THE prospect of an all-Darlington Durham Cup final moved a step closer on Wednesday night, but the organisation of the event came under fire as Darlington beat a Blaydon second XV 53-5 in the semi-final and Mowden Park were made to wait another week before visiting Westoe.

With the cup thrown into disarray by rearranged league games, the county decreed that the semi-finals should be played next Wednesday with the final being delayed until June 1 so as not to clash with next month's County Championship.

But the county's three national league clubs have no wish to play a match as late as June 1, so they planned to play the semis this week and the final before the end of the month.

That was scuppered by Westoe, who preferred not to play this week as they had a tough game at Twickenham last Saturday.

Cup holders Blaydon agreed to go ahead with their Wednesday match against Darlington even though they felt obliged to field their second team because they still need a point to ensure National Three North safety.

Darlington's player-coach Craig Lee said: "It's been a long season and everybody wants a rest in June. We would rather play the final in August as part of our build-up for next season. The county cup is full of history, but the leagues are more important now and that's the way Blaydon looked at it. The lads who turned out for them did their best, but the county need to step back and look at it."

Darlington had lock Richard Snowball making his comeback after injury on Wednesday but he made way for his brother James after 30 minutes.

They also introduced a new centre in David Birkin, a Newcastle University student, in the second half, while reserve hooker David Taylor did well.

Darlington led 30-0 at half-time and tries were scored by Del Lewis (2), Dan Miller (2), David Glendenning, Frankie Coulson and David Taylor, with David Kell adding goal points.

Darlington had further cause during a 47-18 defeat at Fylde on Saturday to be grateful that they achieved National Three North safety with key players remaining relatively injury-free.

Mowden had no game on Saturday and with two games left both Darlington clubs remain locked together on 51 points.

Mowden visit champions Halifax tomorrow and finish off at home to Fylde next week while Darlington entertain Kendal tomorrow then visit Halifax.