The wet November weather has had a devastating effect on the fixtures, with only eight out of a possible 32 played during the month.

Over the past three weeks, Durham Fire secured a Meredith Trophy semi-place, with a 6-0 win over Sedgefield. The win was as comfortable as it sounds with six different players getting on the scoresheet. They now meet Saints in, what should be a close run match.

Durham HQ had an easy 5-1 win over bottom-placed Darlington, Steve Rooney leading the way with a hat-trick. Richie Garrett and Jason Pinchen scored one each, with Lee Tooke picking up man of the match. Phil Muir scored for Darlington, with Jeff Summerhill taking the honours.

Last week, the only game to survive the deluge, was Langbaurgh and Franklands' 3-3 draw. Matt Lymer, Ally Lancaster and Daryll Tomlinson scored the home side's goals. Ian Gebson (2) and Keith Smith scored Frankland's.

Langbaurgh are now joint top, thanks to their 5-3 win over Easington this week. They are level on points with Tyne and Wear Fire, but have an inferior goal difference. The match with Easington was a real ding-dong affair. Darren Henry scored twice in the first 15 minutes for Langbaurgh but they were pegged back before half time by goals from Steve Hawkes and Paul Footes.

Ally Lancaster restored the home side's lead, only for Hawkes to equalise once more, with his second of the game. At this point the match could have gone either way and it was an own goal which gave the home team the lead again. Easington pushed for another equaliser and were caught on the break in the last five minutes, with Lancaster sealing the Langbaurgh win.

Newcastle moved up to fourth following there 5-0 win at Frankland. There goals were scored by Barrie Joiyce, Koby Cohen, Dave Oakes, Paul Makepeace and Asa Morris.

Durham HQ and Derwentside shared the points in their 3-3 draw. The visitors played throughout with ten men and looked to he dead and buried when 3-1 down at the interval. Tony Insall had given HQ the lead, only for Dave Wells to equalise. Insall scored his second from close range and a goal from his strike partner. Steve Rooney looked to have sealed the points, an early penalty converted by Kevin Maddick, after he had been fouled, gave the visitors a boost. Derwentside fought bravely and got the equaliser they deserved, when Derek Sirett headed in from close range.

l The League was served some sad news last week, when former League, secretary Geoff McConnell died suddenly and unexpectedly. Geoff had been secretary of the League for 20 years before retiring from the Police in 1990. He had been a great servant of the league as a player and referee before taking up his administrative post. One of the Leagues bears his name as recognition of his dedication to the League.