Durham's spirit not quite enough to win the day

Durham County Under 20s produced another spirited performance against Cheshire at Hartlepool Rovers RFC but were overwhelmed by a strong and very physical visiting pack and were beaten 22-17.

Cheshire's powerful forwards were the deciding factor in the game and they limited the amount of quality ball available to a Durham side that was without injured skipper Scott Powell. A late scoring surge by Durham added an air of respectability to the final score but Cheshire were well deserved of the win.

The power of the Cheshire front five were ideally suited to the tricky underfoot conditions and they provided the ideal platform for the sprightly backs. Scrumhalf Chris Townshead (Whitchuch) marshalled his forwards in a manor that belied his years and proved a perfect linkman to release the Cheshire backs.

Cheshire made their intentions clear from the kick-off with a dominant forward display in the opening 15 minutes. Cheshire captain Mitchel Hulme (Manchester) lead from the front as the visitors applied some early pressure to the Durham line.

Durham responded well to Cheshire's strong start and applied a few good periods of pressure inside the visitors 22. However, Cheshire hit back with an excellent backs move that produced a try for winger Peter Hardwick (Macclesfield) after some impressive play by classy fullback Mike Breem (Winnington Park.) Breem added the conversion for 7-0 lead after 20 minutes.

A determind and commendable defensive effort by Durham in the final 20 minutes of the first half ensured the score remained at 7-0 in Cheshire's favour. <br><br> The second half saw Cheshire again start strongly again and powerful series of rolling mauls created an unconverted try for second row Josh Cammiss (Altringham and Kersal.)

Moments later Durham replied with a tasty backs move that yielded an unconverted try for debutant centre Frank Kennan (Durham University.)

Further periods of good play from Durham allowed their pacey backs space to run and show their skills.

A series of slick inter-passing between by Monaghan (Darlington) and McDernot (Durham University) created a half chance for flying winger Brennand (Durham University.) Brennand's awesome pace and nibble footwork allowed him to rip through the heart of the Cheshire defence to score an unconverted try and make the score 10-12. <br><br> Minutes after Brennand's try, both sides were reduced to 14 men as Durham flanker Dunnet (Durham University and Cheshire prop Craig Williams (Macclesfield) were sin binned for offences around the ruck.

Cheshire remained unphased by their loss and capitalised on Durham's mistakes to score two tries through winger Liam Devaney (Caldy.)

However, a truly magnificent injury-time try by Brennand added respectability to Durham's score. Brennand started his run inside his own 22 after a wide ball by Dunnet and he blew away three Cheshire defenders inside the Durham half. What followed in the Cheshire half was nothing short of brilliant as he left four of the Cheshire backs transfixed, including the classy Breem, to score next to the posts. Sainty (Hartlepool Rovers) added the conversion to make the final score 22-17 to Cheshire.

Durham entertain Lancashire in their next game on 20thFebruary at Gateshead RFC, 2pm kick-off.