50 years ago: Bishop Auckland Football Club hold their annual meeting and congratulations are extended to Corbett Cresswell who was chosen as a reserve for England and to Barry Wilkinson who represented England Youth.

The attendance of 16,319 for the Coventry City FA Cup tie is noted as a ground record, yet a week later the Reserves meet Barnard Castle Celtic and a new low attendance record was achieved. The Reserves won 14-0 in front of only eight spectators.

Could Catholic priest, Father Shanley, have had help from above as he takes five wickets for 11 runs as St Mary's Old Boys beat Darlington Corporation Employees by eight wickets.

30 years ago

In the Nevett Cup The Evening Despatch meet Leyburn and both sides finish with identical scores, 74 runs for nine wickets.

Redcar beat Great Ayton by 48 runs in the Kerridge Cup with Dale taking five wickets for 24 runs.

Bob Sheppard wins the Ford Fiesta golf championship at Bishop Auckland and goes on to play in the area final.

Alan Chapman with 70 not out top scores for Etherley, who beat Medomsley by 86 runs in the Matthew Oswald Cup.

Neil Dale is named as the Skelton AFC Player of the Year. This was a new trophy for Skelton, donated by Mr Gordon Townsend.

10 years ago

Leadgate professional Wasif Butt hits 112 not out to help his side beat Mainsforth by eight wickets, while Roy Marshall hits 101 not out as Lanchester beat Shildon BR by 36 runs.

The Vaux Tyneside Senior League beat the ROC Darlington and District League by 158 runs with Donnelly four wickets for 42 and Hilton four wickets for 13 runs their main bowlers.

Teesside schoolboy Lee Thompson achieves a brilliant treble when he wins the Under-17 200m, 100m and the long jump at the McDonald's Youth Athletes Northern Premier League meeting.

Durham County Junior player Craig Walton wins the Durham County Youth Golf championship at Heworth.