THERE was a big shock in Division Two when runaway leaders Burton House were beaten away to Blackhill Cricketers who themselves are striving for promotion to the First Division.

The Cricketers always held the upper hand and were good value for their win with Barry Emery scoring twice along with leading scorer Duncan McCullough.

Lee Miles also hot a couple of goals as Shaftoes just edged a nine-goal thriller at home to Dipton Bute Arms. Andy Taylor, Stephen Hales and Lee Rainbow netted the others in the 5-4 win with Ben Watson and Danny Gilbert scoring twice each for Dipton. Gary Russell and Michael Hurst scored twice each as the Black Horse hit the Smiths Arms for six without reply while the Plainsman were odd goal in three derby winners over Annfield Plain Demi. It was honours even in Division One when Steve Nixon and Richard Little goals earned Stanley Central a 2-2 draw at Blackhill Comrades who replied through Richie Reynoldson and Paul Clark.

Station Ex Juniors were 6-0 winners over Annfield Plain Cricket Club following doubles from Robbie Blemmings and Kevin Eglon along with goals from Kevin McGrough and Shaun Pearson.

There was a hat-trick in the Third Division for Burnhope striker Ashley Coleman as they recorded a 7-1 win over Cronniwell while Graham Baldridge and Michael Ogle goals took Freemasons to a 20-1 home win over Delves United who replied through David Carter.

Horse & Groom were 5-4 winners at Hamsteels with the crucial winner netted by David Seawood and Dean Elder netted twice as the Duke of Wellington pulled off a 4-3 win at the Scotch Arms.

Iveson Bowl Final

SUPERSUB Gary Clark climbed from the bench to grab the all important winner for Shield Row Ball Alley in a final that because of the weather finally got played at the third time of asking. A top class encounter was expected between Burgoynnes the leaders of the Consett Sunday League Third Division and the team just behind them Ball Alley and it went that way. Twice Burgoynnes were in front as they searched for a second win of the season over Ball Alley. David Nicholson and Graham Drinkald twice edged Burgoynnes ahead at Consett's Belle Vue Park but each time the Ball Alley pulled it back through first Andrew Potter and then Martin Pritchard. The experienced Clark was then thrown on and he came up with the winner just ten minutes from time.

Jack Grigg Memorial Trophy

LEADGATE Golden Lion's quest for a clean sweep of all the Consett Sunday League's major honours remains on course. The Lion reached yet another final though they were given quite a scare before they finally accounted for an impressive Stateside. It appeared all too easy for the Golden Lion when they raced into a 2-0 interval lead with goals from Ian Davison and John Dettmar. Mark Turner popped in a third early in the second half. However Stateside showed their qualities by scoring through Lee Garfoot and Darren Bell to leave the Golden Lion hanging on at the end.

The other semi-final takes place this Sunday between Blackhall Mill and Lanchester Social Club.