A challenging route to the Durham County RFU Final saw DMP's U16's overcome challenges from Stockton, Yarm & Durham before deservedly earning a place in the final for a successive season against Ryton RFC.

Hartlepool Old Boys provided the venue - a heavy pitch, but the weather conditions held off, just.

Referee David Swainson officiating as Jack Husdon started proceedings with his usual high ball, which was knocked on by Ryton giving Mowden early advantage with the put in. A great scrum, but slow ball - Sam Anderson with a probing run, knocked on in the contact. Ryton won the scrum, but DMP's forwards quickly turned the ball, better ball this time with the ball quickly moving across the backs creating space for Will Lanagan to exploit, sprinting clear of the pursuing defence to score on 2minutes.Try Sam Anderson scuffed his kick - the ground heavy underfoot.
2 mins: 0-5

Mowden had started brightly - quick to the breakdown, and they needed to be as Rytons' forwards looked full of energy & running. The re-start saw Joe Johnstone collect and take the ball deep into the opposition half, support from the forwards saw the ball recycled through a number of phases, before Ryton counter-attacked taking the game back to Mowden. DMP conceded a penalty within kicking range, Ryton missed out on the chance to put points on the board.

Joe Johnstone intercepted a loose pass releasing Will Lanagan, but DMP missed out on a good opportunity as a couple of overlaps went ignored. Ryton looked strong in the lineout - despite recent good work by the forwards - Mowden looking stronger in the scrum.

It was from a set piece call at the next scrum which saw Will Swinbank ship quick ball to wing Matthew Hanmer, who handed off his opposite number before running in under the posts from 30m out. Jack Hudson with an easy conversion. Try & Conversion

13 mins: 0-12

Ryton responded immediately, pushing deep into the Mowden 22, a great lineout allowing their forwards to set up a great driving maul, over the line - but Mowden managed to put bodies around the ball, holding it up. Ryton now turning the screw were camped 5m out, another lucky escape before Ryton set up another driving maul - Mowden forgetting to take legs in the tackle as F Adamson drove over for a well deserved try. A sliced conversion attempt limited the damage..

19 mins: 5-12

Ryton had their tails up, Mowden were making some basic errors and conceding soft penalties - more discipline was required. Keeping the ball within the forwards Ryton played 7/8 phases deep in Mowden territory - DMP were being sucked into Rytons game plan, instead of their own flowing Rugby.

Ryton dominated the line-out's , often uncontested - DMP needed to raise their game. Joe Johnstone stepped up to the mark releasing quick ball to Matthew Hanmer, continuing the supporting play this pair took the ball deep into the 22. The ball was recycled by the forwards, but a knock on in the tackle conceded the scrum to Ryton. Mowdens strength in the scrum was such that a play was called in the event of a turnover - scrum half Will Swinbank picking up and selling a dummy opened up a great channel for him to run clear & score out on the left. TRY Jack Hudson clearly with his kicking boots on curled a delightful kick inside the right upright..

27 mins: 5 - 19

Jake Gardiner collected cleanly off the top of the lineout - quick ball had been called, Rytons' defence held firm, snuffing out the usual play maker Kieran Hogg with some excellent midfield tackling, but this allowed others to step up to the mark. Joe Johnstone finished an excellent first half display feeding Will Lanagan on the wing who ran home from 30m for his second of the day. Sam Anderson slotted an excellent kick between the posts from wide out on the right. Try & Conversion

33 mins: 5 - 26

The re-start saw the kick drop into the hands of Will Lanagan, who narrowly missed out on another score as the covering player eventually put him into touch. Moments later the half drew to a close - Mowden worthy of the lead, swift handling to the wide players yielding points.

Half Time: Mowden leading 5 - 26

Theo Colley on for Josh Armstrong, Ryton starting much brighter - the oranges clearly having a positive effect. The pattern of play resumed - Ryton keeping it the forwards, Mowden looking to spin the ball wide at every opportunity.

Ryton were rewarded early in the half, a well set driving maul gathered momentum 10m out - DMP failing to commit players, a great move and thoroughly deserved - D Lax with the try - F Adams kicking the conversion.

39 mins: 12 - 26

Mowden were being pulled out of shape, as Ryton continued to apply pressure through the midfield, DMP squandering possession under pressure and looking for that "solo run".

Scrums proved to be the decisive area of the match - Mowden often securing quick ball. Deep in the 22, Mowden secured the ball against the put in, great passing saw the ball switch from right to left, full back Sam Anderson joining the line, outside centre & wing drawing their players to create the opening for Sam Anderson to add to the total. Jack Hudson with another great kick extending the lead to 21 points.

45 mins: 12 - 33

DMP began to ring the changes, Ross Harll, Sam Anderson & Nathan Newton making way for Alasdair Cunningham, Thomas Eddison & Danny Johnson. Moments later Daniel Hope & Will Lanagan made way for Jack Wears & Dominic Russell.

Ryton continued to take the game to DMP - spending long periods camped in the 22 with little reward - Mowden's resilient defence was holding firm. A war of attrition ensued, DMP falling into the trap set by Ryton - keeping the ball tight within their forwards restricting Mowden and limiting the chances to get the ball wide.

Head Coach Del Russell could be heard pleading for the forwards to get the ball wide.

Mowden finally introduced Kieran "the destroyer" Goddard - an untimely comfort break costing the powerful wing 10 minutes pitch time - his impact was almost immediate, a sloppy pass the only thing preventing a clean run down the outside.

Ryton continued to press into the dying moments - much the better side in the second half, another lineout, great driving maul - Mowden finally committing players to stop the juggernaught short of the line.

The referee blew for full time much to the jubilation of the players & parents alike - Mowden worthy winners after a fine first half performance, the second period much more evenly contested. Ryton played some entertaining rugby, with both teams contributing to a great match - a game played in the best traditions of Rugby.

County Champions !

A great performance from the entire squad and those players missing due to injury. Casualty corner cheered the lads on and we now look forward to the remainder of the season, Cheshire Tour and the Harrogate festival.

Congratulations & Well Done All