U16's win County Cup

What a day!!!!! DMP U16s, County Champions! Bloody Fantastic.......! Plenty to cover but will deal with the match first.....

As the team met at the Arena for a brief team talk, the mood was tense and a little subdued as the boys focused on the task ahead. The nerves were heightened as the team's number one supporter for the past 9 years, Andy Beasley, was absent. Houghton (venue) were also concerned as they had ordered extra beer not realising he was missing! (Apologies, that sounds like an obituary, to be clear he was only working!)

Warm up drills were smoothly executed, as the two teams sized each other up. A fitting final was in store between the two best teams in Durham this season. They say "...it's grim up North...," and they would be right - whilst London basked in a sultry 20 degrees, Houghton was misty and dank as the game kicked off...

Mowden kicked off and pressure saw them reclaim the ball. Battle was fierce, and it was clear how much the match meant to both teams. Mowden played some great rugby, retaining and recycling the ball, setting up camp in the Billingham 22 for most of the first quarter. However, the crowd started to become anxious as early pressure was not being converted to points as the last pass went astray. Eventually the pressure told and Josh went over in the corner for a 5-0 lead.

The contest was immense, and some of the tackling was brutal as both teams sought to get the upper hand. Mowden continued to play the better rugby, and dominate possession, however the next score went to Billingham as they scored a break away try which was converted, giving them a 7-5 lead. This seemed to galvanise Billingham and they started to play some great rugby and the Mowden defence needed to be resolute to rebuff the Billingham attacks. The ferocity and impact of the tackling by both sides underlined just how much this game meant to all players. Just before half time, Billingham spread the ball wide, but their winger just failed to touch the ball down in the corner, spilling the ball to set up a 5 metre scrum.

Half time, and a much needed chance for all to catch their breath, and that was just the supporters. As expected the game was as tight as a Scotsman's wallet!

The second half kicked off with no reduction in impact or heart, with both teams playing some fantastic rugby. Mowden maintained their pressure and Matty Wray scored two tries in quick succession to take Mowden to a 15-7 lead. However, whilst good to be more than a score in front, there was no time to relax, and Billingham continued to press and apply pressure, which finally saw the brave Mowden defence breached with another converted try. We entered the last 10 minutes with the narrowest lead of 15-14. The last 10 minutes felt like hours, and during this time Billingham showed why they are such a great side as they would not accept defeat and kept running the ball from all areas. The Mowden defence was up to the task (just) and managed to repel the green and white waves. At one point it looked like Billingham had breached the defence, the crowd held their breath, resigned to a winning score, when like a swooping falcon, Kamal saved the day with a last ditch tackle! Finally, Mowden won the put in to a scrum and the final whistle went.

This was a great game, played hard, fairly and in a great spirit. So fine are the margins between winning and losing, the players reactions said it all at the end with elation for Mowden and despair for Billingham, it was a great game and all boys on both sides should be very proud of how they played.

There were some fantastic individual performances, however, do not intend to single anyone out (other then mention of the try scorers), as this was a victory for all 29 boys in the squad who have made sure that this has been a successful season, and all have played a part in the victory on Sunday.....so to Rowan, James A, Savas, Jacob,James D, Sam K, Tom G, Callum, Tom B, Matty W, Chris, Dan G, Angus, Kamal, Josh, James P, Sam S, Dan S, Sam F, Nathan, Alex, Findlay, Simon, Harry, Reece, Matty W, Dillon, Ollie, and Liam - well done all, fantastic game, you are a joy to watch, and should be very proud of what you achieved on Sunday, and the season over all. Brilliant!

The following highlights the progress that this team has made, as to win the cup this year you have beaten not just Billingham in the final, but Durham City and Sunderland in earlier rounds. Not to mention other wins against the likes of Beverley, Blaydon and Hull, and a competitive match against Barnard Castle school. A couple of years ago, we struggled to be competitive with these teams, let alone beat them. 10 of the starting team yesterday would have started when this team played U12 rugby, and puts into perspective the incredible progress you have all made in terms of technique, fitness, and most of all attitude as you have grown up together. Hats off to the coaching team too for the time and knowledge they have invested in this group of boys.

And finally, tradition would suggest that I mention Rowan, however will refrain, as along with the other 28 he was outstanding, and didn't trip over once!