An Explosion of interest helps new side; Basketball.

EAGLESCLIFFE Explosion have received a life-giving National Lottery grant worth almost pounds 7,500.

Explosion is a new club founded last year and play senior basketball in Teesside League Division Two, finishing third in our first season.

Delighted club chairman Gary Ferguson said: "We have just received a National Lottery grant from Awards for All to the tune of pounds 7468.

"This allows the club to develop in a big way. Along with training and playing kit, basketballs, table equipment and other essentials required to run a club, we have also purchased an electronic scoreboard for match nights. "The club is coached by Middlesbrough Lions player and level II coach Damian Warriner," added Gary.

"We have an excellent assistant coach in Imran Yasin. We were awarded most improved club by the Teesside Basketball League in our first season and aim to take the club forward in the next few years by developing a junior section to support the excellent work that is going on at the senior level."

Anyone is interested in playing for Explosion should contact Gary on 07818 215044.

Training nights are on Fridays at Egglescliffe School (7pm-8pm, juniors-U14) and (7pm-9pm seniors). Training costs pounds 1 per hour and players of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend.