DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK CROWNED (JOINT) U15 COUNTY CHAMPIONS IN NAILBITING FINAL!
Rugby is a popular and successful sport in our local community, with several clubs giving students the opportunity to learn the game and often progress to playing at a very high level. The camaraderie, community spirit and competitive rivalries these clubs provide are a fantastic contribution to the lives of the young people who participate.
We recently received the following match report from Antony Lewis, dad of Harry, one of the key players in the U15 County Cup Final between Darlington Mowden Park RFC and Durham City RFC. If you like close fought games that hang in the balance until the dying seconds, read on!
“In a breathtaking County Cup Final at the Darlington Arena, Darlington Mowden Park and Durham City produced a rugby classic, sharing the trophy after an unforgettable 27–27 draw. With both teams having claimed a win apiece earlier in the season, everyone knew this would be close — but nobody could have predicted the rollercoaster drama that unfolded!
From the first whistle, City came flying out of the blocks, dominating the breakdown and threatening out wide. But Park were made of stern stuff. They met fire with fire, delivering crunching tackles and brave defence to keep City at bay.
Then came the first moment of magic. Against the run of play, Darlington scrum-half Golightly spotted a gap and exploded through it, bursting 60 yards upfield. Support arrived in numbers, and after quick recycling, Harry Lewis, one of Richmond School’s rising stars, powered over for the opening try! Cavill made no mistake with the conversion: 7–0.
City hit back, scoring in the corner to make it 7–5, but Park responded immediately. A fumbled restart from City handed Park a scrum, and sharp hands released another Richmond talent, Josh Drought, to dive over in the corner: 12–5.
City’s relentless pressure paid off just before half-time with two quickfire tries, but a crucial charge-down from Cavill kept the score close: 12–15.
The second half picked up right where it left off: intense, breathless rugby.
City scored twice more to stretch their lead to 15–27, and with just ten minutes remaining, Park needed something special.
They found it through a moment of sheer brilliance. Isaiah Delaidriti, another Richmond School standout, reacted first to a bouncing ball deep inside Park’s 22. He hacked it ahead, re-gathered at full speed, rounded the last defender, and raced away for a spectacular solo try! 20–27.
Belief surged through the team.
City were pressing for a killer blow near Park’s try line, but the forwards dug deep, scrapped for every inch, and won a vital scrum. With energy surging through the team, Lewis made a lung-busting carry up to the City 22. When City conceded a penalty, Golightly caught them napping with a quick tap-and-go, diving over to bring Park within two points.
The pressure on Cavill for the conversion was enormous, but he stepped up and slotted it beautifully to tie the game 27–27.
There was just enough time for the restart before the referee blew for full time, and under County Cup rules, the trophy was shared.
Darlington Mowden Park and Durham City: Joint Durham County Champions!
Special Tribute: Richmond School Heroes!
It wasn’t just the players on the field who made this title possible. Jake Rogers, Josh Drought, Harry Lewis, and Isaiah Delaidriti all starred for Mowden Park in the final, showing incredible skill, resilience, and heart.
A special shoutout must also go to Alex Shepherd, another Richmond School representative, who played a vital role throughout Mowden’s County Cup campaign. Though he didn’t play on Sunday, Alex’s contribution all season helped drive the team to this historic achievement. Championships are built on the efforts of the entire squad — and Alex is every bit a champion too! Richmond School should be immensely proud of all five players.”
Thank you to Antony for providing this brilliant report. Congratulations to the Richmond School players, but also to the whole of the squad, the DMP coaching team, as well as the parents, carers, friends and family who tirelessly give their support week in, week out. Without this wider team, clubs like DMP wouldn’t be able to offer the opportunities that they do – thank you!