This year we managed to secure a sponsor - The Energy Checking Company, so as 2017 was our 25th Anniversary, we decided to give out a memento to mark the occasion.

I also managed to secure several reports in local newspapers, as well as an item on Made in Tyne and Wear TV.

As seems to be common entries were very slow to come in, however as usual the numbers grew. We ended up with 20 men’s pairs and 12 women’s pairs on Saturday, then a record 35, 4 aside teams on Sunday.

Unfortunately the weather on Saturday was slightly disappointing. Showers in the morning and very cloudy although it was warm – 21 degrees and no wind at all, so actually not bad playing conditions and some even managed to get sunburnt. The rain did not dampen the enthusiasm though and no one dropped out. The competition ended with MAGS + CHESCA beating DOUBLE A’S in the Women’s Top Competition and ELLIE + MARIJE beating BLOCK + ROLL in the Plate.

The men’s Top Competition was won by SKELMERDALES LADS who beat BERNDT + FETERLICH. In the Plate, GOOSE + MAVERICK beat RAFA BENITEZ.

Sunday saw much brighter sunshine, although a slight breeze. A much busier day with the 4 aside competition meaning more people, families and friends and lots of past players joining us for our 25th year.

Results of the Cup were: TN REJECTS beating TEAM INTERNATIONALS 15-12. The Plate saw 99 PROBLEMS BUT A BEACH AIN’T ONE win against JUST THE TIP 21-18 and in the Bucket and Spade – BRADFORDIANS beat SPIK-O-SAURUS 17-14.

The fun, mixed 2 aside knockout competition saw 29 teams battle it out but was won by STEVE + MEL 15-8, leaving ZACH + GEMMA runners-up.

A very busy day as pools of 6 meant we finished late in the day and so a huge Thank you must go to all who stayed to help pack everything away and load the vans. The usual thanks also go to all who help make this event go ahead as I couldn’t do it on my own. We must also thank our new sponsors who are keen to continue the partnership.

Sue Sowden