Durham Under-15 travelled to Wigton on Sunday for the first match of their season and beat Cumbria 43-5.

A strong set of mobile forwards, a clever and an astute pair of half backs and a fast and hard running set of three-quarters proved too much for a Cumbria team who tried hard but were not able to win any good ball.

The first half try came from winger Lewis Collier (Yarm and Darlington) who scored in the corner after a good orthodox passing movement. Scrum half and captain Michael Young (Brierton and West Hartlepool) then scored two tries in quick succession, the first a great individual try, running in from 50 yards and then a chip ahead which he chased and outpaced the defence to the line and he scored close enough for the conversion by fly half Alex Leigh (Yarm and Darlington). Cumbria then scored a good try when strong running winger Tom Gardner (Carlisle) rounded the defence to score in the corner, making the score 17-5 to Durham.

In the second half a miss move allowed full back Rory Clegg (Barnard Castle and Darlington) to join the line and score and then Young completed his hat trick of tries when he was first to a kick ahead in the Cumbria 22. He collected it and dived over in the corner. Leigh converted both with fine kicks and then he converted a try by flanker Nick Ridgeon (St.Wilfrid's and Westoe) who seized on a tap back and strode 20m to the line. The scoring was completed when lock Andrew Rodenby (Hermitage and Chester-le-Street) picked up a loose ball in the Cumbria 22 and squirmed over for a try which was converted by Leigh.

Durham University 3rd XV 45 v 26 Durham County Under-20s

Durham County Under-20s and Durham University 3rd XV produced both quality and entertaining rugby, but it was the University that ran out 45-26 in a friendly encounter at Durham City.

An even first half saw expansive rugby from both sides but the University outscored Durham County two tries to one. Gary McDermott and Luke Watson touching down for the University and Matthew Brown scoring for the County.

The University started the second half with a series of quick tries from McAllister, Greaves and Rob McDermott, with Gary McDermott adding two conversions.

A determined County side hit back with a cheeky try from Jonathan Cloak, fly-half Sainty tagging on a touchline conversion.

Pacey wingman Greaves touched down for his second try and Willgoss completed the University scoring with a try under the posts. Gary McDermott converting both tries.

However, a late surge from Durham County yielded tries for Lamb and Metcalfe. Sainty converted both scores to make the final score 45-26 in favour of the University side.

Richmondshire RUFC

Richmondshire resumed their fight to hold onto the top spot of Northumberland Durham Three on Saturday, with a first versus second spot Whitley Bay Rockcliffe. From the kick off it was the Rockcliffe's hungry pack that struck the first blow forcing the Shire into conceding a penalty within the first five minutes. The boot from the Rockcliffe full back saw them with the first points on the board. Rockcliffe continued the pressure which forced another penalty and a further three points.

Sadly a Rockcliffe player had to retire due to an injury to his shoulder following a tackle.

After some hard work between backs and fowards Rockliffe forwards were forced into conceding a penalty between the posts. Fly half Graham Newton converted the penalty to bring the scoreline to 3-6.

After Richmondshire conceded a scrum 5m from the touchline Rockcliffe capitalised and were able to force Shire over their line to score and convert, 3-13.

Further pressure from Richmondshire was rewarded with a peantly conversion to raise the score to 6-13 at half time. Second half saw Ben Hampshire round three men and score in the corner, 11-13.

With ten minutes to go Shire stepped up their assault on Rockcliffe's, which led to a 35m penalty. A composed Graham Newton struck the ball! 14-13.

Only minutes remaining, saw the 'Fridge' Andy Stewart take a crash ball setting up a ruck. Quck hands by the scrum half Keiran Pavey out to the backs saw Brad Sutherlanbd race over for a try 19-13. With the last kick of the game Graham Newton converted in front of the posts to give a final score of Richmondshire 21, Rockliffe 13.