Darlington Mowden Park make it back to back home wins on Saturday with a bonus point try over Sale at the Arena. Two tries apiece from centre pairing Ben Frankland and Harry Yates helped DMP to their 7th win of the campaign, climbing to 7th place in the table heading into the Christmas break.

Sale came into the game on the back of three straight wins, but were soon reduced to 14 when Stone Priestley-Nangle saw yellow for a deliberate knock on. Garry Law added the resulting penalty, before Ben Frankland crashed over from close range minutes later to extend the lead. Law added the extras, taking the DMP lead 10. Sale were soon restored to 15 men, and halved the DMP lead when Ted Stagg dotted down from a textbook driving maul. Mowden missed 2 chances to extend their advantage off the tee, but the lead was soon back to 10 when Harry Yates latched onto a brilliant long pass from Joe Craggs to score in the corner.

The strength of the Sale driving maul was apparent, and they had their second try minutes into the second half when Tristan Woodman dived over. The conversion narrowed the gap to 3, but Mowden responded well as Frankland finished well for his second of the day. Sale were then shown yellow again as Ted Stagg was sin binned for a high tackle, but the visitors defended well to hold up the resulting driving maul over the line. It was soon 14 a side though, as Drew Davison was adjudged to have sacked a maul illegally, and Tom Parkin darted over to set up a nervy finale for the home fans. With the lead at 3 points Mowden had a midfield scrum 35m out, and a brilliant finish saw Yates cut a fantastic line through the Sale defence to dive over under the posts. Yates' 10th try of the season earned Mowden a bonus point in victory, and also denied Sale a point in defeat.

Joe Craggs was awarded Man of the Match honours by match sponsors Darlington Building Society after a typically tireless performance. Mowden will once again be pleased with a strong team performance, particularly with many forwards playing out of position due to a mounting injury list. The Christmas break comes at a good time perhaps, and Mowden will hope to welcome back some players from injury in the new year.

National One now heads into a three week break, before Mowden make the trip to Cinderford in Round 15 on Saturday 13th January.

A big thanks to everyone who has supported us this afternoon and throughout 2023. On behalf of everyone at the club we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!