TALENTED young rugby players had a day to remember at Twickenham - despite losing the match.

Players at Barnard Castle School lost to Oakham in the final of the Under 18 Daily Mail cup on Saturday with a score of 28. The Leicester side scored 30.

But County Durham boys left the ground with their spirits high following the match, which was watched by 1,000 family, staff, pupils and friends who had travelled from the North-East to watch them play.

It was an extra-special event for team captain Lee Dickson, who was also celebrating his 18th birthday.

The school held a party for the team yesterday, and headteacher Michael Featherstone said they were celebrating a season of rugby as well as the match.

He said: "They were disappointed not to win, but we are very proud of them for what they achieved.

"The players had a wonderful day out. They lost by one score and it was a very thrilling match.

"Their spirits were high and it was wonderful for them to run on to the turf at Twickenham watched by their friends and family."

Barnard Castle's coach, Martin Pepper, said: "We showed commitment, passion and desire - what more could I ask for?

"The lads played brilliantly, but were beaten on the day by a team that were a little more streetwise than ourselves."

* For the match report and pictures, see Local Heroes supplement on Friday.