Mowden secure bragging rights in a dreary derby

There would be more point in flogging a dead horse than resurrecting the amalgamation debate, but it is to be hoped that this match is not a sign of things to come.

Recent derbies have been a credit to both clubs; this one was a triumph for Mowden's limited game plan. They had worked out how to beat their depleted hosts and got well on top in the second half.

After rising to third place, the last two weeks have provided a harsh reminder for Darlington that their admirable home-grown policy is unlikely to sustain them in the next couple of years.

The senior figures who were missing on Saturday - the Lee brothers, Martin Howe and Alan Brown - cannot go on much longer, while another, full back David Glendenning, had a day he will wish to forget.

To sustain a promotion challenge they need a bigger squad and there was also a reminder that there is no future in relying on Catterick-based soldiers as the selected No 8, Joe Naga, failed to make it.

Mowden's No 8, Matt Holmes, was also a late withdrawal but having the Newcastle Development XV captain Eni Gisende in their back row gave them the edge.

They were also able to bring on some useful fresh legs in the pack in Mark Darlington and Ross Batty and once Darlington had lost their 9-8 interval lead the only time they threatened was from an interception.

As Darlington found ten years ago, Mowden may have to tread water until they move to new premises the season after next, from which they will hope for fresh impetus. Meanwhile they will be delighted if they can win these derbies.

They began the match six places below their neighbours but will hope to be within striking distance of them by the time of the return match on April 8.

Darlington were the division's leading try scorers but they haven't crossed the line since Brown was injured early in last week's thrashing at Blaydon and they didn't look like doing so on Saturday.

They dominated territorially in the first half but their usual surge after the interval failed to materialise as No 8 Del Lewis faded after his good start and too much fell on the shoulders of acting captain Richard Snowball.

Mowden often robbed their hosts of the ball and it was from a turnover secured by Gisende that scrum half Shaun Richardson broke away to score from 65 metres after 15 minutes.

That was the first time they had escaped their own half, but the second try with ten minutes left came as no surprise. Quick ruck ball allowed Richardson to give winger Fosita Tanginoa a clear blind side run to the left corner from 20 metres.

Three penalties by fly half Ben Snook - two from under the posts, one from 30 metres - gave Darlington their points in a game which was never likely to flow.

Strict policing of the scrums by referee Brendan Fitzmaurice helped to ensure there were no flare-ups, although prop Paul Shepherd, one of Darlington's better performers, lost his cool with Mowden hooker Junior Fagalilo at one point.

Mowden lost prop Dave Sinclair to the game's only yellow card - for killing the ball - for five minutes either side of half-time, but once Darlington had failed to take advantage they soon found themselves under pressure.

Mowden had obviously prepared well in stopping Darlington's driving maul, and without Paul Lee to orchestrate things from fly half they had nothing to offer in attack.

He risked his groin injury by going off the bench for the last 15 minutes, but by then the Mowden forwards were in control.

Mowden almost scored a pushover try just before Iain Dixon's second penalty put them 11-9 ahead 15 minutes after the interval.

Darlington's only second half chance came from an interception by centre Apenai Kororua 15 metres inside his own half.

It looked as though he might make the line, but 15 metres short he checked and the chance was gone.

Tanginoa's try five minutes later settled it and Darlington had to be content with a bonus point for losing by no more than seven points.

Result: Darlington 9, Darlington Mowden Park 16.