YOUNG rugby players' motoring skills failed to match their ball handling ability when they tried out the latest in driving training technology.

Teenage players from Durham were invited to run the rule over motoring school BSM's high-tech driving centre in the city.

Durham City colts' team squad members tried out a range of equipment available to BSM learner drivers using the Claypath premises.

The technological advances introduced for learners include a bank of computer screens, offering multiple choice answer theory tests, and hazard perception training in simulated situations that drivers may encounter on the roads. There is also a computerised simulator with advanced technology generating a realistic impression of driving in a variety of conditions.

John Moore, 18, a second row forward, was joined by wing forwards Patrick Woodley, also 18, and 17-year-old Gregg Brown, scrum half Paul Haddon and number eight, Andrew Whitfield, both also 17.

Patrick was impressed, but conceded he had yet to master the driver simulator machine.

His father Mick, the team coach, said he was surprised at his son failing his precise driving for driving too fast, as speed was not usually one of his assets.