DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK signed off their home season in style at the weekend – with their director of rugby, Garry Law, delighted that two of the club’s stalwarts were able to secure National One safety in their final home outing.

Yaree Fantini ran in three tries as Mowden beat Esher 25-20 at the Darlington Arena, with the victory guaranteeing survival with one more game to play.

It was landmark game in a number of ways, with Chris McTurk and Dave Fisher, who boast more than 250 Mowden appearances between them, making their final home appearance before retiring at the end of the season.

“Saturday was about getting the result we needed which the lads dug in and achieved,” said Law. “We started the game well and managed to convert our early pressure into points on the board, which was pleasing.

“The second half didn't go as smoothly, but I think you have to give credit to Esher for getting their own game going. It was a nervy finish to the game, but a win’s a win.

“It was great to finish at home with a win for two lads who will be retiring at the end of season in Chris McTurk and Dave Fisher, both of whom had cracking games with big involvements throughout.”

Going into the game just four points ahead of their opponents, Mowden made the ideal start in front of their home support as Fantini brilliantly gathered a chip from Callum Pascoe to dot down under pressure in the corner.

It didn’t take long for the England Sevens international to notch his second either, as a strong driving maul saw Fantini dive over from close range. Ali Ledingham converted the second try, and added a penalty on the 20-minute mark to stretch Mowden’s advantage to 15 points.

Esher responded well however, and Luke Peters got the visitors on the board after some sustained pressure on the Mowden Park line. Esher finished the half strongly, but Mowden defended resolutely to hold their 15-7 lead at the break.

A nervy start to the second half saw both sides exchange penalties, before Fergus Donnelly scored Esher’s second try to set up a grandstand finish. The league’s top points scorer, Sam Morley, converted to narrow the gap to just a single point with 20 minutes to play.

The next score would prove crucial, and it was Mowden who grabbed it as Fantini finished brilliantly for his third of the afternoon after Esher were reduced to 14 for an infringement at the ruck.

Another penalty from the boot of Morley kept Esher in the game, with just five points separating the sides in the final stages.

Mowden’s defence held firm under huge pressure though, with Fantini winning the final turnover as McTurk cleared the ball into the stands to seal the 25-20 win on his final home outing before retirement.

With their safety assured, Mowden will head to Chinnor for the final game of the season on Saturday safe in the knowledge they will be playing in National One again next term whatever happens in their final outing.

Law is relieved there is nothing significant riding on Saturday’s game, but is still keen for his team to finish on a high.

“We have one game left against Chinnor, which we will be fully focused on winning to finish the season how we started.”