DURHAM CITY 19 MIDDLESBROUGH 8

It was far from plain-sailing however as the visitors controlled the first half in terms of territory and always posed a threat. Full-back Jack Bircham went wide with a simple penalty chance after 9 minutes, but although they took a deserved lead 10 minutes later when hooker Richard Horton was driven over from a 5 metre catch and driven lineout, City’s defence was otherwise equal to everything asked of it.

Five minutes before the interval however, the City counter-punch came when they struck on their first visit to the Middlesbrough 22, scrum-half Paul Armstrong quickly taking a penalty 15 metres out and putting centre Adam Morton into a gap for a try under the posts. Armstrong converted and, against the general run of play, City suddenly had a 7 – 5 lead.

After that it was all-change however as the home forwards grabbed and then took ever-increasing control of the loose play and the set-scrums in particular, marching their opponents back in the final quarter almost at will. Add to it some fine tactical kicking and the recipe was complete.

Armstrong hit the post with a penalty attempt as City pressed early in the second-half and once a good attack by the visitors had been stopped 2 metres out after 50 minutes, they never looked back. With the forwards turning over Middlesbrough possession at a ruck in the City half 5 minutes later, a long kick and chase by Morton ended with him gathering to score City’s second try, and although Bircham kicked a penalty for the visitors to reduce the arrears to 12 – 8, the balance of play had turned and City were not going to be denied.

Quarter of an hour from the end, a penalty kicked into the corner gave them the opportunity of a catch and drive from the lineout and flanker Grant Thompson celebrated fatherhood a couple of days earlier and a fine personal performance, among many in the City pack, with their third try. Stand-off Arnie Stevenson converted from the touchline to extend the lead to 19 – 8 and although they were unable to add to it, they controlled to the end to finish the season on a high note and celebrate a well-earned victory.

Tomorrow, City host the Durham County Second Teams Cup Final between Blaydon and Mowden Park (KO.3.00pm) followed on Sunday (2.00pm KO.) by the Club’s attempt to break the Guinness Book of Records figure of 187 players to play in a continuous match, with proceeds going to charity, including Help the Heroes. Teams /individuals for 10 minutes play (minimum) still required. Register on the day – individuals by 12.30pm, teams by 1.00pm

CITY: Peter van Loo; Jonny Harding, Adam Morton, Richard Knowles, Richard North; Arnie Stevenson, Paul Armstrong; Colin Hogg, Dave Farrar, Neil Hart, Tom Baty, Darren McKinnon, Grant Thompson, Paddy Dias, Howard Johnson.

Replacements: Graeme Herbert, Adam Morton, Aaron Burns.