New Darlington team, the Tees Valley-Cougars played their first game at the weekend, and with just seven seconds left conceded the winning touchdown.

They travelled to the Doncaster Mustangs last Sunday and took part in a nail-biting and extremely competitive fixture.

The first quarter saw Doncaster score after six minutes, but this was quickly clawed back, as the Cougars' running-back, Wes Maith, carried the ball 65 yards into the end zone. Neither side could score from the point after kick, resulting in the quarter ending in 6-6 and there was no score in the second quarter.

It was not until the third quarter that Pete Rogers the, Cougars quarter-back, ran in a 75-yard touchdown, but again the point after kick was missed.

The fourth quarter saw the Mustangs level the scores, then with only seven seconds on the clock, a long throw by the Mustangs quarter-back resulted in the final touchdown to make the score Mustangs 18, Cougars 12.

* The Cougars' next fixture is once more on the road at Dundee, on Saturday, April 26 and both coaches and players have two training sessions to prepare for this game. Any persons interested in playing for the Cougars, or helping in any way can contact (01642) 352402.