Wensleydale Creamery League

the new season in midweek with 15 games in which only four teams managed to secure maximum points.

Richmond Mavericks made a high-scoring start with two seven-goal home victories.

On Tuesday they beat Catterick Village 7-0 with goals from Darren Matthews (2), David Allen (2) and Anndrew Mollitt, Tim Waite and Kris Wharton.

Two nights later Richmond Buck went down 7-1 as the home side scored through Matthews (2), Waite (2), Martin Clark, Ian Miller and an own goal by Robert Brentley and also missed a first half penalty, keeper Andrew Keighary denying Matthews from the spot. Martin Peacock netted a late consolation goal for Buck.

Last season's runners-up Leyburn had two successive away wins, starting with a 3-1 victory at Bishopdale on Tuesday.

Richard Meehan and James Wilkinson gave them a 2-0 lead at the interval and although the home side hit back with an Andy Reaks penalty, Peter Alderson settled the issue two minutes from time. Bishopdale had only ten players for the second half.

On Thursday, Leyburn visited Redmire who held out until the 50th minute when Richard Meehan scored. Late goals from Martin Allinson, Meehan and Gary Clarkson made the final tally 4-0.

Bowes made a good start with away wins at Redmire and Spennithorne. On Tuesday, Trevor Guy put them ahead at Redmire after 62 minutes before Doug Worley, Nigel Brass and Justin Hesp gave them a 4-0 victory. On Thursday they won 2-1 at Spennithorne with an Andrew Close header in the final minute of the game. Earlier Paul Orton had put the home side in front after 16 minutes before Close equalised with another header in the 33rd minute.

Reeth were the fourth club to gain maximum points with away victories at Spennithorne and Catterick Garrison.

Steve Clarkson gave them a 2-1 win at Spennithorne on Tuesday with an 89th minute goal.

Chris Hutchinson opened the scoring for the visitors after 27 minutes and Spennithorne levelled with a goal from Gavin Atkinson midway through the second half.

On Thursday, Garrison missed a first half penalty before Reeth won 3-1 with second half goals from Chris Hutchinson (2) and Steve Clarkson. Matthew Blood made it 3-1 in the final minute with a second spot kick for the home side.

Middleham Town entertained Richmond Buck on Tuesday and won 4-0 with goals from Dave Wheeler, Glyn Barnard, Richard Turnbull and an own goal by Lee Morrison. On Thursday after a goalless first half at home to Swale Travaux they were held 2-2.

Andy Kelly and Lee Kirk twice put Travaux ahead but the home side levelled with an own goal by Mark Soderman and a late equaliser by Steve Rabjohn.

Champions Carperby started with a 3-3 draw at Hawes United on Tuesday with two penalties from John Pickard and a third from Dave Moore.

Nick Prince starred for Hawes with a hat trick, his last goal coming in the final minute.

Carperby were at home to Askrigg on Thursday and won 5-2 with goals from John Pickard (2), Darren Percival, Robert Harrison and Steve Harrison.

Swale Travaux started their season on Tuesday with a 3-0 victory at Catterick Garrison with two goals from Andy Kelly and a third by Lee Kirk.

Hawes B entertained Hawes United on Thursday and were beaten 3-1. United went 3-0 in front with a penalty by Nick Prince and goals from Mark Alderson and Stuart Dinsdale before Gary Richardson netted a consolation goal for the home side two minutes from time.