Pool led 21-14 at half-time thanks to two tries from Ben Clarke and another from Josh Walker before taking control after the interval through further scores from Max Filby, Joseph Ryder and a late second try from Filby. Antony Lawrence also added a penalty.

Hartlepool made the perfect start after just five minutes. Ben Clarke chased his own kick ahead, gathered after a favourable bounce and crossed under the posts before converting his own try for a 7-0 lead.

Darlington responded almost immediately. Two minutes later their centre ran an excellent line to break through and score, with the conversion levelling the contest at 7-7.

The home side had the chance to edge ahead after 15 minutes when they were awarded a penalty for holding on, but the kick drifted wide.

Darlington then struck again on 23 minutes. A clever kick through from the centre created the opening and the hosts touched down beneath the posts to move 14-7 ahead.

Hartlepool hit back strongly. After sustained pressure in the Darlington 22 and playing under a penalty advantage, Josh Walker sniped over for Pool’s second try. Clarke added the extras to tie the scores at 14-14.

Just before the break, Riley Lang kicked ahead and Ben Clarke won the race to the bouncing ball before touching down under the posts. Clarke converted to give Hartlepool a deserved 21-14 half-time lead.

Pool’s dominance continued after the interval as their forwards began to overpower the Darlington pack. Max Filby showed tremendous strength to wriggle out of two tackles and force his way over for Hartlepool’s fourth try. Clarke was narrowly wide with the conversion attempt, leaving the score at 26-14.

Antony Lawrence then extended the advantage with a well-struck penalty from 30 metres to make it 29-14.

Hartlepool continued to attack with confidence and flair. With the referee playing advantage for hands in the ruck, Max Filby beat two defenders before producing an excellent flick pass to Joseph Ryder, who outpaced the final defender to score in the corner. Lawrence was narrowly off target with the conversion.

Second row Jack Riley later fielded a long kick and made significant ground before linking with Filby, whose attacking run almost created another score for Ryder, only for the final pass not to go to hand.

Darlington refused to give in and a series of powerful forward drives earned several penalties close to the line. The hosts eventually took one quickly to score their third try, although the conversion was missed, reducing the deficit to 34-19.

With only minutes remaining, Darlington conceded a kickable penalty, but Hartlepool opted for an attacking scrum instead. Jack Walker fed Max Filby on the blind side and the centre powered over from close range for his second try of the afternoon, sealing a 39-19 victory. Lawrence’s conversion attempt struck the post before the referee blew for full time.

The final whistle sparked celebrations among the large travelling Hartlepool support before Durham County President Bob Malvern presented captain David Chester with the cup.

Credit must go to both sides for producing an entertaining and high-quality final, while referee Alistair Sweetin and assistant referees Nick Evans and Sam Hines officiated the match excellently throughout.