DCRFC Match Reports 2009/10 Season

Alnwick RFC 12 Durham City 27

Squad: Clough, Ball, Tunstall, Davies, Sedgewick, Powell, Hitchins, Simpson, Heron, Bushnell, Daniels, Foster, Ballantyne, Metson, Trotman, Berriman, Stokoe, Yates, Elliott, Bialek, Shogren, Milton, Whalley, Milne (Yetman unavailable)

Sunday March 7th, Alnwick RFC

For what seemed to be the first time for decades, the game kicked off in glorious playing conditions, and on a reasonable pitch. Over the course of the first five minutes both sides tested each other out, with the home scrum looking strong and the visitors back play the more convincing. After a kick ahead by Ballantyne was carried over by the Alnwick defence City had a 5 metre scrum. After good control under pressure, Powell picked up from the back of the scrum and wrestled over in the corner for the first try of the game. Alnwick 0 City 5

For the next ten minute the game ebbed and flowed with the real contest taking place between the two packs, with Hitchins, Powell and Sedgewick showing well for Durham. However, the visitors were prone to infringing in the loose and Alnwick made significant territorial gain thanks to the powerful kicking of their prop. From a third penalty, the home team moved the ball efficiently wide and scored in the corner to level the scores. Alnwick 5 City 5

City then enjoyed a dominant period of play, with only last gasp tackling and stalwart rucking preventing a second try. Foster scored what looked to be a good try from a switch move only to be denied by the referee’s decision that he had not grounded the ball. However, City were not to be denied and after several minutes of fluent play between forwards and backs, Hitchins launched himself over the line, to put the away team back in front. Alnwick 5 City 10

From the re-start Ball, Sedgewick (again) and Foster linked up well to advance to within 5 metres of the Alnwick line. The home side were penalised, and fly half Bushnell, spotting gaps in the Alnwick defence kicked cross-field. Foster in attempting to catch the ball, with the try line beckoning, unfortunately only managed to present his opposing winger with a chance to gather up the loose ball and gallop down the length of the field to score under the posts. Given the pressure City had exerted and the amount of possession they had enjoyed, this was not the score line they had expected. Half time: Alnwick 12 City 10

Having made a few changes to both forwards and backs City started the second half in the best possible manner with another kick over the top by Bushnell being gathered and shipped to Milton who out ran the defenders to score in the corner. In very similar fashion to the previous week, the rugby league convert had scored with his first touch. Alnwick 12 City 15

Durham now seemed to be enjoying more possession from the set pieces, and with Simpson in the lineout and Foster propping, the forwards had gained in fitness and agility around the park. The game was now being played predominately in the Alnwick half and several times the City play stretched the home team, but did not yield points due to handling errors or great cover by the Northumbrian team. From another chip into space by Bushnell, Milton won possession and fed Ballantyne who passed to Whalley. The full back was stopped just short of the try line, but from the resultant breakdown, Foster pounced on the loose ball and dived over for a decisive score. Alnwick 12 City 20

Durham made a final round of substitutions, and with the clock ticking down, and the home side tiring, Bushnell rounded off a good personal display with an individual try from an inside break to score under the posts. He then finished off the job by converting.

Full time: Alnwick 12 Durham City 27

Man of the Match: Sedgewick made several barn-storming breaks, Hitchins ran powerfully, Tunstall and Stokoe worked tirelessly and both Whaley and Bushnell looked assured throughout. However, man of the match was “Butch” Foster, who made a positive impact in the first half in the centres and in the second at prop. Mr Versatility indeed. Well done Butch….now all we need to do is to teach you how to pass !! A good individual performance and a pleasing result, keep it up boys…..

DCRFC Match Reports 2009/10 Season

Durham City 59 Hartlepool Rovers 0

Squad: Clough, Ball, Tunstall, Davies, Sedgewick, Powell, Hitchins, Simpson, Heron, Bushnell, Daniels, Foster, Ballantyne, Metson, Trotman, Berriman, Stokoe, Yates, Elliott, Bialek, Shogren, Milton, Whalley (Milne and Yetman unavailable)

Sunday February 28th, Shincliffe

Proceedings started with a minutes silence in memory of Craig Yetman, much loved coach and top dad. Every City player also wore a black armband in respect.

