A Classic Darlo Derby - not for the faint hearted.

In an arena that has hosted some great rugby this weekend, with the England and Scotland teams entertaining thousands, this game was not to disappoint.
In keeping with the passion that the Calcutta Cup generates the ‘Auld’ rivals from Blackwell Meadows travelled the short distance to the Northern Echo Arena for the second inter-Darlington fixture of the season. Both teams contained a mixture of school friends, but any familiarity or off field friendships were quickly put to one side for 70 minutes and a fantastic game of rugby took place, with no quarter asked and no quarter given.
From the first whistle the passion for the game of rugby and the players’ respective clubs was clearly evident with local bragging rights at stake.
The first half was played with such intensity and commitment, players put their bodies on the line time after time to try and give their respective team the edge. But for the majority of the half the game was deadlocked with neither team taking a step back or giving an inch. Despite some aggressive attacking play and plenty of possession by Mowden, Darlington finally broke the deadlock and crossed the Mowden whitewash, much to the relief of their supporters who weren’t expecting the wall of Blue and White that was holding back everything that was thrown at it.
As the first half came to a close the game was still very much open, with neither team having it their own way with all to play for in the second half. With an enforced substitution due to Glenno’s impromptu nose job, the team started the second half with the same spirit that they finished the previous period. The second half started as a mirror image of the first, the impact of tackles could be heard around the arena and with physicality in contact, that would have killed a football player, was evident from every player on the pitch, we might be able to get this fixture sponsored by Deep Heat or Radox in the future.
Darlington were first to score again but they didn’t have it all their own way with a textbook Josh Brown try, strong straight running crashing through the Darlington defensive line. Towards the final quarter the intensity and sheer physical effort that the Mowden team had demonstrated throughout took its toll and gaps were exploited to give Darlington their final scores. The whole team had literally left everything on the pitch, the sheer desire, passion and courage from everybody was evident to the loyal supporters from both sides.
Yet another classic local rugby derby between two great sides. With such passion on display the game required effective, calm management and referee Trevor Alley provided this and ensured a tough physical game of rugby that was played in the spirit of the game.
We send our wishes for a speedy recovery to Thomas ' Mike Tindall' Glenning and Jordan ' Harry Potter' McPherson (chicks dig scars!) for their respective injuries.

MotM :- Matty Strzelczyk