Durham Ranking Tournament

Michael Rhodes confirmed his dominance in the event when he recorded his fourth win from the nine tournaments played and is now certain to go into the big money final event for the top ranked 32 players. In the final Rhodes took the £70 prize money when he beat another former winner, Dave Harrop, who collected £30, by four frames to two.

In the semi-final Rhodes beat Darren Grainger 4-1 whilst Harrop had a similar victory over Andre Morley. The two beaten semi-finalists collected £15 each.

In the quarter-finals Rhodes beat a former winner, Andy Seal 3-0, Grainger beat Leigh Mavin 3-1, Harrop beat Terry Barker 3-1 and Morley beat Paul Brockway 3-2.

Ian Bertram, who collected £10 for beating Ian Hutchinson, won the Plate, which is held for players knocked out in the First Round.

Bishop Auckland League

The semi-finals of the League Knock-out Cup produced two tight finishes with the away teams coming out on top in both to lower placed teams in the league table. Leaders, Crook Olde Horse Shoe went down to the visiting Bishop Auckland Derby by two points, whilst Spennymoor Hillingdon went down to the visiting Henknowle Manor House in the decider.

Crook Olde Horse Shoe had two singles points from Cliff Owens and one each from Gavin Witton, Steve Hunter and Stephen Liddle, whilst the Derby replied with two points for Andrew Delve and one each for Chris Peacock, Paul Willey and Kevin Stewart. The Derby put themselves within one point of victory when Kevin Stewart and Steve Balanaves won the doubles. In the first of the captain's game Gavin Witton went for a clearance, which he completed but saw the white go in-off after the final black went down giving the point and a place in the final to Paul Willey and the Derby team.

Spennymoor Hillingdon had two points from Ronnie McAloon and one each from Baz Walton, Kevin Waterhouse and Ian Smith whilst the visiting Henknowle Manor House squared the match with two points from John Collinson and one each from Ronnie Wright, Martin Armstrong and Peter Merner. The Manor House edged ahead when Bob Chambers and Ian Golightly won the doubles. However Ronnie McAloon squared the match again when he took the first captain's game against Peter Merner, but Merner had his revenge when he won the decider.

Tow Law League

Ithe top of the table clash the leaders, Tow Law Station were able to stay 15 points clear when they beat the visiting second placed Tow Law New Market B by the odd point but were taken to the deciding doubles. The visitors moved into a two points lead with wins by Gary Watson and Robert Hopps. Stephen Turner and Tommy Sloan levelled the match only to see Colin Armstrong restore the Market's lead. Shaun Umpelby won for the Station to equalise at the end of the singles. The first two doubles were shared and then Malcolm Umpelby and Stephen Turner took the station to victory with a win over Jim Day and Ray Weir.

The New Market B lost their second place when Tow Law Black Horse A took over following their five points victory in their derby match against the B team. The Black Horse lead the New Market B by two points.

Results: Tow Law Black Horse B 2 Tow Law Black Horse A 7; Tow Law Rose and Crown 7 Billy Row Royal George 2; Esh Winning Football Club 6 Tow Law Cattle Mart 3; Tow Law Station 5 Tow Law New Market B 4; Tow Law New Market A 3 Tow Law Football Club 6; Lanchester King's Head 7 Sunniside Comedian 2.

The Market Tournament

Tow Law New Market Hotel are staging a Singles Pool League to be played on Sunday evenings on their table starting on Sunday, October 7. The names of entrants have to be in by Friday, October 5. The entry fee is £10 per player with £100 added to the entry fees. For entry or enquiries telephone (01388) 730565 or (01388) 730050