Click to read a thrilling match report from the Durham County Rugby Cup Final, which saw Macmillan Rugby Academy run out deserved winners.



On a bright and blustery afternoon at Gateshead Rugby Club, Durham kicked off, only to find the ball had gone directly into touch. From the resulting scrum Macmillan’s heavier pack showed their dominance by driving back the Durham scrum. 8 minutes later, Macmillan stole a ball against the head resulting in Liam Wilson touching down.
 
From the restart Durham managed more continuity in their game and several good runs by them put Macmillan under pressure. However, this was relieved when Robert Elliott tackled his opposite number and unfortunately for Durham their prop had to retire injured. 

After 22 minutes a lineout deep in Durham territory was caught by Macmillan captain Liam Wilson who set up quick ball. It was passed to James Baker at inside centre and a strong run and great off load resulted in a maul 5 metres out which was driven over by the Macmillan pack. The try was claimed by Second row man Chris Malone.
 
A superb Durham restart led to a knock on and the next five minutes saw Durham through a series of penalties putting huge pressure on the Macmillan line. However after some outstanding defence Macmillan were able to clear the ball with a good kick from fly half Callum Campbell. From a subsequent lineout, Macmillan produced a superb rolling maul from which Liam Wilson scored his second try on 33 minutes. As the first half drew to a close Macmillan were penalised for handling in the ruck and Durham made no mistake when kicking the penalty from in front of the posts.

Macmillan continued to pile on the pressure from the restart. Liam Wilson soon managed to gain possession of the ball and to dive over from short range for his hat trick on 40 minutes. Jamie Brown added the conversion

After the restart, Durham managed to find touch on Macmillan’s 22 metre line. The lineout was won by Macmillan Second row Steven Johnson. The Macmillan backs  showed some great handling before James Watson broke through to score after a great pass from Alick Croft.

Durham’s tactical kicking game and their never say die attitude caused Macmillan some problems which resulted in a great individual try after a gathered chip kick by one of the Durham School forwards. Durham added the subsequent conversion. With the game almost over, Macmillan found a second gear and two late tries by James Watson, the first coming from sustained forward pressure and the second from a great break. Macmillan won the cup by a comfortable margin.

Final Score: Macmillan Academy 39 Durham School 10