Sports Update by Chris Lines
Athletics, Squash, Rugby, Football and more
In the sport this month...
Sport in Sedgefield
It was never in doubt was it? That Durham County Cricket Club would play a crucial role in the destiny of the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup I mean. In the final, there were five players in the two sides whose formative years in the sport were spent at the Durham academy, which has become a veritable production line for international players.
The key contribution was made by the remarkable Ben Stokes, who still plays for Durham when he isn’t on England duty, in the most extraordinary finale to a sporting occasion that I have ever witnessed. It was a wonderful tournament and while New Zealand didn’t deserve to lose, England have set the standard in one day cricket during the last four years and were very worthy winners. In this region, the ICC was good enough to award three group stage games to the Riverside at Chester le Street and they were all excellent matches, which concluded with England securing a semi-final place with a comfortable victory in their first match against New Zealand. The rest, as they say, is history.
Meanwhile, the world cup coincided with the ECB’s All Stars initiative, which proved to be very popular at Sedgefield Cricket Club – perhaps some of the future stars of the game will have had their first taste of the sport in Sedgefield this summer, while their ambitions have been fired by the heroics of the England team. We don’t like cricket oh no, we love it.
Email club reports to Chris Lines: chrisjlines@aol.com
Youth teams - please call Tony Magee on 07837 114 271 if you would like him to report on your club or matches.
The key contribution was made by the remarkable Ben Stokes, who still plays for Durham when he isn’t on England duty, in the most extraordinary finale to a sporting occasion that I have ever witnessed. It was a wonderful tournament and while New Zealand didn’t deserve to lose, England have set the standard in one day cricket during the last four years and were very worthy winners. In this region, the ICC was good enough to award three group stage games to the Riverside at Chester le Street and they were all excellent matches, which concluded with England securing a semi-final place with a comfortable victory in their first match against New Zealand. The rest, as they say, is history.
Meanwhile, the world cup coincided with the ECB’s All Stars initiative, which proved to be very popular at Sedgefield Cricket Club – perhaps some of the future stars of the game will have had their first taste of the sport in Sedgefield this summer, while their ambitions have been fired by the heroics of the England team. We don’t like cricket oh no, we love it.
Email club reports to Chris Lines: chrisjlines@aol.com
Youth teams - please call Tony Magee on 07837 114 271 if you would like him to report on your club or matches.
Athletics
The summer months are always very busy for both senior and junior athletes at Sedgefield Harriers. As well as a packed schedule of road and trail races, the outdoor track and field season has been in full swing. Many of the club’s members were regular participants in the NYSD series of open events at Middlesbrough Sports Village.
Once registered, athletes could simply show up at each of the six fixtures and have a go at any of the events on the night in question. The schedule was different each time and, over the series, included pretty much the full range of track and field disciplines. Harriers of all ages from Sedgefield took the opportunity to try a wide variety of events, urged on by the club’s unofficial track and field champion Jane Spink. Senior newcomers included Sue Dobson, Fay Uphill, Sarah Horner, Ian Spencer, and Mark and Beth Raine, and there were plenty of juniors in action too.
A special mention to Sue Dobson, who has become a seasoned sprinter this summer! Lining up for a 100m or 200m race can be pretty intimidating, but Sue has done both and managed to improve her times over the season. After one event, she bumped into Team GB star Richard Kilty: “As I left the track I had a quick chat to Richard Kilty who had arrived to 'lay down some 200s'. I decided he didn't need any coaching tips from me as he looked pretty quick.” I reckon that Sue could offer some useful tips to other aspiring sprinters!
Once registered, athletes could simply show up at each of the six fixtures and have a go at any of the events on the night in question. The schedule was different each time and, over the series, included pretty much the full range of track and field disciplines. Harriers of all ages from Sedgefield took the opportunity to try a wide variety of events, urged on by the club’s unofficial track and field champion Jane Spink. Senior newcomers included Sue Dobson, Fay Uphill, Sarah Horner, Ian Spencer, and Mark and Beth Raine, and there were plenty of juniors in action too.
A special mention to Sue Dobson, who has become a seasoned sprinter this summer! Lining up for a 100m or 200m race can be pretty intimidating, but Sue has done both and managed to improve her times over the season. After one event, she bumped into Team GB star Richard Kilty: “As I left the track I had a quick chat to Richard Kilty who had arrived to 'lay down some 200s'. I decided he didn't need any coaching tips from me as he looked pretty quick.” I reckon that Sue could offer some useful tips to other aspiring sprinters!
