Mowden Park won the Durham County Cup with an emphatic 64-5 win over visiting West Hartlepool on Thursday. A healthy crowd tuned out to watch DMP defend their County Cup title at the Arena, and they were treated to a try-fest with 11 in total.

It didn’t take long for Mowden to break the deadlock. A series of strong carries set up James Fitzpatrick, who powered through the center to cross for the first try of the evening. West Hartlepool almost hit back immediately through fly half Gavin Painter, but his penalty attempt drifted just wide of the uprights. DMP extended their lead soon after, another powerful carry seeing Simon Uzokwe over the line. Law was successful again from the tee taking the score to 14-0. Mowden’s third try came through a flowing backs move, releasing Adam Radwan who stepped inside and sped away for his first try of the night. This was followed by an end to end passage of play with both sides threatening but ultimately turning over possession. On the verge of half time Mowden Park extended their lead further, with Fitzpatrick crashing over for his second of the game.

Half Time : DMPRFC 28-0 WHRFC

The second half got underway with Mowden on the front foot. Winger Adam Radwan displayed his footwork to beat a couple of would-be tacklers for his second on the night. Law added the extras to stretch the lead to 35 points. Shortly after half time, Mowden began to ring the changes. Mark Bell came on to rapturous applause, whilst there were strong showings from youngsters Callum Burke and Alex Dunne. Mowden Park extended their lead further through Talite Vaioleti, the Tongan stepping inside to score DMP’s 6th try. Their 7th came through Callum Mackenzie, who outran the cover defence after Josh Bragman’s midfield offload. Bragman took over kicking duties to take the score to 47-0. West Hartlepool then showed great character in pushing Mowden back in a series of phases. Sustained pressure on the DMP line saw West prop Adam Coates chalk up their first points of the game, 47-5. The game really opened up at this stage, with both teams playing some thoroughly entertaining rugby. Mowden scored the next try through skipper Chris Auld, who had a solid game at nine. Mowden’s ninth try was arguably the try of the night. Adam Radwan received the ball on the left wing before stepping inside a series of West defenders, eventually crossing in the opposite corner for his hat trick. The scoring was rounded off by Ignas Darkintis, who scored after a great break a few phases prior.

Full Time: DMPRFC 64-5 WHRFC

A massive thank you to everyone who turned up to support both sides. Mowden Park will look to defend their title again in 2018. Thank you to all of the Mowden Family for all of your support this season. Stay posted for updates as DMP prepare for the 2017/18 season.

Mowden Park:
Tries: Darkintis, Radwan x3, Auld, Mackenzie, Vaioleti, Fitzpatrick x2, Uzokwe
Conversions: Bragman x2, Law x5

West Hartlepool:
Tries: Coates