In a cracking game at the Darlington Arena, both sets of spectators were witness to a fine rugby display, where ‘no quarter was asked and none given’, with open, free flowing entertainment on show, with Mowden unlucky to miss out by a point to a team currently occupying the gold medal position in National League 2 (North)

Given the threat of rain forecast at some stage of proceedings, ultimately none materialised, with conditions perfect for one of the better games seen at Mowden’s HQ for some time.

It was the visitors who broke the ice, with scrum half Eliott Fisher scampering over from close range from a lineout (0 -5), after four minutes.

Mowden took the lead after a further three minutes, when winger James BENT, levelled (5 – 5) and Junior NEWTON converted to edge the home side in front. (7 – 5)

Parity was established early on in the set pieces and Mowden appeared to drag Sheffield into an open and expansive game that they had probably not been exposed to in previous games so far this season. However, they too were up for it and obliged with similar.

Mowden scored again after a further two minutes when powerful back rower Simon UZOKWE barged over from short range (12 – 5), with NEWTON looking assured and successful with the afters. (14 – 5)

Sheffield responded with a try by hooker William Archer (14 – 10), with another conversion missed by Callum Posa.

As the game approached the second quarter, Sheffield found a ‘purple patch’ of possession, scoring two good tries prior to the break, the first from burly centre William Smith. followed by the second via former Rotherham No. 8 Zac Poole, one of which was converted by Posa. (14 – 22)

Mowden fought back, with a typical burst from centre Jacob OLIVER, (19 – 22), converted by NEWTON. (21 – 24)

On resumption of play, Mowden upped the pace and intensity of the game. However, some resolute defences thwarted their advances and the scoreboard remained bereft of further interference for the whole of the third quarter.

Then, completely against the run of play, Sheffield man of the match Zac Poole intercepted on the halfway line and ran in under the posts, for a decisive try (21 – 27), converted by Posa (21 – 29)

Mowden man of the match Harrison WOOD, reduced the deficit with a good try from forward pressure (26 – 29), converted by NEWTON. (28 – 29)

As the clock ran down, Mowden lay siege to the Sheffield line, but were continually thwarted by some excellent defence from the league leaders.

With the last play of the game, Mowden went all in, battering the Sheffield line, creating a three-on-one overlap. Just when the occasion was all set up for them to take the win, the single Sheffield defender, skilfully guessed and then intercepted what would have been the scoring pass and the game was over.

A losing bonus point, coupled with a try bonus point, ultimately seemed scant reward for Mowden’s efforts. However, taking nothing away from Sheffield, they are probably a more established and resilient outfit than the predominantly young guns at Mowden, who’s time, on the evidence of this performance, will come sooner rather than later.

Last game of 2025 next weekend as the lads travel to Tynedale for another tough test.

COME ON YOU PARK!