Football

Howden Australian drew level with Stanhope at the top after beating Byers Green St Peters. Byers Green trailed 1-0 after a close first half but they equalised early in the second through Chris Pickles. Howden finished the stronger side and ran in three late goals to complete a 4-1 win. John Chambers and Craig Robson grabbed a brace each.

Earl of Warwick remain in contention after beating White Swan 7-1. The Warwick hit the home side with three early goals and a similar spell in the second half ended any hopes Swan had of staging a comeback. Wayne Dobson (2), Andrew Bowden (2), Paul Vickers, Andrew Sugden and Michael Charlton scored for the Warwick and Lee Airey replied for White Swan. Michael Barker put Rugby Club ahead in the Colin Waites Trophy semi final second leg against Willington Cottles. Andrew Stewart equalised and a goal from Wayne Fleming ten minutes from time gave Cottles a 2-1 victory to take them into the final 6-2 on aggregate.

A close match looked likely when Tow Law Cattle Mart held Stanhope for the first 20 minutes of their semi final first leg. Tow Law paid for missed chances when Stanhope took control and ran out winners with Darren Fletcher scoring four, Wayne Fletcher weighed in with a hat trick and Chris Lee and Andrew Lee scored one each.

l Applications for next season have been received from Witton Park and Woodland. Further applications are welcome and should be forwarded to league secretary Trevor Hudspeth, 9 Acacia Gardens, Crook.