16/6/2013 Durham School v Durham County C.C. U.17

School elected to bat and struggled to 109 all out against some fiery bowling.
Only Bushnell and Hardy managed double figures.
This left DCCC an easy task although School had a wicket in the eighth over when Davison had J.Hardy(6) caught by his namesake S.Hardy at first slip. 7.1-1 18-1
A good piece of fielding by Grosert ran out Tindall(35) with a flat throw. 24-4-70-2
S.Hardy had Anderson(39) leg before in a wicket maiden. 28-5-78-3
Patterson 23* and Anderson 10* knocked off the runs.
Result DCCC. U.17 won by 7 wickets
Durham School 109 (Bushnell 30, S.Hardy 20, J.Hardy 4-12, Harper 1-27, West 1-9, Howarth 1-7, Mcgrathlan 2-8, Anderson 1-9)
DCCC.U.17 112-3 (Tindall 35, Anderson 39, Hardy 1-33, Davison 1-26)

15/6/2013 Bradford Grammar School v Durham School at Bradford.

Weather Sunny at start but see later.
Wicket dry, straw coloured with a tinge of green.
Toss won by Durham. Bradford asked to bat.
Format 105 overs.

Another ground surrounded by trees with a 10/12 foot perimeter white painted wall vying with Darlington for the longest sightscreen.
The fifth over was a wicket maiden by West when Butt sliced hard to point for Horner to take the catch. 5-1-14-1
Eight runs came off the 7th and 8th overs and 13 in the 11th when Devesher hit a six into a nearby garden. 11-1-54-1
Grosert had a wicket in his second over taking out Green's off stump who was looking dangerous. 14-1-69-2
Gell bowled a maiden and he and Grosert slowed the scoring, but it began drizzling.
Devesher reached 52 in the 21st over with a boundary. 21-3-81-2
Gell bowled another maiden then Tahirkelley mishit the ball high seemingly disappearing into the low clouds.
Gell waited patiently for it to come down and caught it. Grosert took another wicket next ball when Gill hit straight to mid on for Davison to catch. 25-4-90-3/4
An interruption by hailstones followed by torrential rain brought an early lunch.
Much to everyones surpise the game restarted and Gell bowled a maiden and with Horner curtailed the batsmen so that the next five overs yielded only 9 runs.
BGS had their hundred in the 30th over. The tall poplars across the field swayed in the stiff wind and more rain came.
On resumption Devesher(71) was caught at mid on off Horner. 34-6-111-5
Another wicket this time to Gell. 37-6-121-6
Hardy keeping wicket in the abscence of Foster stumped BGS then another was bowled. 40-8-126-7, 42-8-129-8.
With the remaining overs reducing Bradford reached 150 in the 51st over.
West returned and knocked back the batter's leg stump. 51-9-150-9
Enterprising batting took 25 runs off the last overs and the innings closed at 175-9.
Durham needed 176 off 50 overs at 3.52 r.p.o.
Hardy opening drove his second ball hard toward cover but Bradford employed a near silly mid off and he grasped the ball only maybe an inch off the ground to put Durham a wicket down with no score.
The total had got to 22 when Gell(11) was caught and bowled. 7-0-22-2
Bushnell and Whalley now had to rebuild the innings and gradually they pushed the score up with careful shot selection. 23-3-63-2
Then Whalley pulled a full toss behind square leg and a cover drive both to the boundary in the 24th over.
More rain arrived and School were 80-2 at tea with Bushnell 37* and Whalley 27*
After tea the battle between the spinners and batsmen resumed.
The looping flighted deliveries were difficult to get away. The batsmen treated them circumspectly but two loose balls were sent to the boundary in the 32nd over.
BGS set the field well and the bowling was tight.
The 38th over was a good one for Durham with 11 scored. 38-3-126-2
Bushnell reached 50 with a four off the last ball of the 39th over. Whalley hit three fours in the 40th over and school seemed to be cruising.
Bushnell hit a six into the garden followed by a four and a single then Whalley was caught at mid on ending a partnership of 135. 41-3-157-3.
One run was added and Bushnell was bowled. 42-3-158-4.
There appeared to be plenty of overs left but two wickets fell to spin before Horner drove through the covers to conclude the game.
Result Durham School won by 4 wickets
Bradford Grammar School 175-9 (Deveresh 71, Green 18, West 2-49, Grosert 3-25, Gell 1-35, Horner 3-28)
Durham School 178-6 (Bushnell 68, Whalley 50+?,)
Another game with a close finish. The first time we had played BGS.

