IT was a bad day for the North-East's two National One clubs as Darlington Mowden Park lost 39-3 at Plymouth and Blaydon were beaten 47-5 at home by leaders Hartpury College.

While clubs like Blaydon run a very tight ship in balancing the books, Hartpury are creating some resentment through their taxpayer-funded drive to become a Championship club.

Former Bristol and Newcastle centre Luke Eves, now 27, is among the recruits for a Saturday team who include several others with Premiership experience. They have strong links with Gloucester.

Originally an equestrian centre, Hartpury have also set out to win the BUCS Super League with their midweek side, which is more student-based. They enjoyed a narrow win at Durham in the opening match then easily beat reigning university champions Exeter.

Italy Under 20s flanker Jake Polledri was Saturday's star man with four of the eight tries as Blaydon were overwhelmed by the speed, stamina and support play of their visitors.

Hooker Matt Thompson injured a knee early on and retired after 17 minutes, followed by No 8 Gavin Jones with suspected concussion.

Prop Trevor Davison and stalwart back row man Jason Smithson stood up well to the test, and young flanker Jack Davidson emerged with credit.

Young Ryan Foreman also did well at fly half after Andrew Baggett's intended return was aborted because of his shoulder problem.

Both Hartpury wingers posed a big threat. Elias Caven, a recent recruit from Bristol, intercepted in his own half for the first of his brace, while the powerful Jonas Mikalcius scored the last try.

Blaydon competed on equal terms for the first 20 minutes of the second half and recycled the ball through 14 phases, with Chris Wearmouth prominent, before Davison touched down.

But Hartpury's fitness allowed them to score three tries in the last ten minutes, their only weakness being that the two kickers they tried missed six of the eight conversions.

Without a win so far, Blaydon are five points adrift and know they need a couple of victories from the next four games, against sides in the bottom half.

Mowden's tough run of games continues at Loughborough this week and is followed by the visit of second-placed Moseley.

With both first-choice props absent they were second best in the scrums and were over-run in the second half after trailing only 13-3 at the interval.

Confirmation that Tynedale lack the strength to challenge for promotion in Two North came in a 56-13 defeat away to leaders Caldy.

Fly half Rob Parker kicked two penalties and the 21-6 deficit was reduced straight after half-time when hooker Jamie Blamire added to his recent try tally.

The conversion had the gap down to eight, but when ten minutes of pressure failed to bring further reward Tynedale collapsed as Caldy scored five tries in the last 15 minutes.

Billingham won their Durham Cup tie 45-7 at Westoe after leading 38-0 at half-time. There were two tries each for Elliot Husband, Luke Wilson and Craig Shepherd, while Tom Briggs also touched down and Peter Evans added five conversions.