DARLINGTON Mowden Park's 35-14 defeat to Tynedale was overshadowed by a horrific injury to Ciaran McNicholas that held up play for more than half-an-hour.

McNicholas suffered a broken leg in the closing stages of the first half, and play was suspended for around 35 minutes as the second-row forward was transferred to an ambulance and taken to hospital.

"Ciaran suffered a double tibia and fibula fracture of his leg and is currently in Darlington Memorial Hospital, awaiting surgery,"

confirmed Mowden honorary secretary, Kevin Robinson.

"On behalf of Darlington Mowden Park and Tynedale and all other supporters of our game, we wish him well and all the very best for a speedy recovery."

McNicholas' injury overshadowed an otherwise entertaining North-East derby that saw Tynedale extend their lead at the top of National League Three North to 16 points.

Having wasted a couple of early opportunities to score, Tynedale took a 15th-minute lead at Yiewsley Drive as Andrew Murray crossed following a pick up from a scrum.

Skipper Phil Belgian converted, but Mowden were back on level terms when scrum-half Andy Fornan claimed a try that was also converted by Jon Benson.

Jack Harrison restored Tynedale's lead in the corner and, after McNicholas' injury had held up play shortly before the interval, the visitors put the game beyond reach with two quick-fire scores in the space of five minutes. Gavin Beasley and Rob Miller both touched down as Tynedale's three-quarter play pierced a succession of holes in the Mowden defence.

The hosts reduced the arrears with a disputed 70th-minute penalty try, but their fate was sealed when Harrison scored his second try of the game in the closing stages.

Mowden remain third in the table, but the Darlington side are now 27 points adrift of Tynedale.