Durham County Under-20s kicked off their County Championship campaign against Lancashire at Horden Welfare RFC and despite a spirited performance they lost 23-0.

From the kick-off the big Lancashire forwards tried to exert their authority on the game with strong driving runs through midfield. However, Durham snuffed out this threat with some powerful tackling and it was good tactical kicking from the Lancashire fly-half and fullback that helped keep Durham's attacking menace at bay.

Both territory and possession were even throughout the first half and it was only in the lineout where Lancashire held any meaningful advantage over Durham.

The even first half presented only three clear cut points scoring opportunities. Durham were awarded three kickable penalties in the closing minutes of the half, but failed to convert any into points and this kept the scoreless at the break.

Both sides started the second half strongly with some impressive running from both back divisions and it was Durham's Jimmy Atkinson who created the pick of the moves.

Moments after a demonstration of attacking flair the visitors opened the scoring with a penalty and took a 3-0 lead.

The ensuing minutes after Lancashire's penalty conversion saw Durham develop a hunger for points. Despite long phases of highly commendable attacking play, Durham were able to convert any of the pressure into points.

A resurgent Durham suffered a cruel twist of fate midway through the first half when the consistently performing referee missed a glaring accidental offside that eventually gifted Lancashire and winger Viney an unconverted try and an 8-0 lead.

A now determined and focused Lancashire side soon established a territorial advantage for the first time in the game.

Lancashire's reward for their territory advantage in the final 15 minutes of the match was in the form of tries from hooker Wood and winger Campbell. Fly-half Mather added a conversion and penalty to take the final score to 23-0.