A SCHOOL with a proud sporting tradition is celebrating a notable achievement.

Durham School underlined its strength on the rugby field by winning county titles in three age categories on Saturday.

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

The under-14s beat Yarm School, in the final of the County Cup.

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

Spurred on by the victory, the under-15s team beat Barnard Castle School 20-12 in their final.

The under-16s completed the third leg of the treble by beating Barnard Castle with the most convincing scoreline of the day, 34-20.

The under-15s team is now preparing for the semi-finals of the Daily Mail National Cup, at Wolverhampton's Castlecroft Stadium, on Saturday, March 15.