Durham County 26 - 14 Cumbria
At Darlington RFC Durham produced a solid display to win 26-14 against Cumbria in a game where there was everything to play for.
Both sides had an outside chance of a Twickerham final provided Oxfordshire beat North Midlands in the other group match. Despite Durham's efforts, Oxfordshire failed to beat North Midlands but the pattern of results also preserved Durham's County Championship Shield status.
Durham frequently looked like they were going to run away with the game but Cumbria never gave up and pushed Durham all the way the final whistle.
The opening 30 minutes remained scoreless but was characterised by some expansive rugby that yielded half chances for both sides.
Stephen Stoddart (Aspatria) opened the scoring with two penalties in quick succession but Durham replied with an excellent unconverted team try scored by Matt Dillworth (Darlington.)
Durham turned the screw and their reward was a try from Rob Stewart (Darlington.)
Stewart used his pace to nip through a gap and dance his way to the line. Craig Lee (Darlington) added the conversion for a 12-6 lead.
Moments later on the stroke of halftime Stoddart responded with another penalty to keep Cumbria within touching distance.
Durham made a powerful start to the second half and their hard work was rewarded with a Paul Lee (Darlington) try, created by Richard Knowles after 44 minutes (Durham City.) Craig Lee again tagging on the conversion for a comfortable 24-9 advantage.
Knowles turned from creator to scorer 10 minutes later with a powerful burst into the right corner.
Durham produced numerous good passages of play after Knowles's try but without reward and it was a determined Cumbria side that had the final say. Hooker Alan Holmes (Fylde) showed pace and a good sidestep to score an unconverted try.
Cumbria's late scored proved to be in vain as Durham ran out 24-16 winners.
