Novocastrians 16 - Darlington 34

Darlington moved seven points clear at the top of D and N One with an extremely hard fought four-try 34-16 win at a very competitive Novos.

Playing into the wind, Darlington led 15-6 at half-time through some impressive forward work with openside Jim Carver working tirelessy, allowing No 8 Andy Hodgkins and prop Joe Hargreaves to finish off forward drives, while hooker Rob Goddard touched down after a break by winger Matt Sowerby with no conversions landed. Fortunately the Novos kicker struggled to master the wind with several penalty kicks sailing well wide.

Novos started the second half extremely well with their Number 8 and scrum half to the fore and they hit back to lead 16-15. Darlington then had a push over try disallowed and a penalty awarded against them when the ref deemed to the trapping of the ball between two feet as the scrum went over as 'dangerous play'. Fortunately a great solo effort involving Matt Sowerby racing up the left wing from long range to score pushed Darlington back in front. Matthew Higgins capped a good all round game to add another try. Novos were unfortunate to concede a late try to Dan Carter who reacted well to a spilt ball as they tried to break from the 22. Henry Carver converted the last two tries. Not the prettiest win but a pleasing one which showed bagged of character against a side who not only had much better side than their position in the league would suggest but continued to press right to the last.