The Carlisle U16s had been busy in the build up to the game with several weeks of pre season fitness and skills training.

24 players made the journey across to the North East where they played a strong DMP side with two games already under their belts.

It was decided that to allow all players from both teams to have a game the match would be played in three 20 minutes sessions with a final 10 minutes.

From the kick off it was obvious that DMP had put out their strongest side and after six minutes play managed to score the first try. Carlisle responded with some excellent attacking play with the backs freely passing the ball but simple ball handling errors would prevent any reply from Carlisle and after 11 minutes DMP had added their second try, Neither of DMP’s tries were converted.

After the first break Carlisle responded with continued strong attacking play with the forwards dominating the srums and line outs. Shortly into the second session Carlisle’s Thomas Maughan scored a brilliant solo try aftercut through DMP’s defensive line. The try was converted by Harry Hetherington.
Unfortunately Thomas had to limp off a short time later with an ankle injury. DMP’s response was almost immediate with two quick, unanswered tries before the second break. Again neither try was converted.

The third tweny minute session started with DMP ahead 20 pts to Carlisle’s 7.
Again DMP used their power players to notch up their fifth try.
Carlisle could have been forgiven if they had let their heads down and accepted the score line as it stood but Carlisle dug deep and using their increased fitness levels produce some terrific forwards and back play. Again Carlisle dominated the end of the third period with tries scored by Seamus Edwards, Rory Ward and Oliver Burns.

The third period ended with a score line DMP 25. Carlisle 22. At the whistle some, very tired DMP players thought the game was over only to be told there was 10 minutes left to play.
The last 10 minutes was played at same frenetic pace as the previous 60 minutes with most of the players never playing beyond the 60 minute mark previously.

Carlisle continued to dominated the set pieces and with only moments left an interception from deep within Carlisle’s half saw both Oliver Burns and Jonathan Park race down the DMP full back with Oliver Burns hacking the ball on and Jonathan Park collecting the ball for an easy try between the posts which was converted by Marcus Tiffen.

Final Score: Darlington Mowden Park 25. Carlisle U16s 29