone connected with the league would like to thank the Chester for all their efforts in raising the profile of the Church and District League and wish them all the very best in their new venture.

With Chester taking the league title the Warrior completed an excellent season by taking the runners-up spot and having the honour of being the only team to defeat Chester in the league.

Headland then finished in third spot registering their highest league finish to date.

Both Pinnacle and Office had good seasons. However, both sides have players capable of a top three finish and may feel they have missed out this season.

In midtable Blackhall, Sandersons Removals, Gillens Arms, St James and Grays all had spells during the season when they looked to be turning the corner only to lose the consistency required to climb up the table.

Park Hotel, Hourglass Stranton and Travellers Rest all found the going hard. However, they never gave up and deserve the credit for keeping going all season.

The Memorial Shield was won by Chester with Blackhall runners-up

The Arnold Swift Cup and the Millenium Shield both went to the Chester and the Headland and the Warrior the respected runners-up.

The Bob Waller Cup was won by Sandersons Removals with St James runners-up.

With the resignation of Chester from the league the race will be on for the league title when the league restarts on August 21 with several clubs feeling it could be their season.

With Hartlepool United doing so well, meaning more people wanting to go to their home games, the league has taken the step to kick off all league and cup games at 12.30pm next season to allow both players and referees the chance to follow Pool.

The remaining weeks of the month will kick off at 2pm for league games and 1.30pm for Cup games as normal.

* Any teams in Hartlepool and the surrounding areas who would like to enter a team in the league next season call Mr Alan Thompson on (01429) 265669.