Norman disappointed

Norman Bolam was the most disappointed player on Finals Night for he reached his first final after playing 50 years when with Colin Pratt he represented the Victoria Club in the Pairs Final against the reigning champions, Steve Hutchinson and Micky Irwin of Willington Club. Norman and Colin took the first leg in a best of three and needed double eight for a whitewash.

Norman missed it - "It's like missing a penalty in the World Cup Final", he said. Steve and Micky took advantage and won the leg and the decider for victory.

Diddy Alderson of Hunwick Quarry Burn won the Singles Championship when he beat Colin Davidson of Willington Burn.

In the Final of the Eight Man Knock Out Hunwick Joiners Arms beat the Prospect Club 3-2. In the Final of the Four Man team Knock Out Willington Club beat Willington Black Horse Tavern 2-1.

The League Presentation Evening will be held at Willington Club on Thursday, June 6. The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Prospect Club on Wednesday, July 17 at 7.30p.m. When all teams intending to compete next season must be represented. There are vacancies for any teams interested and they should telephone Phil Blyth on 01388 746317 for advance information.

Crook Ladies League

Even though the season is only through its second week there is already a feeling of dj vu as the top spot is shared by Crook Queen's Head A (formerly the Coach and Horses) and Tow Law New Market B. These two have already established a six points lead over Willington Black Horse and Crook Olde Horse Shoe with Billy Row Royal George, the Victoria Club and Howden Green Tree a further point adrift.

The leading individual scorers were Evelyn Vitty 140 and 126, Jacqueline Baker 140 and Carol Spencer 121 for the New Market B, Sue brunskill 140 for the Commercial, Julie Platten 140 for Willington Black Horse, Christine Dunn 140 for the Olde Horse Shoe, Donna Jackson 140 for the New Market A, Marion Craggs 133 and Eileen McGurk 120 for the North Point, Marie Spence 127 for the Victoria, Norma Parkin 123 for Jelly's B, Marie Kenny 121 for the Station and Dorothy Storey 121 for the Travellers Rest.

Results: Willington Commercial 3 Tow Law Dan's Castle 8; Tow Law Black Horse 7 Tow Law New Market A 4; Victoria Club 4 Willington Black Horse 7; Crook Queen's Head B 5 Crook Jelly's Bar A 6; Tow Law Cattle Mart 5 Crook Belle Vue 6; Crook Jelly's Bar B 2 Crook Queen's Head A 9; Crook Olde Horse Shoe 5 Crook Travellers Rest 6; Tow Law New Market B 11 Tow Law North Point 0; Howden Green Tree 5 Crook Cricket Club 6; Billy Row Royal George 6 Tow Law Station 5.

Wear Valley Ladies

Sandra Lomax landed the Open Singles Championship when she beat Tracey Thompson 2-1 in the final played at Crook Bar 56. In the semi-finals Sandra beat Clare Stewart 2-1 and Tracey beat Jillian Scott 2-1.

Carol Haygarth and Tracey Thompson won the Open Pairs Championship after they beat Kathleen Reynolds and Clare Stewart 2-1 in the Final.

The four-a-side competition went down to the wire with Crook Mill House just edging through by 4-3 against Crook Queen's Head. In the Team Pairs competition final Crook Golden Fleece beat the Crook Royal Sun 2-1.

Margaret Reed of Howden Sunnydene Lodge won the House Champions Championship with win over Carol Haygarth of Crook Royal Sun in the final.

The leading individual scores on Finals Night were Sandra Lomax (Crook Golden Fleece) 138 and 121, Kathleen Reynolds (Crook Coach and Horses) 136 and Carol Haygarth (Crook Royal Sun) 135 and 120.

Weardale Ladies League

The final week of the season brought a defeat for champions Blue Bell B at Pack Horse. Golden Lion B picked up six points at home to Rookhope WMC to finish runners up.

Results: Wolsingham WMC 4 Wolsingham Black Bull 4; St Johns Chapel Blue Bell A 5 Blanchland Sports Club 3; Stanhope Grey Bull 3 Stanhope Queens Head A 5; Wolsingham Black Lion B 0 Westgate Hare and Hounds 8; Rookhope A 4 St Johns Chapel Golden Lion A 4; St Johns Chapel Golden Lion B 6 Rookhope WMC 2; Stanhope Pack Horse 5 St Johns Chapel Blue Bell B 3; Eastgate Cross Keys 1 Wolsingham Black Lion A 7.

Top scores: Pam Barron 140 (Blue Bell B), Su Iveson 140, Lesley Ann Bell 138 (Black Bull), Julie Allison 138 (Blue Bell B), Sheila McCain 133 (Rookhope WMC) and Isabel Page 133 (Golden Lion B).

Final League table: Blue Bell B 190; Golden Lion B 182; Mill Race 177; Hare and Hounds 170; Pack Horse 165; Wolsingham WMC 142; Rookhope A 135; Rookhope WMC 128; Queens Head A and Sports Club 127; Blue Bell A 126; Grey Bull 122; Golden Lion A 118; Black Lion A 117; Black Bull 112; Bonny Moor Hen 105; Cross Keys 100; Black Lion B 99.

Crook 4D's League

The new season for this mixed darts league begins on Thursday, June 6 with seven teams already entered. They are Crook Coach and Horses A and B, Crook Royal Sun, Crook Golden Fleece, Crook White Swan, Crook King's Head and Crook Surtees. A team is made up of three ladies and three men.

There is a vacancy for one more team and anyone interested in filling this space should contact the secretary, Irene Clark on 765651 as soon as possible.

Tow Law Bass League

First week's fixtures: Tow Law Station v Sunniside Moss Inn; Esh Stag's Head v Newhouse Club; Tow Law New Market A v Tow Law Cattle Mart; Hamilton Row Black Horse v Cornsay Royal Oak; Tow Law Dan's Castle v Tow Law New Market B; Stanley Earl Derby v Esh McKennas; Sunniside Comedian v Tow Law Rose and Crown.

Doreen Johnson Memorial Ladies

The entry response to this annual tournament in memory of Crook's popular local and county darts player has been disappointing. The organisers have decided to extend the entry date to tomorrow evening at 8pm.

The competition is open to any team of four players with an entry fee of £3 per team with all matches played at Crook Spitfire Club. Matches are made up of one team game, two doubles and two singles.

The dates of the matches will be June 11, 18 and 25 for the qualifying stage with the Final on Tuesday, July 9. Any team interested in joining should telephone 01388 764375 and talk to Betty Chapman.

Thomas Kelly Team

Second round draw: Leadgate v Trimdon Colliery & Deaf Hill; Winlaton v Stanley Central; Murton Victoria v Byers Green; West Auckland v Sacriston B; New Hesledon v Grange Villa; Relton Terrace v Sacriston A; Ouston v Glendale; Ferryhill v Southwick. Results to be into the Branch Office by June 15.