Unsuccessful start to Senior County 2006 campaign

Durham County 26-34 Cheshire
At Gateshead RFC
6th May, 2006

Durham County opened their County Championship Shield campaign against Cheshire at Gateshead RFC with an exciting encounter which saw Cheshire score two triesin the last 10 minutes to win 34-26.

Both Durham and Cheshire battled to the end showing total commitment throughout and the never say die attitudes of the teams made for a tense finish.

Durham made more of their first half possession than Cheshire showing invention in back and forward play. However, Durham were not as clinical as Cheshire with their scoring opportunities and the teams were levelat 13 all at halftime.

Durham's points coming from tries by Andrew Foreman(DMP) and Dale Taylor (Durham University) and penalty by Iain Dixon (DMP.) Cheshire scoring through two penalties and conversion by Simon Mason (Orrell) and a try Tom Eaton (Halifax.)

Durham started the second half strongly and an early Dixon penalty gave Durham a slender 16-13 lead. Cheshire responded soon after with a try scored by Shaun Woof (Sedgeley Park), converted by Mason to regain the lead at 20-16.

Another Dixon penalty midway through the half brought Durham within touching distance and try by Taylorafter some good work by the impressive Tim Vissor (DMP) gave Durham a 26-20 lead with 15 minutes remaining.

Despite further good attacking phases, Durham could not extend their lead to wrap up the game. Cheshire finished with a flurry as Durham's defence leaked two late tries. Paul Ralph (Stockport) and Peter Allen(Macclesfield) scoring, Mason converting both for a 34-26 final score.

Durham travel to Warwickshire on Saturday, playing at Coventry RFC, 3pm kick-off.