DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK winger Ollie Walker felt his side finally lived up to their potential as they racked up their highest score of the season in Saturday’s bonus-point win over Chinnor.

Mowden thrashed Chinnor 42-17 at the Darlington Arena to pull further clear of the relegation battle in National One.

Garry Law’s side ran in six tries as they recorded back-to-back home wins for the first time since October, with Walker’s brace of scores playing an important role in the success.

The win means Mowden are now 12th in the National One table, eight points clear of 14th-placed Leeds Tykes and within 11 points of Chinnor, who have dropped to seventh.

“It was really pleasing to put all the things we’ve been talking about into practice for 80 minutes, and not just for half a game or in patches,” said Walker. “It just shows how good we can be when we play near to our full potential.

“The last two home wins have given us vital points, but also should serve as a platform to kick on from, and also as a benchmark for performing in games for the rest of the season.”

Saturday’s game was all but over at the interval as Mowden ran in five first-half tries to open up a 30-point lead at the break.

Their first came after just five minutes when centre Ben Frankland raced over, before Euan McKirdy doubled Mowden’s lead soon after. The hosts continued to pile on the pressure, and a third try followed courtesy of a brilliant individual effort from Walker.

Walker added his second to secure a bonus point inside the opening half-hour, and while an interception try from Chinnor’s James Bourton halted Mowden’s momentum, club stalwart Ralph Appleby crossed on the brink of half-time to make the score 35-5 at the break.

Chinnor enjoyed more of the ball in the second half, but Mowden’s forwards continued to front up well against a sizeable visiting pack.

Cameron Terry dived over to narrow the deficit, before Mowden struck through Man of the Match George Shannon.

Freddie Tuilagi crossed for the visitors late on, but Chinnor were unable to secure a bonus point at the death as Mowden saw things out to seal their biggest win of the season.

Saturday’s tries for Walker mean he has scored three tries in as many games since his return from injury at the end of January.

“It’s always frustrating being injured and I just always enjoy being involved in the pitch,” he said. “Saturday’s game was good fun as we moved the ball and scored some nice tries and it was nice I was on the end of a couple.”

Mowden will hope to keep their good run going when they head back out on the road this weekend.

Law’s side face a difficult trip to fourth-placed Rams, with Walker expecting a tough test in Reading.

“Rams usually bring a solid set-piece and look to maul it a lot so we will have to be on point in those areas,” he said.

“Other than that, we just need to impose our game and I’m confident we can get another five points this weekend.”