From the kick off, Ball gathered well and drove into contact, with the pack rucking well, scrum half Heron picked up, ran right and intelligently kicked ahead to the Rovers try line. From the resultant scrum, flanker Hitchins drove twice and scored the game’s opening try, with his second attempt. 5-0 to City. City continued to dominate from the re-start with Ball once again gathering the ball and linking well with Powell and Simpson to make good ground. From the resultant back line move, Metson was held up short of the line after some resolute defending from the Hartlepool lads. From the resultant lineout the winger fielded the clearance kick and ran across the park to link with his backs. The ball moved quickly to Trotman, and the full-back cut inside to go over for the game’s second score. 10-0 to City and the home side were dominant.

From the restart, fly half Bushnell impressed. Firstly running in a solo try after good recycling by the forwards and converting his own try, and then immediately afterwards by running an excellent straight line and releasing Ballantyne for an easy score. City 22 Rovers 0. City were dominating in the loose, despite persistent challenge from the Rovers lads, and using the ball sensibly in the backs. In the ten minutes before half time, Tunstall drove over following a strong scrum and Trotman ran in his second try from within his own half.

Half time: Durham 32 Rovers 0

City made major changes at half time, with all squad players given the opportunity to play at least one half. Within five minutes from kick off, Hitchins broke powerfully and evaded two tackles, before side-stepping the full-back to score his second try of the game.

Despite the valiant attempts of the Hartlepool boys, City continued to turn the screw with debutant Sam Milton running on to a pass at outside centre, to out-sprint the defence and score another spectacular solo try in the corner. City 42 Rovers 0. Simpson then scored a deserved try after a pick up and drive from the back of a 5 metre scrum, and the final five minutes culminated in Rhys Powell, who had lead the team from the front from the start, scoring two tries, the final one resulting from a cross-field chip over the top from Bushnell. The try was superbly converted by Elliott.

Full-time: Durham City 59 Hartlepool Rovers 0

Man of the Match: Rovers played their part in an emotional match for the City players, parents and coaches. We thank them for their excellent competitive spirit and sportsmanship throughout. We asked each player to give 110% for the shirt today and they did that to a man from the first whistle to the last. Simpson and Powell never stopped, Bushnell looked back on his game, and everyman did themselves and the club proud on a poignant day for everybody. Craig would have been proud of you all, and we can’t ask for anything more than that …lets keep it going to the end of the season lads. Man of match is Craig Mischief Yetman, we will all miss you mate.

DCRFC Match Reports 2009/10 Season

Durham City 31 Sunderland 10

Sunday December 13th Shincliffe

City started their County Cup campaign with a convincing win over a dogged Sunderland team. The home side dominated from the start with the forwards pinning the visiting defence in their 22 metres area. After five minutes Durham moved the ball wide left and Bailek looked to have run in an opening score only to drop the ball once he had crossed the try line and was heading for the posts. The game then became littered by handling errors from both sides before the Sunderland full back failed to clear his lines with a kick which went straight to Trotman. The full back gathered the ball and ran around the cover to score in the left hand corner.

Berriman then went very close to a second try after breaking from a maul, but for the second consecutive game he spilled the ball with the line at his mercy. After several minutes of pressure on the Sunderland line, Simpson picked up from the base of a scrum and drove into contact before off-loading to Heron who gratefully accepted to dive over from close range. Trotman kicked to make the score 12-0. Almost immediately from the re-start Foster gathered and ran straight and hard down the centre of the field, evading several challenges before being stopped short of the try line. Once again the City support was very good with Metson receiving a pass to make it two scores in a minute. Trotman again converted. 19-0 to City.

