50 years ago: Etherley CC stalwart Gordon Franklin claims the third hat-trick of his career an 15-year-old Arnold Simpson takes four wickets for two runs as Etherley put Wolsingham all out for 22.

Stan Smith six wickets for five runs and Jim Taylor four wickets for four runs do the damage as Thornley CW CC dismiss Crossgate Moor CC for only ten.

Maurice Nokes claims seven wickets for 47 runs as Mainsforth CC beat Dean and Chapter CC in the Durham County League Knockout cup Final.

Blacksmith Frank Wayman leaves West Auckland AFC to join Preston North End where he will team up with his more famous brother Charlie Wayman, who later in the season scored one of Preston's goals in the FA Cup Final.

40 years ago

Stan Crosby and Arnie Alton set a new record for a last wicket partnership in the mid-Durham Senior League when they put on 53 runs for North Bitchburn CC against Waterhouses CC.

20 years ago

Middlesbrough youngster Paul Thomas amazes everyone at Middlesbrough FC by keeping a football up an incredible 1,236 times before it touches the floor. He and Drew Coverdale from Billingham, who went on to play for Darlington, impressed the coaches with their skill and attitude and were the stars of a three-week soccer course at Ayresome Park.

West Indian Andrew Lyght hits his third century of the season for Crook Town CC against Evenwood CC and not only passes 2000 runs but breaks the club record set by Suri Nayak in 1981.

Ian Mulcahy breaks two Northumberland and Durham swimming records in the 200m freestyle and 400m at the Esso Age Group Championships in Blackpool

10 years ago

Calypso Cricketers Jimmy Adams and Derrick Parry hit form, Adams taking eight wickets for 42 and hitting 36 runs for Eppleton CC against Chester-le-Street CC. Parry hitting 47 not out and taking five wickets for 66 runs for Horden CC against Boldon CC.