SPORTS SHORTS

THE Durham branch of the Association of Cricket Officials is running two short courses for individuals interested in becoming an umpire.

The free courses will be held on Sunday, September 18 and Sunday November 6, both at Emirates Durham ICG (10.001.00).

The sessions will provide a quick overview of an umpire’s role and are targeted at individuals and ex-players.

For more details contact Keith Sutherland on 0191 388 7336 or email kgsutherland@btinternet.com.

■■CHAMPIONS Close House defeated Stocksfield 5-0 to lift the Hadrian Golf League’s Davison Cup.

There were wins for Andrew Wilson, James Wilson, Ryan Luke, Nigel Brown and Matt McGrady.

■■THE North East Midweek Cricket League holds its end-of-season meeting at Blue Flames CC in Benton on Friday, September 2 (7.30).

■■NORTHUMBERLAND’s under-15 girls’ team concludes its season with a clash against Leicestershire at Corbridge CC on Sunday (1.00).

The team - made up of players from Kirkley, Benwell Hill, Morpeth, Stocksfield, South Northumberland, Alnmouth and Lesbury and Corbridge - has just clinched league honours for the first time.

■■N ROSE shot a 74 to win Bamburgh Castle Golf Club’s Souter Trophy (gross) ahead of L McGregor (85).

The Mary Brown Trophy (bronze gross) went to A Reed with 107.

■■NEWCASTLE City Cricket Club is staging an adult tournament and family fun day on Sunday, September 4 (10.00).

Eight teams are required for the tournament, which will be eight-a-side with matches of five overs per side.

To register, ring Kash on 07788 219 921 or e-mail newcastle@oneummah.org.uk.

■■NEWCASTLE United Foundation is holding weekly football skills centres for youngsters this autumn.

Sessions will be on Saturdays starting on September 10 at Powerleague, North Shields and Goals Newcastle and Mondays from September 12 at Ponteland Middle School.

For more information, or to enrol, go to the Foundation website.

■■NEWCASTLE United Foundation’s power chair football team has been crowned champions of Division One of the North East Power Chair League for the first time.