Sunderland then produced ten minutes of pressure on the home try line, and would have scored had they not been guilty of handling errors at vital moments. After absorbing the pressure, City kicked themselves out of trouble and turned defence into attack with strong running again from Foster again making ground and the centre’s pass to Metson saw the number 13 run in for his second try. Half time: City 24 Sunderland 0

After making several changes at half time, City understandably lost some impetus and the visitor’s enjoyed their best period of play of the game. Once again, however, they failed to capitalise on the lion’s share of the possession by producing the score that their dominance justified, and instead it was a long kick from substitute Whalley which was retrieved by Foster who ran a well deserved score under the posts. Whalley converted to see Durham lead by 31-0. Over the final ten minutes of the game the visitors scored two tries in quick succession, the first from a kick and chase, and the second from a good drive from the back of a 5m scrum. Full time: Durham City 31 Sunderland 10

Man of the Match: Toby Simpson was the best forward on the pitch throughout, with his work rate being matched by great courage at times both in defence and attack. Well played Toby, its good to have you back.

Durham City 10 Horden 5

Sunday November 29th, Shincliffe

Despite the unbelievably bad playing conditions at Ryton earlier in the month, this morning’s game was played in even heavier rain, a blustery wind and colder temperatures. As a result the entire match was dominated by the two sets of forwards, with the backlines generally reduced to either dropping or kicking the rugby ball.

Rarely in the first half did either side venture into the other’s 22 metre area, City defended hard right across the field, with gain-breaking runs proving to be few and far between. Foster, playing against his former club, made several forays, and Powell and No.8 Simpson both looked threatening in what was a very well balanced contest. After 20 minutes, most onlookers thought the deadlock had been broken with a miss-kick in defence sliced directly to the visitor’s backline who moved the ball wide, and moved in to score. Unfortunately, the ball was dropped by the attacker over the line, and was subsequently grounded by the home defence, resulting incorrectly in a 22 drop-out (should have been a defending 5m scrum) but with no complaints from the Horden players.

Half time: City 0 Horden 0

The second half continued as a midfield battle with both teams cancelling each other out, and the ball being regularly taken into contact. Midway through the half, the Horden defence kicked clear into the hands of Whalley, making his debut for the season at full back. The Frenchman, quickly moved the ball right and for the first time in the match, an overlap appeared for Metson. The speedy winger did not require a second invitation and he out-paced the visitor’s defence to score with aplomb at the end of a 40 metre run-in. City 5 Horden 0. Stirred by finding themselves down in a match they probably expected to win with ease, the visiting team immediately went onto the offensive from the restart. The pressure was intense on the Durham defence, but a combination of resolute tackling, high work rate and mishandling in attack (largely caused by the appalling weather) resulted in City clearing their lines with a series of deep kicks to touch. Instead the next score arrived in the form of an opportunist try from close in from Yetman, much to the delight of the home lads who were beginning to sense a victory against the odds. City 10 Horden 0.

With five minutes remaining Horden’s possession finally paid off, with a well worked try in the far corner which narrowly went unconverted. City 10 Horden 5. There was still time for a final assault on the City line, but substitute winger Daniels made a great tackle to snuff out the threat. Given the conditions, neither side could have complained at the game being drawn, but given the challenge that City have faced so far this season, the final whistle was greeted with much glee by the boys in blue and gold shirts.

Man of the Match: Simpson was excellent, and Powell was not far behind. Every player certainly played their part including the subs, but Andy Clough played what was possibly his best game in a City shirt and deserved to bask in the glory of the accolade, a win over currently one of the best teams in the County, and a hot shower….not necessarily in that order!

DCRFC Match Reports 2009/10 Season

Hartlepool 7 Durham City 12

Sunday November 22nd Hartlepool

City started brightly kicked uphill and against the wind. Despite being inferior in respect of height and weight in the pack, City weathered early pressure in their own 22 metres, and drove up field, led by Ball, Powell and Simpson. Yetman was kicking sensibly and the forwards generally were more than matching their hosts at the breakdown.

