A squad of 12 players who are new to cricket entered a softball tournament on Sunday 10 May at Newton Aycliffe Cricket Club. They were competing against teams from Rockcliffe, Billingham and Newton Aycliffe. The team won both their games and were overall winners, narrowly beating Billingham, based on overall runs scored. They are part of a big cohort of U11s at Sedgefield Cricket Club, who have been benefitting from coaching by the club’s overseas player Harry Flynn on Friday evenings, which is helping them a lot.

Overall, St. Edmund’s FC completed a very good season in the league, finishing third in the Durham Sunday League Premier Division. The club also had a couple of good cup runs. Reflecting a fairly good season for St. Edmund’s, Kieran Parnaby was the Premier League’s leading goal scorer and Calum Johnston won the most man of the match awards, which are chosen by the opponents. The club hopes to build and go even better next season. Off the pitch, St. Edmund’s FC is now the owner of a mobile defibrillator. This could benefit not just the club’s own players and supporters but opposing teams and any others in the area.

The club recently hosted its third annual race night in the Hardwick Arms, which was a huge success. The event was first held in 2024 to raise funds to allow the club to continue, and each year a chosen charity receives half of the money raised. This year, the plan was to split the funds in three ways - a third to the club, a third to Red Sky Foundation and a third towards a defibrillator (total cost £1,400). While looking for race sponsors, Gerard May, one of the owners of HMH Civils, kindly offered to pay the entire cost of the defibrillator - everyone at St. Edmund’s FC was over the moon at his generosity.

This also meant that the club could revert to halving the fundraising from the race night. The defibrillator was presented to club chairman Gary Soppitt on the night by HMH Civils Commercial Director Tim Mekins. The race night could not go ahead without the continued backing of the local community, with many raffle prizes donated. Over 80 people attended on the night and many more sponsored races, horses and purchased raffle tickets. The continued support from the Hardwick Arms, providing the venue each year, is also greatly appreciated by the club.

In other football news, Grace Dobson from Sedgefield has been selected to represent England at the International School Sport Federation Football World Cup in China later this year. Grace is a student at the Park View Academy of Sport in Chester-le-Street and, along with three schoolmates, she will be part of an 18 player squad for the tournament in October.

Being selected is a huge achievement and a reflection of Grace’s hard work, dedication and footballing ability. I look forward to finding out how Grace gets on in China, and will report on that later in the year.

Saturday 16 May saw the Durham & Cleveland Squash County Awards ceremony at Norton Sports Club. At this event, Sedgefield Squash Club was thrilled to be the recipient of Club of the Year. This is based on criteria such as team achievements, junior programmes, coaching, facilities, working with the community and schools, social events, and competitions. Also at this event, one of the club’s members, Ian Williams, won the Ian Kirton Trophy for inter-county Masters performance, on his debut playing for the county over 65s team.

The recent end of season Sedgefield Squash Club Championships saw Karen Naunton and Rob Pearce crowned Club Champions, defeating Marie Priest and Stephen Rowsby respectively. Rising star Huey Lamb was crowned Junior Champion defeating Gideon Welsh in the final. The Under 15s category was won by Gideon Welsh, defeating Samuel Lines. The Under 11s trophy was won by Oscar Barton, defeating Oscar Allen. Oscar Barton won all three of his games at the recent Under 11s Northern Cup in Manchester, where Durham & Cleveland finished runners up.

The ladder competition is running over the summer to ensure everyone is fit and fine for the new season starting in September.

New members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining the club, please get in touch by email at membership@sedgfieldsquashclub.co.uk, including your contact number. You can find out more about the club at www.sedgefieldsquashclub.co.uk.

Sedgefield & District Rugby Club has completed its playing season, with the team finishing seventh in the Durham & Northumberland Counties League 2.

This represents Sedgefield’s best league positions in memory, thanks to a formidable home record. The club celebrated the season with its annual awards presentation dinner at Hardwick Hall.

This year’s prize winners were:
Young Player - Freddie McCormack
Most Improved Player - Ciaran Lines
Coach's Player - Massimo Impagliazzo
Saxons Player - James Walker
Ted Wood Award - Steve Nuttall
The Nutts Award - James Watson
Players’ Player - Mitch Corney
Player of the Year - Mitch Corney

The club also came together recently to remember members who are sadly no longer with us, but will always be part of Sedgefield Rugby Club.

A commemorative tree and plaque now stand as a lasting tribute to their contribution, friendship and memories. The club would like to thank all their followers and sponsors for their support this season. Keep an eye on the club's social media accounts for updates over the close season.

Almost 500 runners descended on Hardwick Park recently, when 118 teams took part in Sedgefield Harriers’ four-leg Neptune Relays event. Each participant completed a 1.7 mile route, starting and finishing in the field below the park’s temple to Minerva.

The event attracted leading club athletes, and runners of every ability and age, competing in numerous senior and junior categories. The 2026 event attracted nearly 20 more teams than in 2025.

Sedgefield Harriers is only able to host the Neptune Relays with the support of a large number of volunteers, the team at Hardwick Park, and Durham County Council, which allowed the club to stage the event in the park. For more information about Sedgefield Harriers and its events, visit www.sedgefieldharriers.co.uk or find them on Facebook.