Elswick Harriers

The senior men finished second in the Northern Men's League Division Three NE, gaining promotion after just one season in the division.

After failing to overtake Houghton by one point in the third fixture at Jarrow in July, promotion hinged on the last fixture at Darlington. Fielding a weakened side due to injuries and holidays, Elswick hung on to fifth place, and, because the overall total of points was superior to Houghton, promotion was achieved.

Victories in the A and B 1500m by Alan Johnson and Ryan McLeod and a win in the 5000m by Ieuan Ellis in 15.51 proved the mainstay of the afternoon. There were also fine efforts in the steeplechase by Ray Smee and Phil Leaf (second place), and valuable points from Dave Slipper and Terry Hudson.

In an injury-hit season the club's seniors did well to keep the promotion momentum going, and the club are indebted to Dave Slipper who flew back from holiday the evening prior to their last fixture before competing in six events the following day.

Cleveland Triathlon Club

The club stage a schools duathlon on September 2 at Acklam Sports Centre, Hall Drive, Middlesbrough.

Sponsored by the National Dairy Council, the event, for eight to 16 year olds, consists of a swim and a run while distances vary depending on age.

This is a fun event and is part of the Yorkshire series.

Entry forms are available from Erika Enisz, 33 Meadowfield Drive, Eaglescliffe, TS16 OHJ and an sae should be enclosed. Closing date for entries is August 19.

Richardson and

Westgarth Pro-Am

John Birch, the favourite, suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Middlesbrough amateur Steve Burnett 4-1.

Birch never produced the scintillating form of the previous round and allowed Burnett to earn a well deserved semi-final place.

Mike Dunn, the Middlesbrough professional, became the first finalist in the new tournament which is to become an annual event in Hartlepool.

Playing some superb snooker he beat David Craggs who did little wrong, 5-1, with breaks of 49, 76 culminating with a magnificent 105 break in the final frame to thrill a capacity audience.

Peter Gilchrist went though 4-1 in an exciting semi-final against fellow professional Michael Rhodes from Durham.

Gilchrist will meet Burnett in the semis on August 16, the same night as the final.

The final will be played immediatley afterwards