After ten minutes, Tunstall made an incisive break and was stopped five metres short of the try line. Simpson gave excellent support and picked up to go over for his second score of the season. Hartlepool 0 City 5. The game then went through an extremely scrappy period where the referees whistle dominated and City conceded too much territory through indiscipline. The home side went on the offensive and greatly assisted by successive penalty decisions in their favour, eventually started to move the ball about. Despite very good running and passing from Hartlepool, City were guilty at times of poor tackling and as a result the hosts went over and converted. Hartlepool 7 City 5. From the re-start the visitors immediately took the game to their opponents and strong running from Simpson, Powell and Metson took Durham to within ten metres of the line. From the breakdown, Yetman was held up inches from scoring, but was penalised and the home No.10 cleared his lines. Half time: Hartlepool 7 City 5.

Second half City started strongly and kicking with the wind, ensured that all the early parts of the half were played in the Hartlepool 22 metres. After going close in the right corner, from the ensuing line out the Hartlepool fly half cleared only for the ball to be gathered by Trotman who ran across the field to link up with the backline, Ballantyne fed Metson, and the evasive winger found a gap to score. Trotman expertly converted to give City a 12 – 7 lead. For the next twenty minutes, City defended their line despite intense pressure from the home team. Through a combination of line-outs and yet more penalties, Hartlepool were dominant but could not break through the City defence, led by Yetman’s boot and resolute tackling by Ballantyne, Metson and Powell. Eventually, City cleared their lines and played out the final five minutes in the home 22 metres. Full time: Hartlepool 7 Durham City 12

Man of the Match: For the second week running, Thomas Ball was the pick of a very good forward display. He also hammered the Hartlepool MoM in the post game Lucozade down – in – one! Well done Thomas.

Durham City 44 Ryton 0

Sunday 1st November – Ryton

City welcomed back Toby Simpson for his first match of the season, in a game played against a new developing Ryton team in atrocious playing conditions. Both teams had to contend with driving rain, a strong wind and a sodden pitch.

Durham started the brighter with the pack dominating each breakdown in the first five minutes. Eventually, the ball was moved wide by scrum half Yetman and inside centre Foster burst into the line and rounded the home defence with a powerful run to score the game’s opening try. 5-0 to City, with the wind making place kicking very difficult forcing the conversion attempt wide. Two minutes later, Foster scored a carbon copy try with a run from deeper into the Ryton half. Trotman converted this time to make it 12-0 with barely ten minutes gone.

Durham were now enjoying the lion’s share of possession and continued to play within the home 22metres. Metson, playing on the wing for the first time this season, received the ball wide left and proceeded to jink through the defence only to be held up by some excellent defending having crossed the try line. From the resultant 5 metre scrum, after good control by the Durham forwards, Simpson picked up and went over for a trademark No.8 score - 17-0 to City. In the unrelenting rain, City then scored two tries in quick succession to kill off the game as a contest. First, Alex Tunstall ran 30 metres, powering through several tackles before driving over the line to score a great individual try. Almost directly from the restart, Ball caught beautifully and drove into contact. From the breakdown, the blue and gold half backs again moved the ball with pace and gave Foster the opportunity to out run the Ryton defence to complete his hat-trick within the first 20 minutes of the game - 27-0 to City. In the final few minutes before half time, the centre completed his morning’s work with his fourth and final try of the game. Half-time Ryton RFC 0 Durham City 32

City made several changes at half time to give all reserves a game. In a truncated second half, still being played in driving rain, unsurprisingly the play became littered with handling errors. To the credit of the Ryton lads they continued to compete in all aspects of the game despite being dominated at the breakdown. From a penalty on the edge of the home 22 metres line, Heron had speed of thought and side stepped his way over the line. Heron converted his own score to make it 39-0. In the final five minutes Hitchins made his second powerful run, and after out-stripping the home backline, unfortunately was denied an impressive solo try, by grounding the ball too early. Trotman scored the closing try after more Durham pressure, going over from close range. Full time: Ryton RFC 0 Durham City 44

Man of the Match: Both squads deserve praise for braving the elements for an hour to complete the game in such appalling weather. Many thanks to Ryton for hosting us and short notice and hopefully we’ll be able to return the favour later in the season. Also special mentions to Milne and Shogren for playing a half each for Ryton to try and make sure we could keep it 15 a side. There were many noticeable performances today, particularly in the forwards who played well as a unit, marshalled by Simpson. However, the outstanding player had to be ‘Butch’ Foster, who not only ran in four tries in the first half, but was also strong in defence. Congratulations Butch.


