A SCHOOL with a proud sporting tradition is celebrating a notable achievement even by its own high standards.

Durham School underlined its strength on the rugby field by landing the county titles in three age categories at the weekend.

The independent school's under-14s, under-15s and under-16s teams completed their hat-trick within a few hours at Durham City RUFC's Hollow Drift ground on Saturday.

Under-14s members went first with a narrow victory in their County Cup final against Yarm School.

The game, played over two 30-minute halves, was scoreless until the closing stages, when an unconverted try was enough to settle a close contest in Durham's favour.

Spurred on by that victory, the under-15s beat Barnard Castle School 20-12 in their final, before the under-16s completed the treble.

They also overcame the challenge of Barnard Castle with the most convincing scoreline of the day, 34-20, to ensure all the silverware made its way to Durham School.

Director of sport Paul Gerrard, who heads the school's coaching team, said: "We had high hopes for all three teams, although the under-16s were without three key players as they were selected to play for England squads on the day."

Patrick Dias and Robert Smith were in the Northern England side, while Aarin Yorke was given a call-up to the England under-16s side.

Under-14s coach Gary Froud said the players' attitude was a big factor in their success.

Members of the under-15s side hope to add to their county success at national level.

They are now preparing for the semi-finals of the Daily Mail National Cup at Wolverhampton on March 15.