Tow Law Area League

With just one match remaining in the league programme, Esh Stag's Head have established a four points lead at the top of the table and look likely to repeat last season's Championship victory. The Stag's travelled to Sunniside Moss Inn and took the first point through David Platt but then slipped behind when Billy McClay and Lee Cullinan won for the home side. The visitors recovered to take the remaining singles through Alan Maughan, Peter Mickle and Mally Walker.

Frank Jopling and Billy McClay took the first doubles for the Moss, but the Stag's completed a good win by taking the last two doubles. This victory moved them four points clear of Newhouse Club, who are four ahead of Tow Law New Market A.

The leading teams all won in the Captain's Table leaving Newhouse Club one point ahead of Tow Law Rose and Crown and Tow Law New Market B. This ensures Newhouse of at least a share of the winners spot even if they lose their final match.

Results: Tow Law Station 5 Tow Law New Market B 4; Cornsay Royal Oak 4 Stanley Earl Derby 5; Tow Law New Market B 4 Sunniside Comedian 5; Tow Law Dan's Castle 3 Tow Law Cattle Mart 6; Newhouse Club 3 Hamilton Row Black Horse 6; Esh McKennas 4 Tow Law Rose and Crown 5; Sunniside Moss Inn 3 Esh Stag's Head 6.

Willington League

Willington Black Horse Tavern held on to their top spot in the table but they were stretched at home before beating Willington Club by the odd point. Willington Black Horse Inn were more successful on their visit to Willington Cottles, where they only dropped one point and cut the Horse's lead to four points. Willington Lion and Unicorn slipped up when they went down by the odd point at Hunwick Joiners Arms and now trail the Black Horse Inn by seven points although they hold a match in hand.

The Black Horse Tavern had singles wins from Harold Farrer, Dave Hawkins and Peter Taylor, whilst Willington Club replied with wins from Bobby Jackson and Alan Walker. Peter Taylor and Harold Farrer then took the vital fourth point when they won the doubles to ensure victory but the Club ended the match by winning the final doubles through Scott Liddle and Alan Walker.

Results: Willington Cottles 1 Willington Black Horse Inn 6; Willington Commercial 3 Hunwick Quarry 4; Willington Black Horse Tavern 4 Willington Club 3; Willington Burn 1 Prospect Club 6; Hunwick Joiners Arms 4 Willington Lion and Unicorn 3; Sunnybrow Brown Trout 4 Victoria Club 3.

Crook League

Crook Belle Vue, who went 11 games without defeat but have now lost the last three, lost their sole ownership of the top spot in the Captain's Table for they have now been joined by Crook Surtees, who are also on 11 points.

The remainder of the positions and points are 3rd Travellers Rest A 9; 4th equal Queen's Head B, Willington Market, Olde Horse Shoe, Mill House and Travellers Rest B 8 each; 9th equal Coach and Horses B, Golden Fleece B, Jelly's Bar A, Howden Australian and Queen's Head A 7 each; 14th equal Jelly's Bar B and Spitfire Club 6 each; 16th Coach and Horses A 5; 17th equal King's Head, Royal Sun and White Swan 4 each; 20th Golden Fleece A 3.

Crook King's Head shot to the top of the Second Division when they only dropped one point to the visiting Coach and Horses B. They now lead Crook Surtees by two points and Willington Market by three. Crook Belle Vue are three points clear at the top of the First Division, with second placed Crook Coach and Horses A leading Crook Travellers Rest A by one point.

Willington & District League

The Prospect Club moved five points clear at the top of the table after they whitewashed their hosts at Willington Cottles B with wins from Adrian Peacock, Derek Peacock, Kath Nyland, Keith Hirst and Ces Atkinson.

The second placed Willington Cottles A also had a good win at Sunnybrow Brown Trout, who avoided the whitewash when Rita Welch won for the home side. The winners for Cottles A were Brett Fleming, Gary Sparks, Dale Perkins and Joe Bone.

Hunwick Quarry lead the Captain's Table by one point from Sunnybrow Brown Trout, who have eight points. Results: Willington Cottles B 0 Prospect Club 5; Sunnybrow Brown Trout 1 Willington Cottles A 4. Willington Brewer's Droop A v Willington Lion and Unicorn postponed.