Darlington Mowden Park Under-15s travelled to Stockton in search of a fourth consecutive win.

After a relatively slow start, Mowden won a lineout on Stockton's 22 metre line and Jason Todd, at fly-half, put up a testing high ball for the Stockton full-back. This was dropped and went loose in the in-goal area, Todd followed up and was able to ground it for the first try.

Despite winning much of the ball from set pieces, Mowden found themselves continually being pushed back in the rucks and losing possession, it was only due to positive tackling from Mowden that prevented this possession being converted into points.

Early in the second half Jason Todd broke loose down the left and as he was tackled, just short of the line, he released a pass to Aaron Breeze, on the inside, who went over to make it 10-0.

Stockton were awarded a penalty, for handling in a ruck, and from 22 metres caught Mowden 'sleeping' and ran in a try. With ten minutes left Jason Elliott caught a high ball on the half-way line and jinxed his way through the middle, making 15 metres, before passing to Chris Dodd who ran through four tackles to score between the posts, converted by Mark Zissler.

Mowden followed this with a set move along the backs, taking the ball to the left wing but Stockton held them up, however, quick release of the ball to the right enabled Adam Hunt to run through a gap to score in the right corner, converted by Mark Zissler to end the game 24-5.

Worthy of particular note this week was Jason Elliott who demonstrated a positive, determined attitude throughout the game.

Chris Hossell scored two tries and took the man-of -the-match award as he inspired Mowden Park Under-13s to a 34-14 win over a powerful Sunderland side.

Other Mowden tries were scored by Joseph Redpath, Adam Gardner and James Watmore.

In mini-rugby Mowden Park travelled to Billingham on Sunday and both clubs produced some excellent rugby, with Mowden coming out on top in most games.

Mowden's Under-12s won 42-14 with tries from Mark Tweddle (2), Stephen Reeves, James Park (2) and Daniel Wilson, who converted all six tries. Star man was Liam Haithwaite at full back.

The Under-11s are making a habit of leaving it late to win thrilling games and this was no exception as they trailed 19-14 with the whistle looming, only to snatch victory with a late converted try.

Mowden's Under-10s lost to their Billingham counterparts, but Mowden's strong Under-9 outfit then beat a combined 9s/10s Billingham side 25-0.

Mowden's Under-8s produced some excellent support play to win their game with tries from William Iles (4), Daniel Baxter (2), Daniel Burley and Charles Edgar.

Mowden Park Rugby Club's newly-formed Under-16s girls team is going from strength to strength.

Natalie Walton, Abby Blackburn, Ashleigh Wright, Jenna Breakingbury and Leanne Marksby are all in the Durham County squad and Abby, Ashleigh and Jenna will start for Durham in the game against Northumberland tomorrow at Northumbria University's Bullocksteads ground, near Newcastle (10.30am).

Apart from Abby, who has played rugby since the age of five, the other girls have just started playing this season.

Scrum half Abby, 14, said: "I'm thrilled to have been picked for Durham and I am looking

forward to the game. Northumbria will be tough to play against but I think we can win."

Full back Ashleigh, also 14, said: "I'm proud to be playing for the county. We're going to play hard and have some fun."

Tony Keeligan, team manager of Mowden Park Girls, said: "I'm delighted with the girls' achievements and expect them to do well. They are a credit to themselves, the club and their coaches, Debbie Wanless and Julie Gardiner, who have done so much with them in such a short period of

time.

"The girls' commitment and dedication are to be commended,

Mowden Park Girls train every Thursday from 6pm- 8pm and new players aged 12 -16 years are welcome.

A number of girls from Darlington Rugby Club have also been selected for the county.