With Yarm boasting an impressive 2-year undefeated record, the Mowden lads knew they would have to be at their best to compete in this keenly awaited local derby.

However, the game started to form with Yarm scoring 2 tries inside the first 5 minutes; a strong counter ruck from the Yarm pack on the Mowden 22 left the defence exposed and the ball was moved quickly and clinically for the Yarm winger to run in unopposed in the corner (0-5). Despite monumental tackling, led by the impressive Brown, a virtual repeat situation 2 minutes later culminated in the Yarm no 8 picking up the ball from the ruck and driving over for the score (0-10).

After this poor start, the Park fans were concerned that the game might descend into one way traffic, but from the resulting kick off, Yarm knocked the ball forwards, and the ref called the first scrum of the game in what proved to be the trigger for the Mowden fightback. The front row of Bearpark, Stokell, and Law who was making his first ever start at Loose head, along with Macdonald and Wind in the second row, showed what a night on the scrum machine had done. Coach MacDonald’s smile was as wide as the river Clyde as the shocked Yarm pack were driven backwards.

Patterson, who played superbly throughout, quickly shifted the ball out to the backs for the first meaningful attack of the game for Mowden. Only excellent scrambled defence by the Yarm backline preventing a try as both Rodgers and Nicol went close.

For the remainder of the half Park camped in the Yarm 22, consistently out rucking, and out competing their opponents to launch a tidal wave of attacks. The back row of Ward, Nelson and Myers were playing like men possessed to resecure ball, forcing the Yarm pack into a series of mistakes. Only magnificent defence by the Yarm back line, who tackled superbly throughout the game, prevented Mowden from crossing. Mowden will reflect that some steeper lines and better decision making could have made a difference and for all their possession, it was Yarm who scored again against the run of play in what was their third and final visit to the Mowden half. A tap penalty was quickly moved down the line for the winger to run home at leisure. (0-15 HT).

Despite the score the Mowden team were not downhearted, and after some rousing words from Coach Brown, the second half began as most of the first half had been played – in the opposition 22. After relentless pressure, the Yarm defence finally cracked, and Myers finished under the posts for Brown to convert (7-15). Almost immediately though, Yarm rallied and went up field. An infringement on the 22 resulted in another penalty, which was quickly tapped and moved; despite a valiant attempt by Watkinson the rest of the Park defence was found sleeping and Yarm skipped over unchallenged in the corner (7-20).

Park fought back again and after incredible defence, when Yarm somehow held out Shepherd and Bearpark, Nicol smashed over from a yard out (12-20).

Yarm were clearly rattled and DMP nearly closed the scores again after a line break from Drought who looked to be leaving the defence in his wake, only to be caught by an outstanding tap tackle from the Yarm full back.

However, after a scrappy few minutes of play, Yarm secured a bouncing ball on the 15m line, and a clever off load resulted in a fine try for Yarm (12-27).

With 3 minutes to go, Park went back up the other end, secured the ball and Delaidriti went blind and hot stepped his way through 4 defenders to score under the posts which brown converted for the final play of the game (19-27).

Although defeated, the team could hold their head high, after what was a fantastic performance. The pack were outstanding throughout, and the backline tackled brilliantly all day. On another day it could have gone our way, but it is a measure of how far this side has come in the last few months; a side that could have folded in the summer is now able to give what is probably the best side in their age group in the North East such a competitive game. Great things await this bunch of lads.???

Hats off to Yarm too; their backline was defensively excellent and despite having a lot less ball than Park, they were absolutely clinical when chances came their way. We wish them well in the next round. Mowden U14s will continue on in the plate competition.

Match Report by Tristan Drought