Darlington Mowden Park 15 Blaydon 14

Having lead from the 3rd minute of the game to the 10th minute of time added on Blaydon were pipped at the post when Darlington full-back Caolin Ryan put over a penalty with the very last kick. In a much improved all-round performance they held a 0-14 lead going into the final quarter but somewhat ran out of steam in the face of constant attacking by the home side who with 2 late tries deservedly took the game.
Chances were few and far between in the first half with Darlington moves snuffed out well short of the line and it was Blaydon in front at the break with a brace of penalties from Andrew Baggett.
Soon after the restart Baggett was on target again to make it 0-9, and in their best spell Blaydon grabbed their only try of the game. A catch and drive had just been repulsed but when the visitors pack tried again they moved it on to scrum-half Nathan Horsfall who made progress to find Tom Bramwell, and the winger shot between the centres for an unconverted score.
Ryan got Darlington on the score-sheet with a close range effort after some excellent inter passing and then added the conversion himself and with the home side scenting blood they piled on the pressure.
Blaydon tackled non-stop but lost 2 players in quick succession to the sin-bin and it was no surprise when lock-forward Talite Vaioeti was on hand to touch down a second try and reduce the gap to just 1 point.
With time running out and Darlington still pressing a late tackle was penalised and the reliable Ryan made no mistake with the winning kick.

John Brennan