Barnard Castle 25 v Darlington 19
Thrilling win sees Castle into the final

Barney prepared for this cup semi final against neighbours Darlington knowing that they would have to be at their very best against a side who are currently playing in the league above
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Cheered on by a large crowd and fired up by skipper Sam Bell (Sponsor: Dickinson Agriculture) and player/ coach Marty Lonsdale (Rite Contractor SE) in the pre-match warm up, Castle began the game with all guns blazing and only excellent defence by the visitors prevented them from securing an early score. After 10 minutes, however, they had their reward and following a period of pressure on the Darlington line, James Peareth (Peareth Financial) managed to force his way over for the opening score. With Ralph Makepeace (D Souter Farrier Services) on target with the conversion Barney led 7-0.

Darlington were quick to hit back and following a number of phases of pressure their big number 8 went over for the try. With the conversion good the score stood at 7-7. Shortly afterwards Barney were able to regain their lead to 10-7 with a Ralph Makepeace penalty following a Darlington infringement.

In the run up to half time a Castle forward received a yellow card, but the 14 men were able to defend their line and managed to hang on to the lead at 10-7 as the half-time whistle sounded.

Darlington began the second half well and a great run by their right-winger put them within a few metres of the Barney try-line and enabled one of the Darlington props to go over for the try. With the successful conversion the visitors led, 10-14.

Darlington were enjoying their best spell of the game and they took full advantage of the strong wind to kick the ball to within a few metres of the Castle line and the resulting lineout saw their prop power over for his second try of the day. With the conversion missed the visitors lead had grown to 10-19.

Barney roared back quickly though and Jack Franks (The Old Chapel Staindrop), who was having a another fine game in the back row, went over for the try to put them straight back in the hunt at 18-19.

With the clock ticking Darlington threw everything at the hosts, but Barney’s defence was superb, and they were able to repel attacks and on one occasion Eddie Anderson was able to steal the ball when it looked as if Darlington were odds-on to secure the try.

Late in the game came the moment of magic that sealed the victory as Robbie Lavin (C M Marshall) gathered the ball in close to his own try-line and set off on a mazy run, leaving Darlington defenders in his wake before offloading to Elijah Delaidriti (S & RD Parker) who raced towards the line and joyfully swallow-dived over to claim the try. With Ralph successful with the difficult conversion Barney had the lead, 25-19 as full-time approached.

Darlington continued to apply the pressure, but Barney’s superb defence held firm and as the referee indicated that time was up, they were able to boot the ball into touch and celebrate a superb victory that sees them into the final. Back in the clubhouse the opposition named Elijah Delaidriti as the Barney man of the match, but every player deserves an accolade for a superb all-round team performance.

The club would like to thank match sponsors The Swinbanks and ball sponsor, Colin Watson Windows. There are no details, as yet of date or venue of the final, but the opponents will be Houghton and information will be on the club’s Facebook page as soon as they are known. Next week sees the final league game of the season as the team makes the trip to Westoe, hoping to sign off the campaign with another win.

Nick Raper