Earl of Warwick are top following a narrow victory over Wearhead United. The game was switched to West Auckland when the Wearhead ground was declared unplayable. The Warwick forwards squandered numerous chances and the only goal came midway through the second half from a Paul Vickers penalty.

Crook Wanderers are through to the final of the South Durham Bowl after beating Rugby Club in an all-Crook League clash. Lee Morton notched the opener after 20 minutes and Stephen Emery made it 2-0 at half time. Lee Maddison brought Rugby Club back into the game but Chris Pounder ended their hopes when he added a third for Wanderers.

Stanhope's hope of making it an all Crook League final ended in a 3-1 defeat at Brandon Station. Rob O'Dell gave Stanhope an early lead but they trailed 2-1 by half time. Brandon could have had more but Stanhope keeper Stuart O'Dell made some outstanding saves. A last minute Brandon goal made the final score 3-1.

Willington Cottles visited Coxhoe Athletic in the Weardale Cup and turned round at half time a goal down. Cottles had chances but Coxhoe were the better side and two second half goals gave them a 3-0 victory.

Darlington Church and Friendly League

After a good week weather-wise the League were back to usual last Saturday which was a freak snowstorm which wiped out seven games leaving only The Navy Club versus Central Borough to report on which was won 4-3 by The Navy Club.

This was a game of numerous chances for both teams and according to both secretaries was as exciting as the scoreline suggests.

The Clubbers set off at a rate of knots and at one time it looked like it would be a hammering for The Boro but a superb display of goalkeeping from Paul Scott kept his team in the hunt. Ron Hewison, the Navy Club secretary, commented that it was one of the best keeping displays he had seen in years - a fact verified by Central Borough supremo Nigel Feeney.

The Boro goals were scored by Mark Atkinson (2)and Carl Green with Paul Blackett, Wayne Pratt and two superb left-foot 25-yarders from the very impressive Scott Brassell. This makes it 12 games undefeated for The Navy Club and also it should be said a massively improved performance from The Boro to run them so close.