Tow Law Area League: Esh McKennas had their lead at the top of the table cut to just one point when they went down by the odd point at Tow Law New Market A, whilst Esh Stag's Head won by three points at home to Tow Law New Market B, who slipped four points behind their hosts in third place.

Enid Starr put McKennas ahead at the New Market A but Raymond Wright levelled. Kevin Starr restored the visiting lead but that proved to be the last singles McKennas won as Colin Armstrong, John Parkin and John Graham took the others for the home side, who went on to complete their victory by winning two of the three doubles.

The Stag's Head showed why they are reigning champions with a good home win over the title challengers from Tow Law New Market B.

Results: Newhouse Club 5 Hamsteels Inn 4; Tow Law Dan's Castle 6 Sunniside Comedian 3; Tow Law New Market A 5 Esh McKennas 4; Esh Stag's Head 6 Tow Law New Market B 3.

Willington League

IHunwick derby the league leaders, Hunwick Joiners Arms went down by the odd point on their visit to the neighbouring Hunwick Quarry. The home side went to certain victory when they had singles wins from Malcolm Lose, Fred McCabe, Craig Lowe and Jimmy Archer, whilst the Joiners points came from Chris Burnham in the singles and from the two doubles win from Michael McClurg with Chris Burnham and Barry Moffatt with Ian Richardson.

The Joiners still hold a four points lead at the top but Willington Lion and Unicorn shot up to second after a win over the Prospect Club, who now share third with Willington Club.

Results: Willington Brewer's Droop 2 Willington Cottles 5; Willington Black Horse Inn 3 Victoria Club 6; Willington Club 6 Sunnybrow Brow Trout A 1; Willington Black Horse Tavern 4 Willington Commercial 3; Prospect Club 1 Willington Lion and Unicorn 6; Sunnybrow Brown Trout B 3 Willington Burn Inn 4; Hunwick Quarry 4 Hunwick Joiners Arms 3.

CIU Pairs Championship

Second round draw: R. Hodgeson & D. Johnson (Stanley Empire) v R. Allison & J. Smith (Chilton & Windlestone); R.J. Mulroy & P. Scott (Middlestone Moor) v T. Dodd & J. Bayles (Grange Villa); L. McEwan & R. Bell (New Hesledon) v J. Johnson & S. Johnson (Crowtrees); G. Peaden & P. Whitfield (Crowtrees) v J. Pearson & D. Harrison (Chilton & Windlestone); W. Cowey & H. Atkinson (Fishburn) v G. Lowes & C. Johnson (Vale of Derwent); D. Houghton & I. Swales (Fishburn) v H. Moore & K. Wilkinson (Ferryhill); J. Wray & D. Illingworth (Ferryhill) v J. Richardson & W. Evans (West Auckland); D. Patterson & J. Hancock (Belmont) v R. Wharton & M. Robinson (Fishburn). Results to be into the Branch Office by October 11.

CIU 5s & 3s Individual Championship

Quarter final draw: S. Sedman (Whitehill Park Tenants) v C. Stainsby (Darlington); S. Smith (Darlington) v J. Hancock (Belmont); D. Harrison (Chilton & Windlestone) v A.J. Guile (Darlington East End); M. Shield (Whitehill Park Tenants) v D. Patterson (Belmont). Matches to be completed by Friday, 24 October.

CIU 5s & 3s Pairs Championship

Second round draw: G. Robson & R. Atkinson (Belmont) v S. Dodds & L. Irwin (Vale of Derwent); T. Ellis & J. Mattimoe (Low Spennymoor & Merrington Lane) v J. Ogden & W. Diamond (Simonside); C. Stainsby & S. Smith (Darlington) v R.J. Mulroy & P. Scott (Middlestone Moor); S. Wray & T. Wray (Ferryhill) v T. Evans & R. Douthwaite (West Auckland); J. Richardson & W. Evans (West Auckland) v S. Farquhar & S. Dixon (Town End Farm); M. Townsend & I. Bowes (West Auckland) v W. Dillon & J. Smith (Low Spennymoor & Merrington Lane); R. Wharton & M. Robinson (Fishburn) v R. Williams & A. House (West Auckland); G. Peaden & P. Whitfield (Crowtrees) v K. Laybourne & F. James (Whitehill Park Tenants). Results to be into the Branch Office by Saturday, Nov 1.