A LAST-GASP try by Blaydon's former Stockton winger Tom Jeffery gave Durham a 32-31 win against Eastern Counties at Cambridge and lifted them into the top tier of the County Championship.

As in the 48-24 win against Warwickshire, all the points came from Blaydon players with the other winger, Frazer Wilson, scoring two tries and flanker Rob Bell one, while Andrew Baggett kicked two penalties and three conversions.

Durham looked to have the game under control when they built a 17-3 half-time lead. But the Counties rallied strongly and took a 31-27 lead as the game moved into added time, only for Jeffery to score from the last move of the game.

"It was very entertaining in one way, but if you were from Durham it was really nerve-racking," said coach Peter Taylor. "The main thing is that we are back in the top flight and that's a great feeling.

"We put out one of the best Durham sides the county has had for a long time, but Eastern Counties were a very good side and could so easily have won it."

Yorkshire avoided relegation when they won 43-27 against Northumberland at Percy Park, a three-try opening onslaught putting them in the driving seat. Lancashire won the group when they beat Cheshire 36-29 at Broughton Park.