Durham 29 Kent 14

FOLLOWING last season’s relegation, Durham bounced straight back to the second tier of the County Championship when they won the Plate final 29-14 against Kent at Darlington.

The return of fly half Mark Bedworth, who was unavailable for the semi-final, proved crucial as he kicked three penalties to establish a 9-3 interval lead, then added a fourth.

Because of the heat, referee Andrew Vertigan allowed drinks breaks during the game, but despite the perfect conditions it was only in the second half that it opened up.

Durham’s pack had an early edge. They used the driving maul effectively and their line-out play was excellent, as it had been throughout the championship.

Kent were on top towards the end of the first half. But from the re-start it was Durham who were camped on Kent’s try-line, only for the previous week’s sloppy handling to return and cost them an almost certain try.

However, blind-side flanker Joe Thomas scored after five minutes before two penalties midway through the half kept Kent in the game.

They were effectively sunk, however, when Durham University centre David Astle weaved through to score under the posts, Bedworth converting.

Billingham’s Peter Evans, who had replaced Martyn Lithgo on the right wing, added Durham’s third try in the corner and Kent scored a consolation try just before the end.

The medals and trophy were presented to the teams by former England fly half Phil Horrocks-Taylor, of Middlesbrough.