A magnificent display of sheer effort and desire saw Byers Green Under-10s Haze defeat League champions City of Durham Bees in the Russell Foster League Cup Final.

Byers won with a solitary Reece Ellis strike midway through the first half during which both teams played some quality passing football.

The move started with a superb cross from DJ Simpson to Ellis who played a clever one-two with Richard Suddes. Suddes unselfishly elected to give Reece, who had a the better opportunity to shoot than himself, the ball who then drilled the ball passed the keeper.

The second half was more about graft and determination while there were some fine performances all round. Nick Ferguson and Ethan Rivers were solid and disciplined in defence while Daniel Russell showed determination and good passing in midfield. Keeper Adam Jackson handled everything that came his way and commanded his penalty area throughout, while Simpson, Ellis and Suddes provided the attacking relief with two or three more chances created, with Durham struggling to create any clear cut opportunities.

On Saturday a five-goal blitz courtesy of Suddes helped Byers Green to a maximum six-point haul at the weekend. In the first game Byers came back from 1-0 down against Riverside RAR to win 4-1 - Reece Ellis equalising for Byers Green with a well struck shot from distance, before Suddes scored the first of his goals for the day on the stroke of half time.

In the second half Byers were well on top and Suddes completed his hat-trick with two well taken goals.

In the second game Haze defeated Redby Blues 2-1, Suddes opening the scoring after five minutes with a well executed volley from after a fine Ethan Rivers cross. The second came a few minutes later, a well worked short corner involving Simpson and Suddes resulted in a fine shot from Simpson which hit the post. However man of the day Suddes was there to steer home the rebound. In the second half Byers found it much tougher kicking into the wind and conceded a goal to make the final score 2-1 to Byers.

The Under-10s Bees picked up just the one point from two hard fought games, losing in their first game 2-1 to Barnes Youth with Tom Burn the scorer for the Bees. In the second game Byers fought out a 0-0 draw with Ayton Juniors despite going close on a number of occasions.

Darlington Spraire Lads

A long season has finally ended and all age groups have showed some notable successes.

A mini level the Under-8s improved all season competing in the Cleveland Minor League, the highlight being runners-up in the league cup. At Under-9 Spraire competed in the Under-10 Teesside Junior Alliance division three. In a competitive league Spraire finished a creditable mid-table competing a year above their age. At Great Yarmouth competing in their own age band the team won the competition and again at Wigginton they finished runners-up.

Anyone interested in playing for this team next year contact Kev Johnston on (01325) 283072. Players must be under ten on September 1, 2001.

In the same league the Under-10s competed in the first division again finishing mid table and being unlucky to lose the cup final on penalties. This fast improving team is looking for players contact Kenny Ashton on (01325). Age is under 11 on September 1.

At Under-11 Spraire competed in the fourtf division of the Alliance, finishing mid table.

The Under-12s competed in the first division of the Alliance while the reserves played in the Richmond league, getting to the final of the cup where they were runners-up. This squad is also looking for new players. Contact Gary Lavelle on (01325) 361549, age under 12 on August 1.

All three teams at Under-13 played in the Teesside Alliance the A team finishing mid table in the first division, the B team gained promotion with a runners-up position in division five as well as getting to the semi-finals of the Alternative Cup. The Dynamos competed in the division four as well as enjoying their trip to Great Yarmouth.

The Under-14s enjoyed considerable success joining that rare group and winning a Teesside Alliance first division championship, the Under-14 reserves also enjoyed success winning the Richmondshire league cup.

At Under-14 Spraire finished third in the second division while getting to the semi-final of the Alternative Cup.

At Under-15 Spraire finished mid table on their return to division one of the Alliance. Getting to the semi-final of the Alternative Cup and winning the Great Yarmouth Cup again this team is looking for new players who must be under 17 on August 1, please contact Peter Snowdon on (01325) 332893.

Spraire Lasses won the Tyne Tees league and are looking for players. Please contact Dave Scott on (01325) 253581, this is also the contact number for any players under nine on August 1 (boys and girls).

The adult team finished second in The Northern Echo Invitation League.

Coxhoe Athletic

The Under-16s are looking for players for next season. Anyone interested should contact Paul Charlton on (0191) 3772244.