Durham County Under-20s ended their County Championship campaign with a 32-16 win over Cumbria despite being outscored in the second half at Hartlepool Rovers RFC.

A genuine game of two halves saw both sides produce some entertaining running rugby and well worked tries in breezy conditions.

Durham were particularly lively throughout and made good use of all opportunities presented to them.

Flyhalf Cloak ignited the backline well and they created try scoring chances from all over the field.

The Durham forwards were in fine form dominating the opening exchanges by applying good pressure in set pieces. A hungry Durham back row were the pick of forwards in a game which saw them tackle and run their hearts out.

However, Cumbria drew first blood with a penalty from Nicky Gordon (Cockermouth) after only eight minutes.

Durham responded with a classy backs move which started from inside their own half and resulted in a try for Chris Naylor (Gateshead) and a 5-3 Durham lead.

Cumbria were dealt a blow when flanker David Ray (Keswick) was sin binned for stamping. Durham seized upon the numerical advantage and scored a try through Anthony Carr (West Hartlepool).

A now buoyant Durham side became ever more inventive and a blindside break from captain Basey (Durham University) yielded a try for the rampaging Michael Taylor (Hartlepool.) Andrew Greaves (Durham University) added the conversion for a 22-3 lead at half-time.

Cumbria again opened the scoring moments into the second half with a nice opportunistic try from winger Gavin Thompson (Kirby Lonsdale)

However, Durham responded by pressuring the Cumbrian line and their efforts were rewarded when Cloak danced past would-be tacklers deep inside the 22.

Cumbria hit back almost immediately with a penalty from Gordon. But again Durham responded soon after with an unconverted try from Luke Watson (Horden.) A swift and astute change in direction of play saw winger Watson nip in at the right corner.

Cumbria completed the scoring in a highly entertaining game with a try from impressive fullback Michael Bunting (Keswick). Bunting displayed good pace to beat the Durham cover to score in the right corner.

Despite a commendable second half flourish by Cumbria, Durham ran out 32-16 winners.