There were two leagues drawn and the top two teams in each league went into the Cup competition whilst the other teams competed for the Plate.  After a long and warm day the final of the plate was between Percy Park and Redcar.  The match was very close, but Redcar just had the edge on Percy Park and won 24 – 17. The final of the Cup between two old rivals, Tynedale and Morpeth followed on at 4.30 pm.This was fiercely contested and there was with very little to choose between the two.  Every yard of pitch was fought for and it was a showcase for girls’ rugby with some exciting and courageous moves by players from both sides.  At full time it was a draw – 5 all – and the match went on to sudden death with a maximum of 5 extra minutes each way. It was nerve racking for the supporters and the atmosphere was electric as there was no indication of who would score the deciding try.  However, in the 8^th minute of extra time Morpeth scored to become champions and receive the Cup from Darlington Building Society’s Chief Executive, Peter Rowley.

Mowden Park Girls’ Team Manager, Richard Jackson commented:

It was an excellent day and we are grateful for the support of Darlington Building Society and everyone at the Club who has worked so hard to make the tournament successful. All the players are to be congratulated on their performance. Mowden Park girls did well to get into the cup play offs but were knocked out by  Morpeth, the eventual winners and I was particularly pleased that the referees awarded the Fair Play Trophy to Cockermouth Wasps who are in their first season and who are improving all the time.”

Peter Rowley said, “This tournament was particularly well organised and congratulations must go to Darlington Mowden Park for getting it off the ground.  The quality of play was outstanding from all teams but special congratulations must go to Redcar and Morpeth as trophy winners.”

He continued, “Darlington Building Society is particularly keen on the development of local grass roots sport and our sponsorship of this tournament is tangible evidence of that support.  I hope the competition becomes a regular fixture in the rugby calendar.”