Durham School and Clubs Under-16 XVs played Northumberland Schools A and Development teams at Blaydon resulting in one win apiece.
The Schools game was a close affair with Durham recovering from 6-0 down to lead 21-13 before conceding two late tries to lose the game by 25.21.
Two quick penalties to Northumberland fly half Penfold (RGS) were answered by Durham when captain and No 8 Dawson (Barnard Castle) went over from a maul close to the line. Full back Smith (Durham) converted this and another close range try by fly half Blair (Durham). Just before half time a break through the centre by No 8 Thomas (RGS) led to a Northumberland try under the posts converted by Penfold.
Durham's backs were playing an expansive game but the Northumberland tackling was superb until centre Targett (Barnard Castle) burst through a gap in midfield to score near the posts. Smith converted.
Northumberland now began to win a lot of ruck and line out ball and set up several attacks which led to tries from Thomas and Lavender (King Edward's) one of which was converted by Penfold.
Durham new threw everything into scoring the winning try and came desperately close several times but Northumberland hung on to win.
An excellent fast and skillful game superbly refereed by Chris Wray of Durham Society.
Meanwhile, on the next pitch, Durham Clubs were too strong in all phases for a weakened Northumberland Development team and ran out convincing 36-7 winners.
RESULTS: Inter County Under-18 Clubs Championship: Durham 10, Yorkshire 34 (played at Billingham).
Inter County Under-16 Clubs: Durham 21 Northumberland 25 (at Blaydon).
Inter County Schools Under-16s: Durham 36, Northumberland 7 (at Blaydon).
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