THE Durham County Girls Under-16s beat their Northumberland counterparts 34-5 at Northumbria University's Bullocksteads ground on Saturday.

Darlington Mowden Park players Ashleigh Wright, Jenna Breakingberry and Abby Blackburn won their first county caps and were delighted to be on the winning side in a tough but exciting game played to a very high standard.

The three Mowden players had excellent games and Abby, 14, who created several Durham tries from scrum half before switching to the wing in the second half, said: "I thought we had a good chance of winning but I didn't think it would be by such a big margin."

Tony Keeligan, team manager of Mowden Park's girls' team, said: "I was confident the girls would do well but their performance exceeded my expectations.

"Given the inexperience of many of the players the standard of play was superb from both sides, who showed a determination equal to that of any of their male counterparts.

"This experience for Ashleigh, Jenna and Abby will enhance the confidence of the whole Mowden Park team and everybody at the club is very proud of them."

After the match the Durham girls received a trophy while the Northumberland team were presented with their county colours.