Durham City 5 Gosforth 22

Sunday 18th October – Shincliffe

City competed well throughout against a generally bigger and more experienced Gosforth side. The early exchanges were promising with good breaks being made by Robbie Metson and Jonathan Foster, and the forwards giving as good as they were getting at each breakdown. After City had enjoyed the majority of possession, it was the visiting team who opened the scoring after ten minutes. Slick handling by the Gosforth backs moved the ball rapidly to the left wing and the wide man showed great pace and purpose to race around the home defence and score under the posts. 7-0 to Gosforth.

City responded in positive fashion, with a high clearance kick being fielded by Robbie Metson who showed great evasion skills to avoid the oncoming attackers and launch a counter attack by beating several players before releasing the ball to Chris Guest. The speedy second row sprinted up the touchline to outrun the visitor’s cover and score in the corner. 7-5 to Gosforth. A very competitive passage of play then ensued with both sets of players giving their all to win possession and attack at every opportunity. Despite City being narrowly on top at this stage, Gosforth landed a killer blow with a carbon copy of their first score and the left wing ran his second try of the half in the corner. Half time: City 5 Gosforth 12

The second half saw a change of referee, and the Gosforth man started by immediately awarding the visitors a penalty for an infringement on the Durham 22m line. From the quickly taken tap penalty, City were caught asleep, and a Gosforth forward wriggled through at least three missed tackles before grounding the ball for what proved to be the game’s decisive score. 17-5 to Gosforth. Despite the scoreline and several players having to leave the field due to injury, the City boys continued to compete and were frustrated to be beaten again by a drive over try, in the last ten minutes. The final period of the game was played almost entirely in the Gosforth 22m area as Durham did all they could to score a consolation try. The continued commitment of both teams was commendable given the general pace and physicality of the match. Full time: Durham City 5 Gosforth 22

Man of the Match: Robbie Metson, not only did he demonstrate brave and technically perfect tackling throughout the game, he also made some excellent attacking runs, always making significant ground and retaining possession. A very good match Robbie, well done mate.

Darlington 0 Durham City 46

Sunday 11th October – Blackwell Grange

City’s topsy turvey start to the season continued with a spirited display against an under par Darlington team. Will Heron and Jordan Oliver were welcome returnees to the Durham side, and in sunny conditions, Durham kicked off with the breeze at their backs.

City won good ball at the first two breakdowns and at the third, Berriman ripped the ball free and linked well with Trotman who made good ground. The full back fed Heron and he out sprinted the home defence to run half the length of the field to score in the corner. From the restart, City continued to dominate the breakdown and half-backs Heron and Ballantyne were enjoying the lions share of the possession but the Darlington lads defended well to keep them out. However, after 15 minutes their defence was broken as No.8 Powell picked up from a scrum just inside the Darlington half and out ran unopposed to the left corner, to score a great solo try. Trotman kicked an excellent touchline conversion.

City then were held up short of the line twice in quick succession when incisive breaks by Foster were not backed by support runners and the home side managed to clear their lines. Half time: Darlington 0 City 12

The home side opened brightly in the second half and a surging run by the home No.4 was brought to a shuddering halt by a big Metson tackle. Daniel made excellent ground on the right wing and from the resultant ruck on the try line, Owens grounded the loose ball to give Durham a 17 point cushion.

City were now well on top and from a strong run from Tunstall, the ball was worked right to Metson, who showed form reminiscent of last season by sprinting clear of all tacklers to score in the corner. City were working hard, and forwards and backs continued to combine well with fast ball being enjoyed by the backs. After a further five minutes camped in the Darlington 22, Foster burst into the line and scored under the posts. Trotman converted to make the score 29-0.

