Billingham Wanderers defeated Seaton Delaval 4-1 to win the Champions Shield. but it was Seaton who got off to a dream start by taking the lead after five minutes.

Then Woods struck a perfect drive from 25 yards to rocket into the top corner of the net. Billingham fought back strongly and levelled courtesy of a Keith Aldridge goal. From then on it was Billingham who dominated the game although Seaton always looked dangerous on the break. Further goals from Aldridge, Harry Davis and Keith Corner gave Billingham a well-merited victory.

Newly promoted to the Premier, Masons Arms failed to reproduce last season's form and lost 4-1 at home to Owton Manor. Mark Finneghan put away a cross from Ross to give Owton the lead, Ross then made it 2-0 by slamming home a through pass from Sanderson to close on the break. After the restart Kevin Smith pulled one back for the Masons but Owton came back strongly and further goals from Guffick and Taylor settled the issue.

In Division One, Darlington Croft won 3-1 at home to Wardley Green, who had three players missing through being away on holiday and always struggled against a well-organised team.

Promoted side Newton Aycliffe won 3-0 at home against Sedgefield and look possible promotion candidates if they continue their opening form. they dominated the game for long periods. Derek Crossan, Geoff Peaden and Stuart Halston were their scorers. Peaden had an outstanding game and was the architect behind their victory.

In Division Two Consett still have to show last season's winning form having exited from the Villa Real Cup and then lost their opening game 0-2 away to British Telecom. Holidays have caused problems but it is early days and they will be a different side when they are back to full strength.

In Division Three Billingham Town are going great guns through to the Villa Real Cup Third Round, they began their league programme in fine style winning 3-0 at home against Darlington Railway. They took the lead after ten minutes through Tony Screen who headed home a cross from Paul Wilson. After the restart Trevor Twizell made it 2-0 with a pile driver from 30 yards. The Railway had a chance to pull one back but failed when keeper Mick Walkington dived full length to brilliantly save a spot kick. In the last quarter Wibon cleverly lobbed the keeper to settle the issue and make it 3-0.

West Cornforth lost 0-2 at home to Wynyard Vets. The first half was goal-less but a devastating five minutes spell after the restart saw the Vets score twice and there was no way back for Cornforth.

Division Four newcomers Crook Town lost 2-1 at home to Hedworthfield. Hedworthfield have now won their first three games and are a very workmanlike side look promotion material while, Crook after their display against Marden, look a viable proposition.

Crook took the lead after scoring in a goal mouth melee but Alan Dean levelled shortly before the interval shooting home from 16 yards. The restart saw end to end football with both teams having chances but it was Hedworthfield who got the vital goal when Deans headed home a centre from David McIntyre to make it 2-1 to the visitors.

Thornley Celtic came back to form, defeating the Halfway House 4-0 at home. Newly formed Wynyard Old Boys are still having teething problems as they lost 5-1 to Marsden Veterans.