Bishop Auckland 2nd XV produced an excellent all-round performance to defeat a bigger, more experienced Chester le Street side 19-5 in the Quarter Final of the Durham County Fourth Teams Shield.

At the outset, it looked as if Bishop's young forwards would struggle to win the ball from set pieces but as the game progressed, it was the Bishop's pack which came out on top.

No 8 Campbell and scrumhalf Brabban worked tirelessly to get the ball away from a scrum constantly under pressure while young Jamie Short, jumping at the front of the line, not only provided a regular supply of the ball from Bishop's line-outs but also on numerous occasions, disrupted Chester line-outs, leaving them with little of the ball to play with.

Bishop's win was all the more deserved as Constantine and Dufton set their backs running at every opportunity.

Bishops soaked up early pressure from the visiting forwards before opening the scoring in their first attacking move. A loose Chester pass rebounded to Dufton whose quick reaction took him through the Cestrian defence to send Edwards over for a try.

Their second try started in midfield where Danny Wilkinson made ground before passing to Brabban who took the ball almost to the Chester line before giving it to Constantine who scored under the posts and then added the conversion.

On the stroke of half time, the Chester-le-Street finally put a move together which culminated in a drive over Bishop's line.

The second half saw Bishops firmly in control as their running backs constantly threatened the Chester line. Indeed, Bishops could have scored at least two tries when quick passing through their backs outflanked the Chester defence.

One of the newest recruits John Holliday went over in the corner.

Constantine secured the extra points with a fine kick to give Bishops a thoroughly deserved victory and a place in the draw for the semi final.

Bishop Auckland Under-17s won a close hard-fought match 7-0 at home to Seaton Carew.

The home side dominated the rucks and mauls setting up their backs to attack throughout the first half. Bishop scrumhalf Steven Hinds and No 8 Gareth Edwards broke through the visitors' defence with penetrating runs.

Forwards John Winstanley and Kris Poskett were at the centre of all Bishop's defencing work, making tackles throughout.

The one try of the match came from a set move resulting in centre Mark Turner being able to make a break down the left wing. He beat four defenders and brought the ball back inside to finish off the try which Richard Macnair converted.

In the second half Bishops were under pressure but were up for the challenge with some excellent tackling from captain Winstanley, centre Steven Gilbert and winger David Lenton.

Drew Gilbert also had an excellent match.

Bishops came within inches of scoring again but Mark Turner was tackled just short of the try line.