Immediately after the restart, Tunstall again made good ground down the middle of the park and when the ball was recycled, Foster gratefully accepted the opportunity to run under the posts unopposed. Trotman converted to make it 36-0. The ball was now finding the City wings on a regular basis. Hitchins, having been stopped short of the line in two previous rampaging runs, picked up and scored from close range, to celebrate his return to the side in an unaccustomed left wing position. In the final play of the match, Berriman burst for the line and when held up, had the awareness to pass to Metson. The centre and the ball went to ground, only for Ballantyne to pick up and close the game with a try in the left corner. Full time: Darlington 0 City 46

Man of the Match: David Berriman was excellent for the second week in succession, but was narrowly pipped to the award by a superb performance by Alex Tunstall who had possibly his best game in a blue and gold shirt. Alex never stopped working for the team, was first class in contact and never lost possession. Well done Alex, you epitomised the efforts of everybody this morning.


Durham City 0 Westoe 53

Sunday 27th September - Shincliffe

The City boys suffered their highest ever defeat at the hands of a large and well drilled Westoe team. The tone for the contest was set straight from kick off with the visitors running the ball into the middle of Durham's half, and then moving the ball wide to allow their winger to run in a try on the left. From the restart, Westoe immediately returned the ball into the home 22, and after several phases of play and resolute defending from Rhys Powell and Alex Trotman in particular, a pacey run from the visitor's right wing saw him upended 5 metres short of the line. From the resulting ruck, the Westoe No.9 picked up and went over for their second try. Ten minutes gone and 10-0 to the South Shields team.

The pressure on the home side was relentless as Westoe dominated possession. They continued to play almost exclusively in the City half and moved the ball crisply from the breakdown along their backline. After fifteen minutes they deservedly scored their third try, which was converted. City 0 Westoe 17. Over the next five minutes any chance City had of getting back into the game disappeared as the visitors ran in two further tries, both of which resulted from a plentiful supply of quick ball from their dominant pack which was duly converted by the straight running and fast hands of their backs. City found themselves 29-0 down with still five minutes to play until the half time whistle.

Whilst competing reasonably well at scrums and line-outs, the home team were second best at most breakdowns, and frequently lost the ball in contact. Rhys Powell tackled doggedly, as did Robbie Metson, but offensive play was limited to powerful charges in midfield from Jonathan Foster. Despite continuing to defend resolutely without respite from the onslaught, the home team conceded a further two tries, one of which was converted, before the interval. Half time: City 0 Westoe 41

The second half was a more even affair with City holding their own in the set piece and managing to play more rugby further up the field, without really threatening the Westoe try line. With five minutes of the game remaining, City lost concentration at a scrum within their own 22, and were pushed off their own ball to gift Westoe their eighth try of the match. In the final moments of the game the visitors scored again after a prolonged period of attack which saw Westoe run intelligently and handle the ball extremely well, and City excel in terms of their dogged tackling and competitive spirit. Full time: City 0 Westoe 53

Durham need to dig in, get back to basics in respect of technique and playing tactics, and continue to display a strong team spirit. Although very one-sided, the game was played in excellent spirit throughout and the Westoe lads should be pleased with the result and the manner in which they won the game.

Man of the Match: David Berriman, ran tirelessly, was strong in contact and continued to compete throughout. Well done David.

Durham City 47 Sunderland 0

Sunday 13th September - Shincliffe

City benefited from the return of 2-3 regulars and the full debut of Jonathan “Butch” Foster, although they still took to the field short of several first choice players from last season, through injury and other commitments.

The home side attacked from the start and looked to press home their advantage with an early score. After several promising moves were thwarted as a result of handling errors and knock-ons, Luke Elliott looked to have opened the scoring with a pacey run down the right flank. The winger was stopped 5 metres short of the line by what looked like an outstretched leg, and a line out was Durham’s only reward. Two minutes later from a scrum within the visitor’s 22metre area, No.8 Rhys Powell picked up from the base of the scrum and charged, uncontested over the line. Despite a suspicion of another knock-on, the referee awarded the try. City 5 Sunderland 0.

