With the 1st and 3rd XI having ensured mid-table finishes weeks before the season’s end, all eyes at Sedgefield Cricket Club were on the 2nd XI who went into their final game needing to win or draw to guarantee safety. But by early evening a maximum 25-point victory had almost made the doubters look foolish as the team ended up finishing fifth in the 12-team division!

A run of five wins in their last seven matches and strong contributions from some players who volunteered to forego 1st XI selection to support the club's lower teams, saw further evidence of the ‘one club’ approach of the players. The other end of season highlight was the performance of the boys U13 team, which having won their league and a play-off semi-final, made it to the championship play-off final against Hartlepool.

With very little between the sides, Sedgefield agonisingly fell just short, losing by four wickets. And with that, the 2025 season drew to a close. But as is now well known, Sedgefield Cricket Club does not hibernate in the close season. The clubhouse bar remains open each evening and all day at the weekend, showing all televised sports (satellite and terrestrial) on multiple screens, with drink discounts for members.

All are welcome and the club hopes to see visitors throughout the autumn.

The annual pilgrimage from Newcastle to South Shields that is the Great North Run, took place on 7 September. As always, Sedgefield Harriers sent a large cohort of both runners and volunteers, with a big team, led by Andy Featherstone, handing out this year’s unique medals (!) to finishers.

The official results include 20 members of the club, though I believe that others were there too. In those results, the first three men to finish were Chris Lines (1:31:26), Declan Munnelly (1:32:29) and Rory Letts (1:33:16), and the first three women were Lisa Darby (1:39:27), Rebecca Dunn (1:50:00) and Cat Miller (2:08:54, running as a pacer to help others achieve a sub-2:10 time – job done!). Club member John Tomlinson completed this year’s Great North Run, as he has every single year of the event, one of very few who can state that.

And Ean Parsons was in action too, as usual, exactly 20 years to the day that he led the first group run of what became Sedgefield Harriers, following a message printed here in Sedgefield News. The club even got a birthday mention from Steve Cram during the live BBC coverage.

As ever at the Great North Run, there were loads of other participants from Sedgefield (I bumped into a few while up there) and others out along the course cheering people along. People take part for all sorts of reasons – a personal challenge, raising money for a good cause, curiosity, and more. Well done to everyone who was there!

The following weekend, Sedgefield Harriers hosted the annual Sedgefield Serpentine race, which started in Hardwick Park and followed an attractive mixed terrain route of around 10K, towards Bishop Middleham and back.

The men’s race was won by Jamie Adams in 34:14 and Kaye Storey of Crook & District AC won the women’s race in 41:09.

The first male Sedgefield Harrier was Mark Raine in 40:12 and the first female was Paula Bayles in 49:49.

The event was supported by U Hold the Key self storage and Up and Running sports retailer, and the usual army of willing volunteers. Sedgefield Harriers is grateful to all who got involved.

Congratulations to Sedgefield Harriers Lisa Darby and Justin Cox, who have both earned England vests for the Masters Representative Marathon in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, on 19 October. Lisa and Justin have been selected in the V50 category, and join a growing list of Harriers who have achieved the honour of representing their country.

Sedgefield Squash Club is experiencing the anticipation and excitement that comes with the start of every new squash season. Over the months ahead, the courts will be echoing with the usual sounds of the sport, with plenty of enthusiastic supporters watching on, as usual.

The club encourages residents who want to watch the action, find out more about the sport, or try out squash for themselves, to visit its base in Ceddesfeld Hall grounds.

Sedgefield Squash Club has a variety of membership packages for all ages and abilities, and prides itself on its friendly atmosphere. There is a wealth of opportunities to meet fellow players, improve your game, and immerse yourself in the club’s varied social and sporting activities. If you are interested in joining the club, send an email to info@sedgefieldsquashclub.co.uk.

Back to the action, and the club’s Masters competition was held at the beginning of September, and brought together seasoned players to showcase their skills and sportsmanship across various age categories.

The matches were fiercely contested, with the following outcomes. In the over 40s division, Colin Langley emerged victorious after a series of spirited games, with Gary Ankers taking the well-deserved runner-up spot. The over 45s title was claimed by Chris Bunting, whose precision and experience shone through, while Kev Amer impressed all on his journey to the final as runnerup.

In the over 50s, Patrick Billany triumphed, edging out Simon Hill in a gripping contest. The over 60s championship was secured by Ian Williams, with John Cant finishing as a worthy runner-up. The club sends its congratulations to all competitors for making the Masters event such a memorable start to the season. Their achievements underscore the depth of talent and enthusiasm within the Sedgefield Squash Club community,

setting the tone for the year ahead. The club’s men’s and ladies’ teams play in the Durham & Cleveland Leagues, and are currently competing in the Boss County Cup, which will be followed by the league matches from mid-October.

The club wishes all players the very best of luck, particularly the 2nd team who are now competing in Division 1.