Not only did the 1ST XV return to the highest level of rugby it has ever attained, but the long awaited move to new premises materialised, albeit to a totally different location to which was originally envisaged.

From an ‘on the field’ perspective, having been promoted as Champions of National League 3 (North) in the 2011/12 season, into SS National League 2 (North), it might have been expected that consolidation would have been the order of the day. However, finishing in third position, the season materialised into a great success and although Hull Ionians deserved their promotion outright, had certain results gone the other way, the play-offs were certainly attainable.

The particular brand of fast, free flowing rugby on show from the team was entertaining and productive, with the backs scoring the most tries in the league, with winger Chris McTURK weighing in with 24 of them.

County honours were bestowed on Chris McTURK (Yorkshire), Grant Connon (Northumberland) and Ralph APPLEBY, Ben SIMPSON, Callum McKenzie and Tom LARDER (Durham), with Guy VAN DEN DRIES being selected for the England Counties U/20’s tour of Georgia.

It should be noted that all players who represented the 1ST XV during the course of the season, contributed to the success on the field, whether that was just for one game or as a mainstay week in week out.

With the current players retained and notable additions acquired to strengthen squad to be announced, preparations for the 2013/14 season are well under way and another league campaign eagerly anticipated.

Fond farewells were said to club stalwarts Dan MILLER and Andrew TONKIN, who announced they were moving on and retiring respectively.

From an ‘off the field’ perspective, the acquisition of the 25,000-seater Northern Echo Arena provided the club with a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only provide first class facilities for players, members and supporters, but also to be able to generate revenue without having to rely solely on one bar as has happened in the past.

The response by members, supporters and the general public in Darlington has been fantastic, the inaugural game against Bromsgrove attracting a crowd of over 2000 and in subsequent home games attendances have more than doubled on any previous season at Yiewsley Drive.

Demand for the 30 hospitality boxes has phenomenol and the take up on the various function rooms continues to exceed expectations.

All 20 sides from the various sections within the club are continuing to flourish and the next phase of the new era sees the club extending to the building of new pitches outside of the Arena, which is well under way, auguring well for the future of Darlington Mowden Park RFC.

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR NEW ADDITIONS TO THE SQUAD.