TEAM NORTHUMBRIA 3 DURHAM CITY 23

A lively start by the home side saw City having to defend desperately in the opening minutes, but they weathered the storm and with the wind at their backs, some astute kicking by half-backs Arnie Stevenson and Paul Armstrong pushed Northumbria back and penalties in the 10th and 20th minutes for a 6 – 0 lead set them on their winning way.

With the forwards getting on top, and decisively winning the battle for the loose ball with flankers Jeff Roberts and Shaun Dickinson together with lock Darren McKinnon particularly prominent, the Northumbrian threat was effectively nullified for the remainder of the half. Equally however, City were struggling to create clear-cut scoring chances. But after 32 minutes, a penalty kicked into the corner gave the pack the opportunity to drive from the lineout and No.8 Howard Johnson went over for the first try. Armstrong converted to give them a 13 – 0 interval lead.

A good attack early in the second half when City ran from a free-kick on halfway took play to the home line but they conceded a penalty when a score seemed probable , and they were reminded that Northumbria still posed a threat when Samoan full-back Faatau made a strong 50 metre break up the middle. A penalty against City resulted and home centre Grimes converted to reduce the deficit to 3 – 13.

But with the City forwards taking an ever-increasing grip on the game, a comeback seemed unlikely, and although handling errors let the visitors down in a number of promising situations, the default position was always up front and the pack duly obliged.

First, Dickinson was driven over for their second try from a ruck following a lineout near the home line after 57 minutes, and then in very similar fashion Roberts got their third with 10 minutes left.

At 23 – 3 ahead, City were home and dry and even defiant pressure from Northumbria in the last few minutes couldn’t touch them. It cost them however, as Armstrong was stretchered off with what appeared to be a serious injury when trying to break out of the City 22 in what was the final play of the match.

Tomorrow, City are at home to league newcomers Malton and Norton (KO 2.15pm)

CITY: Jonny Harding; Jack Johnson, Richard Ellis, Chris Metcalfe, Richard North; Arnie Stevenson, Paul Armstrong; Kenny Reader, Mike Hay, Mark Archbold; Peter Dent (capt.), Darren McKinnon, Shaun Dickinson, Jeff Roberts.

Replacements: Adam Armstrong, Tom Baty.