Wensleydale Creamery League

THE championship battle was put on hold last weekend when teams turned their attention to the first round of the Medals Shield.

Holders Richmond Mavericks made a good start to the defence of the trophy when they knocked out one of their main rivals Leyburn, 3-2 at home after extra time.

After a goalless first half, Mavericks took the lead on the hour through Kris Wharton, but the visitors levelled after 76 minutes with a James Wilkinson header.

Ten minutes into extra time, Craig Vincent put the home side ahead and at the start of the second period of extra time Mavericks took a grip on the tie with a third goal from Wharton. Although Leyburn hit back to narrow the deficit with another goal by Wilkinson, the home side held on to go through to the next round. This was Leyburn's first defeat in eight outings.

After an unbeaten run of six games, Hawes United went down 4-1 at Carperby, the game switched because the Hawes pitch was waterlogged.

Simon Muir put the home side in front after 18 minutes and on the stroke of half time Darren Percival made it 2-0. Ten minutes into the second half, Percival struck again and although Hawes replied with a goal from Stuart Dinsdale, Carperby made sure with a fourth goal from Muir ten minutes from time.

Bowes travelled to Askrigg and had a 4-0 victory. Justin Hesp opened the scoring after nine minutes and midway through the half Robert Wilkinson headed in a second.

Just before the interval Andrew Close made it 3-0 and Scott Walker rounded off the scoring on the hour with a fourth.

After three successive league victories, Bishopdale failed to maintain their winning run when they travelled to Reeth and lost 4-1. Chris Hutchinson put the home side ahead after five minutes and Steve Porter made it 2-0 midway through the half.

After 37 minutes Andy Reaks headed in for the visitors, but five minutes into the second half Porter made it 3-1 for Reeth. The home side missed a chance to add to their tally on the hour when Terry Alderson had his spot-kick saved by keeper Chris Parker, but he made amends with a fourth goal for Reeth after 75 minutes.

In a high-scoring encounter at Spennithorne, the home side came out on top 5-4 over Catterick Garrison. Paul Orton and Wayne Farrow gave them a 2-0 lead, only for Brian Rogers to narrow the deficit for the visitors after 36 minutes.

Three minutes into the second half, Stuart Hall made it 3-1 for Spennithorne, but again Garrison replied through Ian Sixsmith. The game swung the home side's way as Orton netted twice within seven minutes midway through the half to make it 5-2 and they held on despite a late rally by the visitors in which Gareth Vincent and Mark Sage narrowed the gap to a single goal.

Swale Travaux entertained Catterick Village and won 4-3. Two goals by Andy Kelly put them on top in the early stages, before John Potter made it 3-0. Catterick hit back and Alan Coe scored twice to make it 3-2 at the interval.

Ten minutes into the second half William McCauley made it 4-2 for the home side and, although Coe completed his hat-trick on the hour, the visitors were unable to get on terms.

Middleham Town hit the highest score of the day as they outclassed Redmire at home 13-0. Lee Fawcett scored four times in the first half and further goals by Glyn Barnard, Richard Weedall and Richard Tunstall made it 7-0 at half time.

After the break, Barnard scored twice to complete his hat-trick and goals from Robbie Bright (2), Steve Rabjohn and John Stubbs completed the rout.

The Hawes B against Richmond Buck tie was postponed as the home pitch was waterlogged.

l The next meeting of the Northallerton and District Referees Association will be held on Monday at The Lodge Leeming Bar, at 7.30pm sharp. Mr Paul Titcombe, a physiotherapist from Bedale, will give a presentation on keeping fit, preparing for matches, and treating injuries. He will then hold a question and answer session with the audience.

The meeting is open to non-members and anyone wishing to attend is requested to contact Barry Sygmuta on 01609 776262.