THERE was some excellent mini rugby on show when Darlington Mowden Park visited West Hartlepool recently.

Mowden won a close encounter at under-12 level 28-21 with their tries coming from Stephen Reeves (2) and James Park (2), all converted by Daniel Wilson. A spirited and dangerous West side replied with three converted tries.

West Hartlepool under-11s made the most of a disappointing first-half display by Mowden to win a thrilling game 21-19.

Mowden were out-played in all departments as West reached the interval 14-5 ahead, but they lifted their game after the interval and ensured a tense finish.

Adam Cornwell scored both Mowden's tries as West Hartlepool won the contest at under-10 level 50-10, while there was no game at under-9.

There was nothing to choose between the sides at under-8 level and a 35-35 draw was a fair result, with both attacks well on top of the opposing defences.

Mowden's tries from Ryan Teasdale, Daniel Baxter (2), William Iles, Nick Haslett, Daniel Scoley and James Hadland, his first try for the club, were the result of a combination of fine individual and team skills.

Mowden's under-7s, many of them playing in their first competitive game, also had an entertaining match against West which ended 30-30.