The Northern Echo Darlington Sunday Invitation League - After managing to complete all of the league programme, attention turned to the remaining league cup and in an all-First Division final Spraire Lads took the honours with a 3-0 win against Springfield at the RA ground, Darlington, yesterday week.

Both semi-finals took place on the previous Sunday where there were two first division sides against third division teams.

AFC Orange, who finished mid-table in division three, defeated two first division sides and second division champions Nestfield Club in previous rounds, met Spraire. However, the game went with the form book as Spraire booked their place in the final, with a 5-1 success.

The semi-final between Springfield and third division champions 21st Allstars was a much closer encounter.

Although Allstars played very well, they were unfortunate to be beaten by a second-half goal from first division top scorer Darren Tate.

The final saw two very committed team, both playing some tidy football.

After a goalless first period, Spraire took control early in the second-half and hit the victory trail when Graham Pepper struck.

Mark Brooks doubled the lead and at this point Springfield rallied, putting the Spraire defence under pressure, but they couldn't manage to get the goal that would bring them back into the game.

With time running out and Springfield throwing everybody forward, Spraire dealt the killer blow with a Richard Harrison breakaway goal to make the final score 3-0 to Spraire.

The final victory marked Spraire's 22nd consecutive win this season.

Presentations of the trophies were made to both teams by Peter Barron, The Northern Echo editor and league chairman Martin Landers.

l All teams are reminded that the league's annual meeting will be held on Sunday, June 10, 12.15 pm in the upstairs room at the RA.

Each team must be represented (one person only).