Darlington Mowden Park dug deep to register an important home win over Blackheath on Saturday in National One’s evening kick off. A tight game saw the lead change hands on several occasions, with Ollie Walker’s late try proving the difference between the two sides.

A fast start saw both sides looking to attack from deep, as Mowden made a number of early visits to the Blackheath 22. They were soon reduced to 14, however, as Callum Mackenzie was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on. Blackheath were unable to capitalise, and it was Mowden who opened the scoring on 15 minutes. Garry Law broke through the Blackheath defence after a strong scrum on the 22, before finding fellow centre Paul Jarvis who dived over for the try. Warren Seals converted to make it a 7 point lead. Conditions then began to worsen, with heavy rain coming down under the Arena lights, making handling difficult for both sides. Blackheath then worked their way into the DMP red zone, before a quickly taken penalty saw George Shannon sent to the bin for not retreating and a penalty try awarded to the visitors to level the scores. Mowden fans could be forgiven for getting a sense of deja vu, as for the second week running they went into the break 7-14 down. James Newey broke from deep, before finding lock Dom McGeekie for the try to give Blackheath the lead at the break.

Conditions continued to worsen in the second half, and there was no further score until the 68th minute as both sides defended well. It was DMP who got the all important try, as Joe Craggs burrowed over in the corner after a powerful driving maul. Seals was unable to convert from the touchline, leaving Blackheath with a 2 point advantage. A serious of injury stoppages disrupted the flow of the second 40, with both sides making a serious of changes in the final quarter. The away side were then reduced to 14, with flanker Freddie Owen shown yellow for a deliberate knock on. It didn't take DMP long to take advantage of their extra man, with replacement Ollie Walker scoring within just 3 minutes of coming off the bench. Playing with a penalty advantage, the winger chipped over the Blackheath defence and stepped inside the fullback to race under the posts. Garry Law's conversion extended the lead to 5 points, setting up a nervy finish at the Arena. Nerves were eased somewhat when Blackheath prop Matt Collins was sent to the bin for backchat, but the visitors continued to press for a decisive late try until a knock on brought full time and jubilant scenes amongst Mowden players and fans alike.

Mowden now face a trip to Bishop's Stortford in Round 20, before returning to the Arena on Saturday 19th February to face Chinnor.