The next game is on Thursday against the MCC start 11.30 a.m.
Followed by Ashville College on Saturday 22/6 start 11.30 a.m.

Boys Sports Results

Wk beginning 10th June 2013

Cricket

Golf

Wk beginning 3rd June 2013

Cricket

Water-Polo

8/6/2013 Woodhouse Grove v Durham School at Bradford

Toss Woodhouse Grove who will bat
Format 50 overs
Weather Sunshine with a slight breeze
Wicket " a good cricket wicket with something in it for the bowlers" quote Arnie Sidebottom Yorks and England

The school is situated in a valley surounded by woodland. It has a sloping cricket ground and is overlooked by the Grove.
A very pleasant place to visit for cricket but austere for rugby in the winter.
There was a distinct improvement in the bowling from that at St.Peter's as School started with 2 maidens out of the first 3 overs.
Then a sharp chance off Tahir was spilled but next over brought success for Wesr when he bowled Baldwin(6) 5-2-14-1
The seventh over saw WG score 15 made up of two boundraries and off the first ball a seven.
this comprised a three runs and four overthrows.
A bowling change still brought four to WG but Tahir's next over was a maiden. 10-3-44-1
The batsmen were contained in the next 7 overs and had reached 61 when Dixon(24) was caught behind by Foster off Gell 17-4-61-2
Grosert had Edwards(16) caught sweeping to leg 25-5-95-3.
Budge came down the wicket to drive over Gell's head and attain the hundred.
Budge had his fifty in the 29th over. 29-5-103-3
Budge produced a cover drive to add to the skilful square cuts shown earlier.33-5-122-3 then as WG seemed to be getting on top Hardy bowled Worcester(16) and had Malik l.b.w. next ball in a double wicket maiden.34-6-123- 4/5
Lunch
Hardy continued after lunch with Proctor at the other end. Proctor had Newark(11) caught at long on 40-6-145-6
Hardy took the next wicket bowling Myers 43-6-162-7
Eleven runs were taken by WG in the 43rd over with Budge continuing with the first six. 44-6-173-7
Boggie(6) was stumped by Foster off Proctor's bowling 177-8 but the next ball went for 4 but the 47th over conceded only two runs.
On strike in the 48th over Budge reached his hundred with a cover drive and repeated that stroke-two fours, so WG added 24 in the last three overs. Innings closed at 206-8.
The Durham reply began slowly although Hardy had a leg glance to the boundary.4-0-11-0
The following eight overs only yielded 18 runs 12-0-29-0; this was explained by tight bowling and a defensive field placing.
Hardy managed a four over mid wicket the first boundary for 11 overs.14-0-40-0
On the stroke of tea Proctor(13) was run out 17-0-53-1
The first post tea over was a maiden but thereafter more urgency was shown.
Tahir went down the wicket to hit over the bowlers head and then past cover for fours eight off the over 22-1-75-1.
The next over was a wicket maiden as Hardy(28) was caught in the slips.23-2-75-3
With 207 to get 132 off 27 seemed a big ask with the disciplined bowling and the perceived difficulty of piercing the field.
Tahir hit a six over deep cover in the 26th over but the 28th was a maiden 28-3-93-2
Tahir(40) was out bowled in the 32nd over after hitting the first ball of the over for 4 through the covers. 32-3-105-3
This brought Whalley in to join Bushnell.
With the score 111 drinks were taken. Durham needed 96 to win from 16 overs a run rate of 6 p.o.
Seven, six and eleven from the next three overs. One of the QWG was injured and hobbling, a substitute was required.
I offered my services but the offer was declined.
Both batsmen were playing positively, 66 of 12 became 55 off 11 then 50 off 10.
Whalley who had scored 24 was caught at mid off from a ball by Budge as the tension increased. 42-3 169-4
Four wides helped School but 11 balls only added 3 runs.
The 44th over brought the target nearer with Raglan pulling through long on (4), a single and a drive by Bushnell
through deep cover- nine runs.
Six runs off the 45th over. Then a six by Raglan in the 46th over 46-3-196-4 left Durham needing 11.
Three were added in the 47th over then Bushnell finished the game with two fine strokes- a square cut and cover drive
both for four.
The Durham batsmen had shown a patient approach despite an accurate bowling attack with Bushnell displaying resilience, the final overs assisted by Raglan 19 not out.
Result Durham School won by 6 wickets.
Woodhouse Grove 206-8 (Dixon 24, Edward 16, Worcester 16, Budge 107*, West 1-27, Taylor-Gell 2-37, Grosert 1-38, Hardy 3-37, Proctor 2-38)
Durham School 207-4 (Hardy 28, Tahir 40, Whalley 24, Bushnell 51*, Raglan !9*, Budge 1-25, Edward 1-26, Baldwin 1-51)

A whole hearted team effort brought I think Durham's first win against this strong Yorkshire side.
A very enjoyable day and a big thank you to Woodhouse Grove for staging an excellent game.

