Macmillan Academy travelled to Darlington Rugby Club with every intention of retaining the U18s County Cup for the third year in succession.

Macmillan Academy travelled to Darlington Rugby Club with every intention of retaining the U18s County Cup for the third year in succession. Team preparations were halted due to an injury to the inspirational Steven, who managed to break his nose 24 hours before kick off. Being the character Steven is he decided he wanted to play, boosting the confidence of the squad in the lead up to kick off.

Dry conditions enabled both teams to express their potential providing a highly skilful encounter. Early in the game neither team gained advantage, with possession being shared equally for fifteen minutes. Two fine kicks from Adam, along with two kicks from Barnard Castles full back who recently attended Johnny Wilkinson's Hotshots made the scores level midway into the first half.

Macmillan academy 6 - 6 Barnard Castle

It was evident that Macmillan posed a threat physically, however they struggled to highlight their dominance early on, perhaps trying to spin the ball wide without committing any players before doing so. Once the message was transferred from the touch line key strike runners ran direct with purpose, the courageous Jaimie ran effectively causing immediate indents in the Barnard Castle defence. The first try came from a patient build up, Macmillan secured the ball through several phases of play until eventually Steven was left with a miss match in which he ran through the opposing tackle to dive for the corner.

Macmillan Academy 11 - 6 Barnard Castle

Key instructions for the second half included being patient in possession, build the phases of play and play to the strengths of the team. Chris, playing out of position was excellent in attack and defence, his distribution allowed Peter space to exploit which he did with pace and power. Adam looked lively all game, scoring a fine solo effort in which he darted down the blind side showing great feet to evade the opposing defender.

Macmillan Academy 16 - 6 Barnard Castle

The latter stages of the final were dictated by Macmillan. Carl along with Lee carried the ball well, with effective rucking from Otshir who covered the pitch with ease. The final try summed up an outstanding individual performance from Steven, who caught the Ball off the back of a line out and ran unopposed for 35 metres to score the definitive try.

Macmillan Academy 21 - 6 Barnard Castle

Macmillan Academy thoroughly deserved the victory, a reward for all their hard training pre season and during the season. Its been the most successful year so far with winning the County Cup and also reaching the last 32 of the Daily Mail National Cup. Long may it continue.

Mr S Richardson