Darlington enjoyed double success last weekend as their Premier Division side began to flex their muscles in the British League with a smooth 11-3 win over Kingfisher Reading, but once again their exploits were overshadowed by a stunning performance by the club's youngsters.

Durham County had re-entered the senior county championships for the first time in 15 years, with the intention of providing more experience for the younger players.

Former senior county champion Dave Robson led a young side that shocked everyone by clinching the second Division title with an astonishing six wins from six matches.

The whole division was played at the Auto Quest Stadium In Widnes.

Cleveland were Durham's first victims with their only bright spot ironically coming from Darlington junior Stephanie Donnelly (13).

She beat clubmate Kate Vickers (19) as Durham triumphed 7-3. Warwicks 2nds were thrashed 10-0, Cheshire beaten 6-4, and then a 7-3 win over Warwick's firsts gave Durham a big lead going to the second days play. Leicestershire and Cumbria were both beaten 8-2 to give Durham a shock title success and Durham captain Dave Robson heaped praise on his young side.

"These young players have performed near miracles at times. In the crunch games when we needed a big performance we got it.

They have won us the title," said Robson.

Robson won 10 from 12 but Michael Marsden (19), never beaten for Durham In the junior team, continued his success rate with 12 out of 12.

Kevin Wilson (17) gained 11 wins from 12. The ladies played their part with Kate Vickers 7-12, Claire Wilson 4-8, and Joanne Meads 3-8.

With only Robson having county senior experience It was a superb way for the five young players to mark their senior debuts.

The Darlington junior squad go into action again this weekend when they travel to Grantham for the East Midlands select tournament.

Boosted by an intensive three day training camp, with tuition from ex-European champion John Hilton and Darlington's Italian international Fabio Mantegazza, they will be looking to take the scalps of more highly ranked players.