THEY may have been on the wrong end of a rather unflattering 48-0 scoreline, but you would never have known it.

For the noise generated by the 1,000-strong Barney Army inside the hallowed ground of Twickenham seemed to intensify as the final few minutes of the match ticked away.

Sadly, Barnard Castle School, in County Durham, was beaten for the second time in two years in the final of the Daily Mail Schools Rugby Cup.

But vocal to the end, their supporters continued to scream encouragement, urging the team to get on the scoresheet.

The chants of "Barney Army" even drowned out the fans of opponents Colston's Collegiate, from Bristol, who have lifted the cup seven times.

Despite the disappointment, those who travelled from Teesdale enjoyed the occasion.

They included pupils, parents, friends, Old Barnardians, two school bands and representatives from Barnard Castle Town Council.

Even the school ski trip, returning from France that day, was picked up at a service station just outside London before Saturday's game.

The school's rugby master, Martin Pepper, said: "I don't think we really did ourselves justice and Colston's just seemed to get better throughout the match.

"However, we have only lost two games in two seasons now and both have been at Twickenham. It has been a great experience for the team and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself - apart from the result."

Barnard Castle were without one of their best players, Mathew Tait, who is on tour with the England U19s in South Africa.

Team captain James Carver from Heighington, said: "Obviously it would have been good to have him, but one man does not make a team. Colston's were awesome and we never really turned up on the day."

Before the match, confidence was high in a Barnard Castle side that was only narrowly defeated in last year's final.

But it was not to be. Within four minutes of kick-off, they conceded a try, converted by Colston's captain, Ryan Davis, whose ability and kicking skills had a considerable impact on the game.

Although the Barnard Castle pack played well against larger opposition, winning many of the lineouts and scrums, the team never recovered and finished the first half trailing 24-0.

There was more of the same in the second half, with Colston's scoring four tries and two conversions to take the game 48-0. Despite the defeat, the mood was, if anything, more buoyant on the long journey home.

Nick Carver, who had made the journey to cheer on his nephew, James, said: "To get here two years in a row, that is the real achievement as it is a small squad. This really puts Barney on the map, and with any luck they will be here next year."