The game then settled into a familiar pattern with long passages of Durham pressure being relieved by a series of fine clearance kicks from the boot of the visitor’s fly half. After 15 minutes, the Sunderland defence was sucked into a ruck on the right, the City backline reformed quickly and moved the ball crisply from Will Heron to Robbie Metson, who duly put in Luke Elliot for a deserved score. Will Heron converted to stretch the lead to 12 points.

Sunderland took a quick restart and unfortunately for them kicked the ball straight to Alex Trotman who stretched their midfield and created the space for Robert Ballantyne and Robbie Metson to again set up Luke Elliott for his second try in as many minutes. Will Heron kicked the additional points to make the half time score more representative of the territorial advantage enjoyed by the City side. Half time: City 19 Sunderland 0

After the break a combination of sloppy handling and resolute defence proceeded to deny Durham adding to their score. Butch Foster repeated his powerful attacking of the first half to run almost 60 metres only to be denied by a superb tackle inches from the line. Disappointingly his efforts were in vain as the support arrived too late to keep the ball moving, and Sunderland again cleared their lines. Midway through the half however, the normally reliable Sunderland kicker sliced his clearance and Alex Trotman gratefully caught the ball on the run and proceeded to round the visitor’s defence for a try under the posts. Will Heron duly converted. City 26 Sunderland 0

As both teams tired the final quarter of the game became very open and somewhat scrappy. From a sweeping move, Robbie Metson cut inside and applied his undoubted speed off the mark to outwit the defence. Another try near the posts was converted by Will Heron, City 33 Sunderland 0

The game finished with two solo tries. Butch Foster finally got his just rewards when he burst into the visitor’s 22metres area and ran a perfect line to wrong foot the defence and score under the posts. From the restart, the long kick was gathered by Robert Ballantyne who proceeded to first dodge and then sprint past a tired Sunderland defence to score with some ease. Will Heron converted both tries. Full time: Durham City 47 Sunderland 0

Man of the match: Butch Foster. He never stopped doing his utmost throughout. Playing at both prop and back row with good effectiveness he made several powerful runs at vital times. Also, he scored a fine try on his first proper game for the team. Welcome aboard Butch.

Well done to the Sunderland boys too for their commitment and efforts throughout the game. Despite the score line they did not give up and played the match in a great spirit.

Darlington MP 22 Durham City 0

Sunday 6th September Mowden Park

City fielded a much depleted team for a disappointing start to the new season. Injuries, holidays, and other cry offs combined to deprive the starting line up of several first XV players and as a result the Durham boys played second fiddle to a solid Darlington team.
After a scrappy opening which saw both teams making unforced errors, the home team opened the scoring with a close quarter try after significant pressure on the City line.
The following 15 minutes saw City enjoy reasonable possession, despite coming under severe pressure at the breakdown. Time and again, incisive breaks resulted in runners being isolated and the home team regaining the ball. Despite this the City backs continued to stretch the Darlington offence. Unfortunately, a dropped pass from an attacking position led to a breakaway try from the home team under the posts, which was duly converted. Half time Darlington 12 – Durham City 0
Injuries to key players such as Bushnell and Powell further weakened the team and shortly after the half time interval, a flowing Mowden move saw the host team score their third try. At this point in time, despite often teetering on the brink of a record defeat, City actually competed well in what became an entertaining open game. However, despite sterling performances from the likes of Josh and Jerome, and a great effort from Thomas Ball, too often the final City pass went to ground and much effort went to no avail.
Ironically, it was Darlington who ran the ball wide, and held onto their passes to score the game’s final try. Full time Darlington MP 22 City 0

City laboured and Mowden thrived in this opening fixture. The boys have much to do to reach the standards set last season. Fitness levels must improve, particularly in the forwards and greater commitment is needed not only to training, but also match availability if the level of success to which we have become accustomed is to be achieved again this season.

Man of the Match: Robert Ballantyne - Robbie Metson ran and defended like a Trojan. Thomas Ball had an excellent first half. Throughout Robert Ballantyne handled very well under pressure, stood up to the opposition and played equally well at both centre and fly half. A good start on a difficult morning, well done.