Tennis
Sedgefield Tennis Club recently merged with Chilton and plays all year round at the Miners’ Welfare Recreation Ground in Chilton, with four outdoor courts and clubhouse facilities. The club currently has around 100 members. Chilton and Sedgefield Tennis Club hosts relaxed social tennis sessions four times a week and adult and junior coaching every Sunday. There are also various club competitions through the year, as well as open days, quiz nights and other events. The club fields three men's teams in the Dunlop Cleveland League and is looking for female members who will be interested in joining a ladies' team.
Not long ago, the newly merged club held an inaugural doubles tournament. While there was a trophy up for grabs, it was just as much an opportunity for members to meet up and enjoy the sunshine. The event attracted a great mix of players - some who have been at the club for many years and others who have only just joined. There was food and drink in the clubhouse which, in true Wimbledon style, included Pimms and strawberries and cream. The tournament started with a group stage, so every pair played plenty of tennis, before the top four pairs made it to the semi-finals. In the final, Steven Rowsby and Tony Bland beat Darren Young and Danny Fitzgerald to claim the trophy, while Tony Williamson and Pam Valks won the third place play off.
Chilton and Sedgefield Tennis Club is keen to attract new members. Annual family membership costs £60, adult membership £40 and junior/student membership £20.
Anyone is welcome to come down and join in at any of the club’s social sessions. Contact the club via email on sedgefieldltc@gmail.com, and you can find more information on www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/SedgefieldTennisClub, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Not long ago, the newly merged club held an inaugural doubles tournament. While there was a trophy up for grabs, it was just as much an opportunity for members to meet up and enjoy the sunshine. The event attracted a great mix of players - some who have been at the club for many years and others who have only just joined. There was food and drink in the clubhouse which, in true Wimbledon style, included Pimms and strawberries and cream. The tournament started with a group stage, so every pair played plenty of tennis, before the top four pairs made it to the semi-finals. In the final, Steven Rowsby and Tony Bland beat Darren Young and Danny Fitzgerald to claim the trophy, while Tony Williamson and Pam Valks won the third place play off.
Chilton and Sedgefield Tennis Club is keen to attract new members. Annual family membership costs £60, adult membership £40 and junior/student membership £20.
Anyone is welcome to come down and join in at any of the club’s social sessions. Contact the club via email on sedgefieldltc@gmail.com, and you can find more information on www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/SedgefieldTennisClub, and on Facebook and Twitter.
Sedgefield Squash Club News
Sedgefield Squash Club is open for business all summer, with the new season curtain raiser - the Blitz, a madcap afternoon of timed squash to be held on Saturday 24th August. An entry list is on the club noticeboard for interested members. Junior coaching will resume after the summer break in September. Details and more news in September
For all squash club enquiries, including membership – email to info@sedgefieldsquashclub.co.uk or visit www.sedgefieldsquashclub.co.uk.
Sedgefield Cricket Club News
The growth in girls’ and women’s cricket participation in recent years has been notable, and Sedgefield Cricket Club has become one of the few North East clubs to have a large contingent of girls playing the sport competitively. Much rarer are girls making the grade in men’s senior cricket, so it was a significant milestone when, on 7th July, Jess Weatherspoon became the first female ever to play for one of the club’s senior sides. Playing in the 3rd XI against Billingham Synthonia, Jess bowled four overs during the Billingham innings, and then watched while the batters impressively overcame the opposition’s total of 230, to record a great win.The other senior sides continue to progress. The 1st XI have established themselves in mid-table in their first season back in the second tier, with several juniors making their debuts along the way. Meanwhile, the 2nd XI are in a two-way battle with league returnees Stockton for the sole promotion place on offer from Division 4.
For occasional, lapsed or retired local cricketers, the infamous Captain’s Cup has also returned, under a new formula and name: the John Walker 60 Ball Bash. Now a 10 over, seven-a-side competition, the semis and final take place on Bank Holiday Sunday, 25th August. The bar will be open all day with televised sporting action in the clubhouse.
To take advantage of reduced drinks prices, the club welcomes new members, with social membership costing only £10. Email enquiries to sccmemberships@outlook.com or complete a form at the bar. Keep up to date with everything going on by liking the club’s Facebook page or following its Twitter feed.
Email club membership enquiries to sccmemberships@outlook.com and keep up to date with everything going on by liking the Sedgefield Cricket Club’s Facebook page or follow @Sedgefield_CC on Twitter.