Durham School First XI play Bradford Grammar School on Sat.15/6/13 start I think 11 a.m. and Durham County Cricket Club U.17's on Sunday.

6/6/2013 Geoff Parling O.D. scored a try for the British Lions in their match against Western Force, Australia, Perth on the 76th minute.

The FIrst XI resume their season with an away game against Woodhouse Grove, Bradford on Saturday 11.30 a.m.

19/5/2013 National T20 North East Finals

This was held at St. Peter's School, York.
Weather dry, sunny 60F.
Wicket Dry easy paced.
Toss Won by Woodhouse Grove who will bat.

The first four came from an overpitched delivery. W.G. had progessed to 23 in the fifth over when Tahir induced a mistake. A top edge went skywards and was caught by Foster. 5-0-23-1
Accurate bowling constrained the batsmen and the next wicket to fall was another skier off the first ball sent down by Grosert. 10-0-37-2
Foster stumped the next man in the next over. 11-0-46-3
W.G. lost another wicket in the 14th over with a run out. 14-0-60-4
Durham were in a strong position. By the 16th over W.G. were only 16-0-73-4
Then Budge and Dixon set about Durham's bowling. Budge hit two sixes in the 17th, one over the bowler's head and the second over square leg that took the score to 17-0-93-4
Eleven came from the next and twelve from the 19th. Budge had his fifty but was caught at backward square off Hardy in the last over. Innings closed at 120-5 with Dixon 33 n.o.
Needing 121 at six per over Hardy hit the first six in the fourth. 4-0-24-0
Fourteen were taken from the next over. 5-0-38-0
A shoulder high ball was hooked but kept down by Hardy(35) but the next was caught at square leg.6-0-42-1
The rate slowed but with ten gone School were up with the rate. 10-0-63-1
Tahir hit a six over long off but Whalley(7) was run out by a splendid low throw to the keeper.11-0-73-2
After a deft late cut to the third man boundary Tahir was dropped at cover when 41 n.o.17-0-98-2
Despite the wickets in hand the run rate had now slowed. Tahir reached 50 and with 2 overs remaining fifteen were needed.18-0-106-3
Eleven runs came from the 19th over with two fours from Tahir but going for another he was caught at long off. 19-0-118-4
Raglan and Bushnell(13*) took the scores level then a two came from the last ball. 20-0-122-4

A win by Durham put them into the final against St. Peter's who had beaten Leeds Grammar School by 8 wickets. St.Peter's won the toss and decided to bat. They got off to a flying start with one six hit out of the ground they were 6-0-62-0
Gell took the first wicket of Adams(33) with a stumping by Foster. 8-0-69-1
The second wicket by Gell with Foster again stumping was in the tenth over. 10-0-78-2
Grosert had the next with a catch by Raglan at mid wicket. 11-0-88-3
St.Peter's attained the hundred in the 13th over 13-0-101-3
Gell and Hardy managed to keep the score down and Tahir dismissed a batsman bowled leg stump. 17-0-124/5(run out).
With the score 136 Whalley made a rapid return to Hardy for a run out. 19-0-136-6
Six more were added so St. Peter's innings closed at 142-6. This was to prove a winning total. School had conceded 18 extras giving the equivalent of 3 additional overs.
Tahir(5) hit a four over mid off then attempting to repeat the stroke was caught in the third over. 3-0-13-1
Whalley pulled through long on in the fifth over. 5-0-21-1
Hardy(8) was caught at long off. 7-0-35-2
Bushnell(6) was caught at mid on. 10-0-49-3
Raglan was l.b.w. 12-0-63-4
Then 10 runs came off the 13th over. Whalley was scoring steadily and joined by Henderson they took the score to 95 when Henderson(24) mistimed
and was caught. 18-0-95-5
Whalley took 9 off the next over and another four but trying for a second run with Elliott the latter was run out by a direct hit. 19-0-111-5.
Foster was caught on the boundary 19-0-115-6.
Five runs came off the last and Durham finished at 120-6.
Result St. Peter's won by 22 runs.
Fourteen wides and four no balls together with an aggressive start put St. Peter's into a dominant position although Tahir(50) and Whalley (53*) batted well.

