GIRLS: Hundreds of female footballers from across the North-East had to overcome unseasonal climatic conditions as well as the opposition at the weekend.

The fourth annual Durham FA and Durham Police Girls' Seven-a-Side tournament is usually played out in balmy mid-summer sunshine in the picturesque grounds at force headquarters at Aykley Heads.

But the heavy rain, and even occasional hailstorms, made life difficult both on and off the pitch for players and spectators alike.

Matches were staged on a round robin group basis with qualifiers emerging in the knock-out quarter and semi-finals to produce finalists at four age group levels.

Saturday saw Sunderland 24/7 reach both Under-10s and Under-12s' finals. Although the Under-10s beat Cramlington to take their title, the Under-12s were beaten in a penalty shoot-out by Norton and Stockton Ancients.

Sunday saw the older age group categories contested, with Sunderland 24/7 adding the Under-14 crown, after 1-0 victories over both Lumley in the semis and Blyth Town in the final.

Chester-le-Street Town emerged as comfortable winners of the Under-16s beating Blyth Town 2-0 in the final, with Consett and Lumley the beaten semi-finalists.

FOOTBALL: RA Ladies start their pre-season training this coming Thursday, 15th July, at the Brinkburn Road Ground. Training is taken by a highly experience and qualified coach, all players old and new are most welcome. For more details contact John Boyd (01325) 284183.