Another month gone, and it's time to see whether there is any more shape to the competitions.

Newcastle A have become the first side to bow out of contention in division 1, another defeat leaving them with a maximum score of 50%. I think it is safe to discount a dead heat on 6 points all, with game points deciding the outcome. Stranger things may have happened, but not aroung here! The other three teams are all still up for the title.

The C teams of Cheddleton and Newcastle have moved clear at the top of the second, thanks in part to victories over their respective B teams, though Macclesfield have important games in hand which could see them making it a three cornered fight. However the ability of all teams in this division to take points off each other means that there are plenty of other sides ready to join the fray should the leading sides falter. Crewe have shown what is possible, with two January wins moving them up from seventh to third.

Having pointed out in my last report the good progress of Crewe B and Newcastle D, with them both picking up three wins from three in the relevamt period, I now have to say that they both seem to have come to an abrupt halt, with Crewe gaining one point from a possible six in January, and Newcastle 0 from 4. Consequently all teams are now within a point of 50% apart from leaders Cheddleton D and laggards Kidsgrove. Points on the board make Cheddleton D favourites, but there may still be twists to come.

Differing numbers of games played leaves the top end of division four still unclear, though two losses for Meir B leaves them a lot of ground to catch all the leaders. However four teams still appear to have serious chances of glory in this division. At the other end Newcastle E won the wooden spoon four pointer against Fenton C leaving the latter with work to do to avoid bottom spot.

Fenton D have retained their grip on division five. Unless they start dropping points soon we'll find the chase for second spot more interesting.

In the intermediate cup semi-finals Newcastle and Crewe progressed at the expense of Cheddleton and Stafford respectively, with Newcastle to have home advantage.