The next game for the 1st XI is at Woodhouse Grove on 8th June start 11.30 a.m.

19/5/2013 Twenty overs
Leeds Grammar School 109 all out, St.Peter's 110-2
Woodhouse Grove 120-5, Durham 122-4
St.Peter's 142-6, Durham 122-6
Report later.

18/5/2013 Today's game v Ampleforth was cancelled.
This notice was put out at 11.30 a.m. but returned due to a mistake.

11/5/2013 Barnard Castle School v Durham School at Barnard Castle.

Toss won by B.C. who asked Durham to bat.
Weather drizzle 50F
Wicket hard but lacking pace
Format 55/50

Little of incident happened in the first ten overs.
Hardy pulled a four through midwicket in the fourth but both he and Proctor the other opener struggled against some good bowling by B.C. 10-3-21-0
Hardy(18) spooned a catch to mid off to be caught in the 12th over.12-4-25-1
A maiden followed then Tahir was dropped at slip but the mistake gave Durham the first run off 17 balls. Yet another maiden followed what looked like a four by Tahir was reduced to three by the wet outfield. Twenty overs had brought 43 runs and 6 maidens. 20-6-43-1
A square cut by Tahir was the first boundary for 13 overs. 21-6-48-1
As the innings progressed Tahir was finding his touch whilst Proctor was batting carefully at the other end. After several fours Tahir hit a six in the 30th over 30-7-96-1 and and further sixes in the next two. Sixteen were taken from the 32nd over. 32-7-106-1
Proctor had a cover drive for four. Mayhem ensued when the batsmen could not decide whether to run two or three eventually two as lunch approached. Lunch 39-7-138-1 Proctor 40* Tahir 76*
There had been a sharp shower during lunch but now blue skies welcomed the players back.
Steady progress by Durham brought up the 150 then 9,10,and 9 and rain intervened. 44-7-169-1
The interuption was short Proctor(52/122) reached his 51 with a cover drive but was then run out.45-7-174-2
Tahir had his hundred in the 46th over hit a six in the next but now accustomed to the wicket hit three successive sixes and a four for 22 runs off the 48th over.These were impressive powerful hits over deep square leg,a straight drive,over long on then a four through long off. 48-7-210-2
Tahir(142/129) was dropped off a skier then caught trying a reverse sweep. 51-7-230-3.
Bushnell(12*) and Whalley(10*) brought the declaration 52-7-240-3
The umpires were now in sunhats !!
As the B.C. innings began it was raining again.
Newman disregarded the pitch conditions taking 8 off the 3rd and 12 off the 5th. 5-1-25-0
He was out first ball in the 6th over for 22. 6-2-25-1
With tea approaching the batsmen dug in. 9-3-31-1
A bowling change brought a maiden there was a unsuccessful loud appeal for caught behind (two independent umpires) and this was followed by 4 successive maidens. At the 20 over stage B.C. were exactly comparable with the School 20-8-43-1
Play continued slowly with B.C. falling behind the rate but not giving any chances. Bushnell came on and bowled Swires(30) who had been obdurate then in the next over Hardy snapped up a difficult caught and bowled 32/32-9-80/81-2/3
A maiden followed and a caught behind by Foster off Bushnell took B.C. to 36-10-92-4
The pitch offered nothing to either bowlers or batsmen. There was much playing and missing as B.C. consolidated. Sowerby and Wilson were resolute as the overs dwindled. There was a boundary in the 39th over and again in the 52nd where the ball was nicked over the outstretched hands of slip.
As the match concluded I noticed the temperature was a blistering 48F.
Result Match drawn
Durham 241-3 (Tahir 142, Proctor 52, Barratt 1-46, Wilson 1-74)
Barnard Castle 163-4 (Newman 22, Swires 30, Sowerby 63*, Wilson 27*, Tahir 1-28, Hardy 1-31, Bushnell 2-5)
Apart from the dynamic innings by Tahir it had been a slow cold day.

On Saturday Durham School welcome Ampleforth College to the Playground start 11.30 a.m.

15/5/2013 Durham School were mentioned in the Daily Telegraph today 14/5.
This was in the Schools Sport section and followed that in schoolscricketonline.

14/5/2013 The withdrawal of RGS from this means that Durham School go through to the area final. This will be played at St.Peter's School, York on Sunday 19 May.
The Durham School match starts at 1.30 p.m.
The report from Saturday is in preparation.

