Darlington Mowden Park recorded a well earned away win over Tonbridge Juddians on Saturday thanks to tries from Euan McKirdy and Ollie Hodgson, plus 20 points from the boot of Warren Seals on his 100th appearance for the club.

DMP made an ideal start, as a trademark Will Jones jackal earned a penalty inside the opening minute which Seals duly converted. Two more Seals penalties followed to give Mowden a 0-9 lead after 10 minutes. Momentum then swung Tonbridge’s way, as Ralph Appleby was sent to the bin for an infringement at the breakdown and TJ’s scampered over in the corner soon after. Mowden were then reduced to 13 when fellow prop Alfie Barron was yellow carded for a no-arms tackle close to the line. The hosts took full advantage, taking the lead on the 20 minute mark from a well judged chip ahead from fly half Tom White. Seals then levelled the scores with his fourth penalty of the afternoon, before his fifth gave Mowden a 12-15 lead as they were restored to 15 men. Their lead was extended soon after with a well-worked try for Euan McKirdy. A strong carry from Freddie Lockwood gave DMP front foot ball, before sharp hands from the backs saw Liam Checksfield race down the right wing and find McKirdy on his inside for the score. Seals added the extras, and there was still time for a 6th penalty of the half to take the score to 12-25 at the break.

The second half began and saw TJ’s reduced to 14 after a high tackle on Louie Johnson in midfield. Mowden were then themselves down a man, when Liam Checksfield was adjudged to have denied a clear tryscoring opportunity, leading to a yellow card and a penalty try to reduce the gap to 6 points. Mowden then restored their lead to 11 points with a brilliant team try. Great hands from Craggs and Crickmay saw Ralph Appleby make ground on the right touchline, before play was switched to the left and Ollie Hodgson dotted down from a Chris McTurk chip. Mowden came close to extending their lead when Louie Johnson broke through the middle, but the supporting McKirdy was hauled down metres short of the line. There was time for Tonbridge to earn 2 bonus points with a late try for Tom Nicol, but Mowden held on for an important win.

Mowden will now enjoy a rest weekend courtesy of the cancelled fixture against OEs, before another long away trip to Plymouth on Saturday 4th December.