Tow Law Area League

The situation at the top has never been tighter as four teams share the leadership.

They are Esh McKennas, Sunniside Moss, Esh Stag's Head and Tow Law New Market B.

Sunniside Moss Inn held a lead before they entertained Esh McKennas but the visitors had tied up a good victory after the singles where they had wins from Anne Allison, Tracey Allison, Andy Todd, Anthony Dodds and Alan Hinnigan with Lol Cullinan taking the only point for the home side. McKennas took the first doubles but then the Moss made the score more respectable by taking the final two.

Results: Esh Stag's Head 7, Esh Football Club 2; Tow Law Station 6, Cornsay Royal Oak 3; Tow Law Rose and Crown 4, Tow Law New Market B 5; Tow Law New Market A 5, Sunniside Comedian 4; Sunniside Moss Inn 3, Esh McKennas 6; Billy Row Club 4, Tow Law North Point 4 - game not completed.

Willington League

Ian Breen of the Victoria Club maintained his 100 per cent record from ten games when he beat Bobby Jackson of the visiting Willington Club in the captain's game and clinched victory for his team by the narrowest of margins. The Victoria had taken the first two singles through Norman Bolam and Colin Pratt but Wilf Coney and Mick Irwin levelled.

Brenda Robinson took the last singles to put the Victoria back ahead but the visitors replied with the first doubles through Alan Walker and Colin Walker. Norman Bolam and Colin Pratt put the Vic ahead again and Ian Breen completed the win.

Oakenshaw Club moved six points clear at the top with the second placed Black Horse Tavern one ahead of Cottles.

Results: Willington Burn 6, Willington Black Horse Tavern 2; Hunwick Joiners Arms 2, Willington Brewer's Droop 6; Willington Lion and Unicorn 3, Prospect Club 5; Oakenshaw Club 7, Willington Commercial 1; Hunwick Quarry Burn 2, Willington Black Horse Inn 6; Victoria Club 5, Willington Club 3.

Tow Law and District League

Tow Law Station slipped four points adrift of the leading Tow Law Football Club after they went down in the decider at Billy Row Royal George. The home side moved into a two points lead through Steve Garrett and Mike Stagg but Steve Thompson and Andrew Burrows levelled the match. In the decider, the George's Chris Stagg beat Shaun Umpelby.

The defeat leaves the Station in third place with Tow Law Cattle Mart B two points ahead and the Football Club four ahead.

Results: Sunniside Moss Inn 3, Tow Law Black Horse 2; Tow Law Cattle Mart A 0, Tow Law FC 5; Sunniside Comedian 3, Lanchester King's Head 2; Tow Law New Market A 2, Tow Law Rose and Crown 3; Hamilton Row Black Horse 3, Esh FC 2; Billy Row Royal George 3 Tow Law Station 2.

Crook League

Crook Crown made their first win in the league but they were taken to the deciding doubles before beating the visiting Crook Surtees. The Crown had singles points from Dave Kelly, Barry Moore and Dave Carruthers with the Surtees replying through Fred Hunt, Paul Ford and Dickie Allison. In the deciding doubles Lawrence Emerson and Dave Kelly took the Crown to victory.

Crook Olde Horse Shoe A lead the First Division by three points from Crook Royal Sun, who are three ahead of Belle Vue Club, who have a match in hand. Crook Mill House lead the Second Division by four points from Jelly's Bar.

Results: Crook Belle Vue 4, Crook Coach and Horses A 3; Crook Mill House 6 Crook Golden Fleece 1; Crook White Swan 4 Crook Jelly's Bar 3; Crook Crown 4 Crook Surtees 3; Crook Spitfire Club 3 Willington Market 4; Crook Royal Sun 4 Crook Travellers Rest B 3; Crook Queen's Head A 2 Crook Olde Horse Shoe A 5.