Darlington Mowden Park 3rds 99 Billingham 3rds 0

Mowden Park opened the scoring with a great drive from prop Euan Rankin within three minutes, converted by Stuart Edwardson, and they never looked back.

Other try scorers were Ridley (2), Evans (2), Davison, Liddell, Marwin (2), Tonks (3), Liddle, and Barker (2), with further conversions by Marwin (5) and Gardiner.

Darlington Mowden Park Girls

Darlington Mowden Park's U16 Girls' rugby team got off to a flying start to the season with a resounding victory over Morpeth. In their first ever home match, on Sunday September 15, they defeated Morpeth 49-5 with a sparkling display of skill and commitment. Watched by a large partisan crowd who turned out in force to encourage and support the girls, inside centre Ashleigh Wright scored the opening try after 10 minutes with a fast run through the Morpeth defence.

In the second half Ashleigh went on to score another two tries; her hat trick, speed and determination won her the player of the match award.

Mowden tries were in abundance. Captain Abby Blackburn scored two, Vice Captain Nicola Jackson also scored along with Rosie Mangle, and newcomers Laura McEvoy and Amber Hyde.

Amber has just joined the Girls' squad, which is for 12 - 16 year olds, after playing with Mowden Minis; Laura, who had a superb game, was presented with the best newcomer award.

Coach, Richard Jackson said: "The whole team played really well and I am proud of them all. They have come a long way in the last year and are a credit to the Club. Morpeth Girls' are a quality side and easily defeated us at the end of last season.

This time the tables were turned. We now have so many good players that I expect a good number of them will be selected for the County and Regional teams.

Mowden Girls train every Thursday from 6-8 pm at their ground in Yeiwsley Drive, Mowden.

New players are always welcome. For further details contact Anita Blackburn on 01325 358083.