The race for the runners-up spot was opened out to two points after Tow Law New Market B only dropped two points to the visiting Crook Belle Vue, whilst Crook Jelly's Bar B dropped three to the visiting Crook Travellers Rest.

This leaves the runaway leaders, Crook Queen's Head A 67 points clear with the New Market B two ahead of Jelly's A, whilst Crook Travellers Rest are in fourth place a further twenty-two points adrift.

Results: Victoria Club 10 Billy Row Green 1; Billy Row Royal George 5 Tow Law Cattle Mart 6; Howden Green Tree 5 Crook Jelly's Bar A 6; Crook Queen's Head B 7 Tow Law Station 4; Tow Law Black Horse 7 Tow Law North Point 4; Crook Olde Horse Shoe 6 Willington Black Horse 5; Tow Law Dan's Castle 6 Crook Cricket Club 5; Tow Law New Market B 9 Crook Belle Vue 2; Crook Jelly's Bar B 8 Crook Travellers Rest 3.

Crook League

A big win for Market and defeat for nearest challengers Belle Vue means the title looks certain to go to Market in two weeks time. In division two Australian and Cricket Club share the lead. Cricket Club had a bye and Australian took full advantage to draw level after comprehensive victory over Fleece B.

6

Weardale Ladies

Cross Keys and Golden Lion B, the bottom two sides, beat the top two Blue Bell B and Mill Race. Elaine Swan of Pack Horse hit her second 180 of the season whilst Edith Hogarth hit a best of the season 120 finish for Cross Keys.

Results: St Johns Chapel Golden Lion B 4 Rookhope WMC 5; Eastgate Cross Keys 5 St Johns Chapel Blue Bell B 4; Rookhope A 7 St Johns Chapel Golden Lion A 2; St Johns Chapel Blue Bell A 6 Westgate Hare and Hounds 3; Stanhope Pack Horse 7 Wolsingham WMC 2; Wolsingham Black Bull 4 Stanhope Queens Head 5; Stanhope Grey Bull 7 Wolsingham Black Lion A 2; Stanhope Bonny Moor Hen 3 Blanchland Sports Club 6; Wolsingham Black Lion B 5 Wolsingham Mill Race 4.

Top scores: Elaine Swan 180 (Pack Horse); Edith Hogarth 120 finish and 135 (Pack Horse); Marian Hogarth 144 (Rookhope A); Elma Hardy 132 (Queens Head); Jen Percival 126 (Black Bull).

Thomas Kelly Team

Preliminary Round matches of this year's championship: Leadgate v Harrowgate; Southwick v Trimdon and Deaf Hill; Consett Victoria v Relton Terrace. Result to be into the Branch Office by 5 April.

Byes: Osbourne, Grange Villa, Deneside, South Moor Excelsior, Murton Ex-Service, Houghton Comrades, Ferryhill, Blaydon, Willington, Stanley Empire, New Hesledon A and B, Sunderland Ivy Leaf, Stanley Central A and B, West Auckland, Belmont, Alberta, Burnhope Ivy Leaf, Stormont Main A and B, Sacriston A and B, Byers Green, Murton Victoria, Coxhoe, Crowtrees, Sherburn Village and Horndale.

Willington League

Willington Black Horse Tavern extended their lead at the top of the table to seven points when they only dropped one point at Sunnybrow Brown Trout. Joe Davis hit a maximum for the Tavern, who now have only one match left, whilst their only rivals, Hunwick Joiners Arms have two to play.

The Joiners Arms entertained Willington Burn and had singles wins from John Mason, Dave Alderson and Paul Reidy whilst Sean Pardew, Malcolm Campbell and Colin Davison replied. The home side took the first two doubles through Stuart Gill with Paul Reidy and Dave Alderson with John Mason but the Burn fought back to take the final doubles through Tony Longhorn and Colin Davison. The Joiners kept their title hopes alive by taking the team game.

Results: Victoria Club 8 Hunwick Quarry 3; Willington Brewer's Droop14 Willington Cottles 10; Willington Club 6 Willington Black Horse Inn 5; Willington Lion and Unicorn 6 Willington Commercial 5; Hunwick Joiners Arms 7 Willington Burn 4; Sunnybrow Brown Trout 1 Willington Black Horse Tavern 10.