DECEMBER was a disappointing month for the Wensleydale Creamery League due to the adverse weather conditions.

On the 9th and 16th only one game was possible and on Saturday the whole of the scheduled programme was cancelled because of snow and heavy overnight frost, which made pitches unplayable.

At the end of the year Leyburn and Hawes United have emerged as the two main contenders for this season's league championship.

Leyburn started the season with seven victories in their opening eight games, but then dropped valuable points when they were held to three consecutive draws.

But since then they have won five games in succession to lead the table by one point. They have yet to meet their main rivals, but have lost 4-1 at Carperby.

Hawes United made an equally good start, losing only once in their opening six games, and have recently embarked on an unbeaten run, winning eight and drawing one of their last nine outings.

Their only defeat was 2-1 at Middleham Town and they have a game in hand on the leaders.

Richmond Mavericks are third in the table, seven points behind Leyburn, and have lost three games to Hawes United, Carperby and Bowes.

They are currently on a run of four successive victories and could make a bid for the title in the second half of the season.

Bishopdale are fourth after a disappointing start to the season when they lost three of their first four matches.

Since then their fortunes have improved and they have won six of their last seven league games. But they have already lost twice to Hawes United and at home to Leyburn.

Carperby started well with an unbeaten run of six games, but then lost four successive matches in September.

They have recovered in recent weeks and recorded four successive wins to climb the table. They have recorded important victories, twice over Richmond Mavericks and at home against Leyburn.

Middleham Town are sixth after an indifferent spell in September when they lost three out of four games, but are currently enjoying a good run with only one defeat in their last seven outings. They had a notable 2-1 home victory over Hawes United.

Bowes started the season with a strong bid for the title with an unbeaten run of six games, but have since lost half of their six league outings.

They have beaten Carperby and Richmond Mavericks, but lost to Hawes United and Leyburn.

Reeth, currently eighth in the table, lost only two of their opening eight matches, but have failed to maintain this form, losing five of their following eight games.

Spennithorne started badly with three successive defeats but then embarked on an unbeaten seven match run to rise up the table.

Swale Travaux have had an indifferent season so far, gaining valuable points in a 2-1 home win over Carperby and a 1-1 draw with Leyburn, but then losing 3-2 at home to Askrigg.

Askrigg are currently one of the form teams in the league, with three victories in an unbeaten run of five games, and are rapidly improving their league position.

Catterick Garrison have had some good performances with home draws against Hawes United and Bowes and an away draw at Leyburn, but have been unable to get away from the lower regions of the table.

One of the successes of the season has been Hawes B with five victories to their credit, including wins over Bishopdale and Catterick Garrison. A continuation of this form could see them end the season in mid-table.

Richmond Buck had an unbeaten run of five games at the end of September, but have since lost their last three matches.

Both Catterick Village and Redmire remain at the foot of the table with only a single point to show for the first half of the season.

Both teams deserve great credit for maintaining their performances against stronger opposition and the second half of the season may bring them greater reward