GIRLS' rugby has really taken off in Darlington and on Sunday the town's under-16 teams met for the first time at Blackwell Meadows, Mowden Park beating Darlington 39-19 in an entertaining and hard-fought match.

In the opening minutes superb team play saw Rosie Mangle's try and conversion put Darlington ahead, but Mowden Park quickly replied with an unconverted try from Abby Blackburn.

With both sides giving everything, there were further tries from both teams.

Rosie Mangle scored and converted a second try in the closing minutes to add to other Darlington tries by Sarah Gibb and Kate Twizell.

But a hat-trick of tries from Abby Blackburn and Jenna Breakingbury, and a decisive try from Ashleigh Wright, gave Mowden a resounding victory.

The girls from both teams thoroughly enjoyed the match and were a credit to their coaches, Debbie Wanless and Julie Gardiner from Mowden Park and Helen Large of Darlington, who play for the same Darlington women's side.

Debbie Wanless said: "The Mowden girls played brilliantly well as a team. We're really proud of them and I'm sure they'll go from strength to strength."

Mowden's team manager Tony Keeligan said: "It was a tough, hard-fought match. I was delighted with Mowden's performance which showed a high level of ball-handling, passing, tackling and tactical skills.

"There is no doubt that with more experience the girls' confidence will increase and we can expect great things from them."

There was further good news for girls' rugby in Darlington when three Mowden players and two from Darlington were selected for the 25-strong North-East of England squad after 80 girls from across the region attended trials organised by the Rugby Football Union for Women.

Abby Blackburn, Ashleigh Wright and Jenna Breakingbury from Mowden Park and Rosie Mangle and Sara Wood from Darlington, all also members of the Durham County squad, will play their first match against another regional side on Sunday, the start of preparations for the National 10s tournament in April.

Mr Keeligan said: "I am delighted that three of our girls have been selected for the North-East of England squad.

"It is a superb achievement and a reflection of their commitment to the game and their determination to succeed and improve their skills.

l Training for under-16 girls takes place at Mowden Park's ground in Yiewsley Drive, Mowden, every Thursday from 6-8pm. New players aged 13-16 years are welcome.