Wilton 1sts welcomed last years title contenders, Northumbria St Georges to Teesside hoping to improve on last year's 4-1 defeat.

Wilton opened brightly, speedy attackers Scott Morton and Peter Morris both going close in the first five minutes. The visitors however took full control of the game, displaying some impressive possession play, and despite the excellent efforts of Wilton's defence, marshalled by man of the match Danny Morgan it was a matter of time before the students converted. Morton had a great chance to equalise before the break but shot wide after rounding the keeper. Wilton reverted to a more direct style of play, adopting the 'long ball' tactics to good effect but their efforts were in vain as they were caught out by a Northumbria 'wonder goal' when their forward found the top corner with a tricky reverse stick blasted shot.

Wilton's tactical change did eventually pay off though, as they forced themselves back into the game for an excellent 15 minute spell. Morgan cracked home a penalty corner quickly followed up by Peter Morris who was on hand to convert a rebounded shot to put the teams level, Wilton continued the pressure and had a further 3 chances to take the lead, but this gave Northumbria a wake up call, but despite domination of the final 10 minutes they were unable to take all three points, Wilton captain Peter Elgey will be happy at taking the point.

Wilton's 2nds travelled to local rivals Marton Furness for what was to be a topsy-turvy game. Both teams started shakily with chances at either end early on but it was Furness who took first blood. Wilton rallied and dealt with the Furness pressure hitting them on the break to force a string of chances, young Alex Harrison, forcing a foul from the hapless Marton defender to win a penalty corner converted with accuracy and power by Bob Leason. Wilton continued to pile on the pressure and kept Marton, who were beginning to show signs of frustration, on the back foot. Wilton then took the lead through Johnny Couhig after some excellent midfield link up play with man of the match Glen Cutler and veteran front man Andy Hibberd who is currently enjoying a good run at this level. This spurred Marton to attack and they themselves forced a penalty corner just before the break, which was hammered home leaving sweeper Mark Nevison with little chance of stopping the ball on the line despite his courageous effort. In the second half Marton were caught sleeping after some good early pressure, a scramble in the circle turned good for Wilton when Cutler freed the ball from the mle and somehow forced the ball over the line. Wilton then defended superbly as Marton came forward strongly looking to level the game, a fine string of athletic saves from keeper Shaun Wallace and some solid defending by team captain Nevison and his central defensive partner Alan Larder kept Marton's forward's chances to a minimum. Full back Bob Shaw saw out the final 10 minutes of the game carrying a rib injury that will keep him out for 2 weeks. The game finished 3-2 leaving Wilton in a promising position at top of the league.

Wilton's 3rds faced a tough test away to NESSA John Spence, the home team started brightly forging an early 2-0 lead, Wilton's young side showed character with newcomers Michael Broadway and Andy Gray working well with Wilton's trio of youngsters Barclay, Roberts and Pallister all putting in impressive displays. It was veteran Mark Hinson though who forced one back to bring Wilton back into the game. In the second period Wilton's youngsters found it tough and seemed to lose concentration as Captain Tony Clarke tried to rotate his team giving everybody a fair crack of the whip, and despite the efforts of men of the match Graham Parnaby and Andy Gray, conceded two more leaving NESSA with what was a flattering 4-1 win.