County Plate Semi-Final

Durham 39 v 13 Sussex
At Hartlepool Rovers RFC

Durham stormed into the County Championship Plate Final in emphatic style with a 39-13 win over Sussex in blustery conditions at Hartlepool Rovers RFC.

Another impressive display of running rugby from Durham characterised the game and their form throughout the Championship has earned them a home final tie on Sunday, 27th May.

Durham’s inventive attacking style and high work rate throughout proved decisive, with openside flanker Dan Cooper (Durham University) again arguably the pick of the talent on show.

Durham started strongly but were unable to convert their pressure into points initially and it was this problem that was to hold back Sussex throughout in the chase for the spoils.

However, a moment of individual brilliance from centre Rob McDermott (Durham University) yielded Durham’s first try. A deft chip and chase and collect inside the visitors 22 gave McDermott a try under the posts. Moore (Middlesbrough) converted for 7-0 lead.

Another successful Moore kick help Durham establish a 10-0 advantage against a determined Sussex team. And it was determination that pulled Sussex back into the game at 10-8 with a Rob Parry (Bognor) penalty and an unconverted try from lightning quick winger Mike Marsh (Esher).

Durham responded to the resurgent visitors soon after with a vital unconverted try moments before half-time. Centre Chris Dunlop (Durham University) picked up a loose ball deep in the Sussex 22 and charged over for a 15-8 half-time lead.

Durham again started strongly after the break but again in took 15 minutes to score. However, the opening score of the second half, a Moore penalty, opened the game up for Durham.

Following Moore’s penalty, the impressive Cooper evaded three tackles inside the Sussex 22 to score under the posts. Back-up kicker and winger Gareth Foreman (Hartlepool Rovers) added the extras on home turf for a 25-8 lead.

Two further Foreman penalties 10 minutes from time put the result beyond doubt at 31-8. But a never say die Sussex side responded with an unconverted try from replacement Patto.

However, Durham had the final say with a cheeky but classy Foreman blindside try and penalty to make the final score 39-13.