Last Saturday the wintry weather completely wiped out the Over-40s Cup and League programme, every game bring postponed and with only 13 Saturdays remaining mid-week matches are now a certainty in order to complete all the fixtures, a factor which always causes problems for the clubs concerned on account of their players' work commitments.
In the Premier Steels SC look certain champions and it is a question of who will be runners-up. There are three candidates, Ferryhill Greyhound, Marden and Holywell Fat Ox, the last named having an outstanding chance but only if they win the majority of their remaining games.
Relegation is still not settled, Usworth appear doomed, Norton Stockton and the Lord Seaham have it all to do and as three teams go down, Owton Manor, Blackhall and even Penshaw could be included if the manor and Darlington Croft were to win all their games. It is always a question of who drops vital points.
Division One sees two sides almost assured of promotion, Consett and Wardley Green (one of these will be champions), Grindon Broadway are in third spot ??? two clubs hoping they drop vital points. As for relegation only one club will be relegated as two clubs, Masons Arms and Wallsend RAOB resigned during the season. Sunderland Catholic Club trail, but it all depends on how many points they get from their last four matches, then it could involve Hartlepool CC or Wallsend Rising Sun.
In Division Two it is any three from seven clubs, Red House and Wynyard Vets have games in hand (but they have to be won). Spring Gardens are the leaders and look good, but with eight or more games still to be played all could change depending on the results. Relegation could concern six teams even the bottom side can easily escape with a winning run as was done last season.
Division three is very interesting, it is a situation which changes week to week., Boldon Black Bull, British Telecom and Hedworthfield Deneside have a great chances but Crook Town are cock-a-hoop being on a winning run , West Cornforth and Houghton Swifts and Taylors are also dangerous. Relegation is any three from four who are all seven points or more adrift. The Toll Bar, Regency Windows, Hartlepool RNC and the already doomed Dagmar are the candidates.
Division Four is a question of who will be champions, Thornley Celtic or Peterlee, both of whom look assured of promotion. Who will be in third spot. Pennywell, Darsley Park or Steels or even Grindon Vets all are possibilities.
As for Cups the semi-final of the Ville Real sees Holywell Fat Ox v Steels SC and Hed Deneside v Killingworth who will contest the final on Easter Monday?
The other Cups are very much undecided, it's only the third round of the Kenny Ball and the quarter final stages of the five Divisional Cups so it is pointless forecasting.
Perhaps Steels will win a treble or a double or even only the championship, there are always clubs waiting to stop them.
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