A Hartlepool secondary school is celebrating after winning a prestigious rugby competition.

High Tunstall's under-16 side defeated Yarm School 20-7 to lift the County Cup.

Yarm were favourites for the final after defeating Barnard Castle and Durham in earlier rounds and on paper looked to have the stronger side.

Captain David Conway said: "This was the under-16s penultimate match in school colours and a great way to pay back staff and parents for all of their hard work and support over the last five years.

"The team would like to thank Mr Laidler, Mr Aston and Mr Nixon for their work this year in producing a winning side."

Yarm took an early lead with a try from Liam McConnell which was converted by stand off Charlie Catterall but this early setback spurred High Tunstall on to play some of the best rugby they have produced all season.

High Tunstall's first try was scored by prop Adam Howard but Matthew Reay failed with the conversion. However, shortly before half-time Reay made amends when he scored in the corner to give Tunstall a 10-7 lead at the interval.

The second half saw Tunstall score two further tries. Hooker, Mitchell Robb sprinted the length of the 22 to touch down and then pacey winger, Jason Norman covered three quarters of the pitch in a dazzling run to seal victory for a jubilant Tunstall.