Wynyard Vets are runners-up and also promoted are third place Billingham Town.

In division four Oddies are champions and newcomers Houghton Swifts runners-up. Hedworthfield Deneside in third place are also promoted, quite an achievement for both clubs in their first season in the Over 40s League.

Some clubs also deserve a mention, the tow Darlington clubs, Darlington Railway, who have improved no end in division three and look for for promotion next season and Darlington Croft who overcame a diastrous early start in division one to finish in a blaze of glory to gain promotion to the premier.

Billingham CGS are always good, they have a great side but somehow failed to deliver, but look an excellent prospect for the future.

Newton Aycliffe began well but failed in the run in. Consett fell apart in mid season and regained their form too late and just missed out.

Hartlepool RNC have fought magnificently against relegation, unbeaten since March 15, they are now fourth from bottom, but must win their last match against third bottom Darsley Park to stay in division three.

In division four Crook Town almost achieved promotion only failing in the last part of the season, they should do well next year.

There are in the Over 40s league teams which just enjoying playing and keeping fit. These veterans to whom a draw or a win is a bonus are in the lower places in division four and are the mainstay of the Over 40s and we wish them well for the future. Long may they keep playing.

Over 40s football is almost completed, the Billy Lorraine and the Kenny Ball Cup finals are to take place on May 24 and 31 respectively and who is third to be relegated from the premier and division three has yet to be decided. The premier champions are Steels Social Club, very successful in the league but a disappointment in the cups have failed to reach the finals. Killingworth have done well being runners-up in the premier and winners of the Robson Pattison cup. Owton Manor from Hartlepool have had an excellent season, Villa Real Cup winners, beaten finalists in the Robson Pattison Cup and finalists in the Kenny Ball Cup, a fine treble.

In division one Blackhall Hardwick are champions having never lost a league match and have achieved promotion in one season after being relegated last year. They failed to win the Alan Spedding Cup losing 1-2 to Wardley Green in the final, but all the same, achieved a treble. Champions, promoted and beaten finalists Marden also had a double, runners-up in division one and beaten Villa Real cup finalists, they also regained their premier status in just one year.

Division two saw Hartlepool clubs winning the first two places, the Touchdown Hotel being the champions and Hartlepool Catholic Club in runners-up spot. Glaxo are also promoted as they finished third.

In division three champions are Hylton Castle who also won the Echo Cup defeating Marsden Inn 2-0 in the final.