Current league champions Nursery A started the new season well at home to their B team claiming an 8 - 3 win to get their defence of the title off to a good start.

2011 runners up Quarrymans opened their 2012 account at the Swan and stormed to a 10 - 1 win as the hosts failed to settle at their new home after moving from the Greyhound. With several new faces to compliment last seasons line up the Quarrymans hope that player shortage which dogged 2011 will not affect them this season.

The Corporation who finished third in 2011 took on the 2010 champions Greyhound at home and won in fine style 7 - 4 to post early intent that they hope to go one better this season after losing the league in the three way play off last year.

High Fell A also got off to a fine start with an 8 - 3 win against their B team to make their customary good start to the league. They will aim to keep that form going throughout the season.

Newcomers Malting House B recorded a big 9 - 2 win aginst the Malting House A as they got used to their new surroundings having moved from the Hebburn league. With a strong line up they will be hoping to challenge at the top this season.

Perrenial underachievers Holly Hill got off on the wrong foot again going down by the odd leg 5 - 6 to the JEM and continue to underperform despite including some fine individual players.