IT was boys in blue against boys in blue during a football match at the 96.6 TFM Darlington Arena last night - but there was no colour clash.
Darlington Police played Langbaurgh Police in the final of the Meredith Trophy - the Emergency Services League's senior cup.
Darlington were defeated 4-1 but they reached the final in fine style by winning their semi-final 3-2 - despite having their captain, PC Ian Douglas, sent off for violent conduct. He reacted after a strong tackle.
More than 700 tickets, at £2 each, were sold for the match, with money raised - expected to be more than £2,000 - being donated to the Great North Air Ambulance.
There was also a raffle, programmes, and £1,000 sponsorship from Steve Whitehead, the 24-hour board and glazing company.
Darlington spent the day at their home ground, Darlington Rugby Club, to prepare.
Manager Kevin Wilson said after the game: "We're gutted, but the match was closer than the score suggests.
"What matters is how much we raised for charity - we'll have a few drinks in the bar to celebrate that if nothing else."
Darlington's police team has not won a competition since the side was formed in 1988. The team came third from bottom of the nine-team league. Games were held on Thursday afternoons and shift patterns meant Darlington had 26 squad players.
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