The traditional roller hockey domestic season has just come to an end with both the national and northern cup finals having taken place in June.

Northern Counties Club, Middlesbrough turned out to be the cream of the country's crop with appearances in six out of the nine finals available to them and was crowned champions in four of them.

The northern finals day was played at the newly refurbished Albert Park in Middlesbrough in front of 500 spectators as well as representatives from Tyne Tees TV, Radio Cleveland, TFM, Eurosport and many newspaper reporters.

The Middlesbrough club competed at under 13s, under 15s, under 17s, and seniors with the clubs players experiencing various emotions, the under 13s were unfortunately defeated by Manchester, the under 15s defeating Manchester. Under 17s defeated Grimsby on penalties and the seniors again defeating Manchester with great ease.

In the national finals Middlesbrough competed at both under 15s and senior level, both age groups now going for the cup double. Whilst the under 15s achieved their aim and defeated Letchworth and senior players were defeated on penalties by league champions Herne Bay.

Other awards received by the region's referees Martin Sims, Grimsby - most improved northern referee and Kenny Stockton, Middlesbrough - referee of the year.

Willington based referee Mike Richardson, was also given the honour following on from his officiating at last season European schoolboys and ladies championships, of taking charge of both the senior finals.

Mike Richardson will in two weeks time take charge of a Spain v Portugal challenge game, as well as later in the year having already been invited to the European schoolboy championships (France), the ladies world championship (Italy) and the men's world group B championships (Uruguay).

Anyone interested in taking up traditional roller hockey should contact the two clubs at Middlesbrough and Willington - please contact Rainbow Centre Coulby Newham and Spectrum Leisure Complex.

Anyone interested in assisting with referee sponsorship as all referees do so at their own expense please contact Glyn Thomas on 01924 271407.

Northern Counties Roller Hockey Association is also looking for a sponsor for the coming league season. The association's leagues cover an area between Grimsby, Manchester, Scotland, Derbyshire giving any interested company a large coverage area. Anyone interested in helping please contact Glyn Thomas on 01924 271407