Durham League Division One, Belmont Pan. 62 v 81 Willington Wa.: A very good start to the game by Belmont through 'three-pointers' from Graham and some stellar inside shooting from El Nayal.

This gave the Panthers a well deserved 21-13 lead after the first ten minutes and after a blistering start to the second quarter, Belmont out further into the lead. Hughes and Pape then took over the game and began to score freely for Willington, bringing the game level as the Panthers offence dried up. The third quarter was dominated by Summerville for Wasps who scored nine of the Wasps 23 points. Willington took the lead as the Belmont heads went down, accentuated by Davies and Hogarth foul-outs. Summerville and Baxter saw out the game as the Wasps took it 81-62.

Top scorers: Belmont: Ashafe El Nayal 14. Willington: Luke Summerville 19, Graham Pape 19, Paul Campbell 10, Sam Scorer 10.

Division Two

Belmont Pumas 85 v 63 Shildon 'LaceGold' Strollers

Top scorers: Belmont: Paul Elderkin 32, Craig Stamp 17, Craig McManus 16, Ian Hewitt 10. Shildon: McGuiness 21, Malcolm Turnbull 17, Terry Fell 13.

Belmont Pumas 87 v 77 Teesside Hu.

Top scorers: Pumas: Paul Elderkin 28, Mark Elderkin 27, Craig McManus 15. Huskies: Andrew Nyeko 31, Eric Milambo 19, Michael Thompson 10.

Shildon 'Lace Gold' Strollers 63 v 125 Middlesbrough College

Top scorers: Shildon: Michael James 23, Francis 20, Stuart McGarry 18, Hygin Aminata 15, Daniel Armory 14, Andrew Marshall 10. Middlesbrough: Malcolm Turnbull 17, Mal Ballard 13, Terry Fell 12.

Hartlepool 'HQ Engineering' Hornets 99 v 70 Durham Saints

Top scorers: 'HQ' Hornets: Luke Thompson 31, Leon Thompson 24, Dan Thompson 14, Anthony Robinson 13.

Division Three Cup

Belmont Cougars 70 v 41 Hartlepool 'CJ Hydraulics'

The first half of the game was dominated by the rebounding of the Cougars, in particular Craig Stamp, from both end of the court. This allowed Belmont to leap into a good early lead early on. The introduction of veteran Gary Keith optimised the away teams attacking options but with Lee Shepherds two 'three-point' baskets the Cougars held a commanding lead going into the half. Jonathon Osbourne played well for a unconvincing Hydraulic team with excellent outside shooting, managing to keep the score to a reasonable 70-41 to the Cougars.

Top scorers: Cougars: Paul Elderkin 22, Craig Stamp 15. Hartlepool: Jonathan Osbourne 20.

Young Houghtonians v Hartlepool 'CJ Hydraulics'

It was the home town Houghtonians who jumped out ahead in a game threat the Hydraulics needed to win to keep up with Norton. Contributions came from all over the court for Houghton, but it was Paul Carr who provided the most threat leading his team out to a 16-8 advantage after the first quarter. Jonathan Osbourne kept the Hartlepool team in the game through his continued presence and some important baskets. In the second quarter Paul Carr was Houghton's only real hope even with Robinson's attempts. The Hartlepool team took over after the opening ten minutes as Paul Macdonald and Michael Macklam scored sporadically to eventually give the away side the lead early in the third quarter. A run from Houghton at the beginning of the final period tied the game while the game hinged on free-throws. It was a case of Houghton missing more than their opponents as Hartlepool kept their nerve and came back from Keiper House with the win 50-45.

Top scorers: Houghtonians: Paul Carr 24. Hydraulics: Michael Macklam 12 Paul Macdonald 10.

Norton v East Durham & Houghall Comm. College C

A close Teesside derby was in store for these two teams. Norton were trying to extend their run at the top of the Division Three Cup and after a good start for College, bringing with it a five point lead, Mark Rhodes and Sam Butterworth began to even up the game and with Paul Jenkins turning up in the second half Norton had good production throughout the game. Paul Cassell was strong in the first three quarter as was the young Adam Johnston but neither could muster one final push in the fourth quarter as the points dried up for the guests. Finmore put the final touches to the game along with Butterworth and Jenkins as Norton won the game 66-61 and kept their place at the top of the League Cup.

Top scorers: Norton: Paul Jenkins 20 Sam Butterworth 16. ED&HCC 'C' Paul Cassell 22, Adam Johnston 15.