GRASSROOTS SHORTS

WHITLEY Braves travel to Nottingham on Sunday (5.30) in English Under-18 North Division Two.

That will be followed by Whitley Renegades meeting Nottingham in an Under-20 League encounter (7.30).

Whitley Bay Arrows entertain Manchester Storm in an English Under-11 North League Division One at Hillheads on Sunday (face-off 12.30). ■■NEWCASTLE Falcons’ players will be putting youngsters through their paces at Percy Park RFC on Sunday.

They will take part in training sessions with the North Tyneside club’s minis section (under-six to under-12s) who are managed by the Falcons’ Academy coach James Ponton (pictured above). ■■THERE was disappointment for North cuemen Sam Craigie and John Astley in the last-64 playoffs of the 888 Sport European Masters Championship in Lomell, Belgium.

Wallsend’s Craigie (pictured) lost 4-3 to home favourite Luca Brecel.

Gateshead’s Astley took the first frame 70-2 against London’s Michael Geogeou - but Geogeou clinched the next four frames 71(57)-18, 74(61)-37, 92(64)-10, 72-58. ■■ALNMOUTH Golf Club has won a national award from England Golf.

The fourth oldest golf club in England - it will mark its 150th anniversary in 2019 - Alnmouth has achieved the prestigious GolfMark award for its work in promoting the game. ■■THE first round of the Bluefin Sport Insurance NFA Women’s Cup is staged on Sunday.

Ties (all 1.30) are Prudhoe Town v Cramlington United, Alnwick Town v Wallsend BC and Newbiggin Hall v Newcastle United. ■■STEVE Clark won Barnesbury Cycling Club’s annual Hill Climb Championships in a time of 2 min 26 secs.

Second was Dean Madden (2 mins 52 sewcs) and third Andy Hale (2 mins 56 secs).

First schoolboy home was George Cranston in 4 mins 49 secs. ■■TYNESIDE Badminton Centre will stage the annual Northumberland Restricted Singles Tournament on Sunday, October 22 (9.00-7.00). ■■JUNIOR, youth and schools football reports in tomorrow night’s Grassroots Sport.