THAI-BOXING: Four members of the Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy became television stars on the continent when they represented England against France at the weekend.

Paul Spinks, Michael Dicks, Olivery Ley and Ron Harding enjoyed mixed fortunes when they made up half of the England side who took on France in a match screened on National television in the home country.

All four were fighting in various categories and were all up against French National champions with two winning while the other two tasted defeat.

Spinks and Dicks both won on points but Ley was beaten on a split decision while Harding was stopped in the first round.

Hamilton was pleased with the quartet's performance, especially given France's reputation within the sport.

"The French are regarded as the second best in the World after the Thais so you don't take them lightly."

Darlington's Craig Shaw was also due to fight but was pulled-out just prior to travelling.

FOOTBALL: Any teams wishing to join the Trimdon and District Sunday League next season should contact the secretary on (01429) 880579 as soon as possible.

BOWLS: The new season of the Durham and District League begins tomorrow with the following fixtures:

Division One: Shotton v Coxhoe; Wingate v Nevilles Cross; Pelton Fell v Crook Glenholme; Ever Ready/Craghead v Leeholme; Mainsforth v Bowburn.

Division Two: Wheatley Hill v King George V; Trimdon v Witton Gilbert; Langley Park v Vane Tempest; Addison Park v Sherburn Village; Brandon v Stockton.

Division Three: Wolsingham v Dean & Chapter; Newton Hall v Cockton Hill; Murton v Chilton; Fishburn WM Club v Willington; Kelloe v Belmont.

FOOTBALL: Bishop Auckland College is setting up a new team for next season.

This will be at Under-17s level and anybody over 15-years of age and under 17-years on August 1 are welcome to join.

If you are interested contact Peter Ebdon on (01388) 609581 for further details.

RUGBY: Bishop Auckland RUFC will be holding their second Ted Robinson Memorial Rugby Sevens Tournament at West Mills on Sunday (APRIL 28) (1pm). All spectators are welcome.

BOXING: Gary Hancock has brought further honour to Horden Sportsmans ABC by gaining his England vest and securing a place on the National Schoolboys Squad.

After a recent raining assessment weekend at the East Durham Boxing Academy in Peterlee.

He looked impressive but unfortunately for the young champion he will not be in action this weekend when the England squad travel to Wales as there is nobody in his age group to match up.

However, Gary has been nominated for the schoolboy home international versus Wales to be arranged in May.

FOOTBALL: A few new teams are still required to join the Chester-le-Street Riverside seven-a-side league to complete the Fourth Division.

Team members must be over 16-years of age. And games are played from 1-5pm every Sunday.

Anyone interested should contact Dave Munneke on (0191) 3888779 or (0191) 4174700.