BISHOP AUCKLAND’S Under-15s have been crowned national champions after beating Maidstone in the English Schools’ Football Association’s District Boys’ Champions’ Cup final.

Having made it through to the national final after a series of notable successes in the earlier rounds, Bishop Auckland took on Maidstone at Sixfields Stadium, the home of Worcester Warriors rugby club.

They ran out 4-2 winners in an entertaining final to confirm their status as the leading district side in their age category in the country.

The successful Bishop Auckland side was: Ryan Johnson, Ethan McLoughlin, Harry Stewart, Charlie Berry, Jake Toase, Thomas Aspinall, Travis Dixon (capt), Alexander Beattie, Finlay Rose, Ashton Houlahan, James Whales.

Bishop Auckland’s substitutes were: Noah Fawcett, James Barron, Harvey Longstaff, Luke Tabberer, Jayden Thompson.

Leon Parker was involved in the squad in earlier rounds, but did not feature in the final because of an injury.

The successful Bishop Auckland district squad is comprised of players from 14 different secondary schools based in County Durham - Bishop Barrington Academy, Durham Johnston Comprehensive School, Ferryhill College, Greenfield Community College, King James 1 Academy, Parkside Academy, Sedgefield Community College, St John's School, Staindrop Academy, Teesdale School, UTC South Durham, Whitworth Park Academy, Wolsingham School and Woodham Academy.