Steve Wray of Ferryhill Club won the National CIU singles championship, defeating Kevin McIlroy of Didcot, Oxfordshire in the final at the Grassmoor Club in Chesterfield.

There was a very good start for the Ferryhill player, pictured right, as he went 2-0 ahead in the best of seven frame final.

In the first McIlroy made a foul stroke and Wray cleared five balls and the black. In the second the Oxford player went in-off and Wray cleared six balls and the black.

Things looked to be going well for Wray in the third frame but he wobbled a tough red and McIlroy cleared six balls and the black. The fourth frame went to McIlroy's liking as he had six balls on against one of Wray's and was repeatedly laying snookers. However, from one snooker Wray potted his last yellow and followed it with the black to go 3-1 ahead.

A clearance looked to on the cards for Wray in the fifth frame but he slipped out of position and snookered himself. After he failed to make contact, McIlroy cleared his six balls and the black. In the sixth frame McIlroy tied Wray's last ball and the black with one of his reds in the corner. However Wray managed to pot his penultimate ball and manoeuvre the cue ball to cannon out the black, while releasing his last yellow.

He potted the final yellow and then played a good half ball cut to clinch the title.

Bishop Auckland League

The first qualifying stage of the League Doubles Championship were held at four venues with two pairs moving forward to the next stage from each venue. At Spennymoor Weardale the qualifiers were Gavin Witton and Steve Hunter from Crook Olde Horse Shoe and Tony Lambert and Craig Lumley from Bishop Auckland Football Club.

The qualifiers from Spennymoor Hillingdon were Paul Willey and Michael Hoggart of Bishop Auckland Derby and Richard Walker and Dave Leighton of Crook Olde Horse Shoe.

The qualifiers from St. Helens Wheatsheaf were John Mason and Cliff Owens from Crook Olde Horse Shoe and Stephen Wray and Steve Webster from Spennymoor Ashtree.

The qualifiers from Spennymoor Ashtree were Harry Baillie and Tony Biddle for the Ashtree and Chris Peacock and Chris Bowran from Bishop Auckland Derby.

Tow Law League

Tow Law Station virtually put their names on the Championship trophy when they only dropped one point at Tow Law Cattle Mart B to go seven points clear at the top with only one game left to play. The only team who could prevent them taking the title is Tow Law New Market B. Despite this the Market B are not certain to land the runners-up trophies for Lanchester King's Head are only three points behind and Sunniside Comedian four points adrift.

Tand Paul Maddison beat Donald Young and Alan Irwin in the decider.

Oakenshaw Club lead the table by ten points with Hunwick Club just a point ahead of Howden Australian B and Willington Brewer's Droop A, who both have a match in hand.

Results: Willington Burn Inn 5, Sunnybrow Brown Trout 4; Howden Australian A 8, Willington Brewer's Droop B 1; Oakenshaw Club 8, Willington FC 1; Prospect Club 5, Willington Market 4; Hunwick Club 5, Willington Black Horse Tavern 4; Hunwick Quarry Burn 6, Willington Lion and Unicorn 1; Willington Brewer's Droop A v Howden Australian B - no result