DMPRFC 29 MIDDLESBROUGH RFC 23

A performance that at times was brilliant and at times slightly frustrating. Mowden Park started the stronger and following a straight forward penalty by Gavin Painter, a superb individual break by Painter and a deft final pass put Robin Eatough in for a try after 10 mins. With Painter converting and the score at 10 nil, the Middlesbrough side looked shell shocked; with Mowden playing all the rugby it looked like a big score was on the cards. Credit to the Boro half backs, who were dangerous throughout, as after 24 mins the scores were, somewhat against the run of play, level – a penalty and a converted try by the hosts. At 10 all Danny Brown rallied his troops and a try by Matt Lister and two Gavin Painter penalties made the score 21-10 to Mowden at half time. A good first half and the scoreline no way reflected the dominance of the Mowden side.

Middlesbrough are never an easy side to put away and the second half was always going to be a test of the Mowden players ability to maintain the tempo that they enjoyed in the first half. The first 20 mins were scoreless until a penalty by Boro brought the score to 21–13 in Mowdens favour. Richie Young was the benefactor of fine Mowden inter play after 65mins and with the score at 26-13 and only 15 mins left the game looked over. Middlesbrough had other ideas and a fine try created by the ever alert and dangerous Middlesbrough half backs brought the score to 26–18. Gavin Painter steadied the ship with a penalty to keep the gap to 11 points – 29-18 with only minutes to go.

Those that were at the game will tell you more about the next episode – a try by Middlesbrough in the corner. Disappointing as this allowed Middlesbrough a losing bonus point.

Final score Darlington Mowden Park 29 Middlesbrough 23.

A win away at Middlesbrough is always a significant achievement and the performance totally deserved the 4 points (should it have been a bonus point win also!).

Danny and the boys played with confidence and pace – a trait that must be utilised week in week out. Another massive game by James Knox (pictured) and the back row as a unit were outstanding.

Well done lads.