11/5/2013 Durham 241-3 dec. Barnard Castle 163-4 at Barnard Castle.

8/5/2013 Durham School v Barnard Castle on the Playground.

This match is part of the National 20/20 competition.
Wicket: Greenish, very wet outfield.
Toss: Barnard Castle asked Durham to bat.
Format: 20/20
Weather: 60F the drizzle had stopped just in time.

Durham started well with three fours by Hardy in the third over 3-0-25-0
Continuing his aggressive approach Hardy reached 50 in the 6th over.
Tahir(8) was caught behind and School lost another wicket next ball. 40-1/2
With 8 off the 8th a skier to long on was dropped 8-0-52-2
When the total had reached 66 in the 10th over the drizzle intensified into rain and play was interrupted.
Patience and resolution by the Umpires got the going after about 20 mins.
Hardy(47) was out almost immediately caught at first slip off Upton. 10.4-0-67-3
Bushnell lost Whalley(10) 13-0-86-4 another wicket followed in the 14th over. 14-0-90-5
Bushnell had been collecting singles pulled through mid wicket for four in the 15th which brought 17 runs.
Elliott had brought impetus to the innings hitting a massive six high in the diggings.
Nine and ten runs came from the 16th and 17th overs but Elliott(23)was bowled by Upton. 18-0-135-6.
Bushnell's(43) important contribution finished in the last over caught behind off Upton. 20-0-141-7
Barnard Castle only scored a single off the first School over but the following overs went for 10, 19, 13 and 11, taking them beyond 50 in the 5th over.
Spinners Hardy and Gell slowed the scoring and Gell bowled Coser. 7-0-58-1
Gell had another wicket in the 9th when Grosert took a catch on the boundary. 9-0-74-2
Grosert came on from the School end and had an immediate effect taking wickets with consecutive balls. This included a caught and bowled Newman(37) who had been responsible for the aggressive start.
Grosert ended with a double wicket maiden.11-1-78-3/4
Elliott took the catch at long off to give Hardy his second wicket 12-1-81-5
Hitherto Barnard Castle had been continuously ahead of the run rate. Progress had slowed and Grosert had another wicket when Foster smartly stumped the batter. 15-1-105-6
Foster repeated the stumping in the 17th over in which he took three wickets including two clean bowled.17-1-108-7
This became 109-8/9.
The innings petered out and Durie finished it off at 119.
Result Durham won by 22 runs and will play RGS in the next round.
Durham 141-7 (Hardy 47, Elliott 23, Bushnell 43)
Barnard Castle 119 ( Newman 37, Taylor-Gell 2-21. Hardy 2-22, Durie 1-5, Grosert 6-19)
The next game is a 11.30 start at Barnard Castle on Saturday.

Today's Telegraph and The Times (10/5//2013) announced the birthday of Lord Justice Laws (John Grant Mckenzie Laws) O.D.(59/63).

8/5/2013
Durham 141-6 (20 overs), Barnard castle 119 (Grosert 6-19) report later.

7/5/2013 An Old Dunelmian squad won the Durham City sevens again.
Amongst those playing were Jack Wilson, James Whyte, Jed Noble, Patrick Dias, Ben Mason.

4/5/2013 I arrived promptly at 11.30 for the match.
The Playground was deserted and I thought it must have been relocated to Newcastle.
As I was about to set off to Jesmond I was informed that RGS had cancelled being unable to raise a team.
Further information was that Yarm had withdrawn from the 20/20 competition so on Wed. instead of a 10.30 a.m. start the only game to be played is Durham v Barnard Castle starting at 3.30 p.m.

1/5/2013 Durham School v Durham Pilgrims on the Playground.

Weather 50F broken cloud.
Wicket Green tinge
Format 20 overs from 5.30 p.m.
Toss Pilgrims to bat.

Brian Stone O.D.(69-74) captaining the visitors had brought a talented multi-national team. This included players from New Zealand, Pakistan and South Africa.
West bowled Purkayasthan(1) with the second ball of his second over. A wicket maiden, 3-1-6-1
Apart from a six by Shah in the tenth over the batsmen whilst secure were contained then a bowling change brought a wicket. Durie with a first ball full toss was hit full blooded by Van Moerham(12) to point where he was caught. 13-1-41-2
Just after the fifty was passed Shah(23) clipped Durie to backward point to be caught. 15-1-53-3
Eight overs later Durie bowled Main(13) hitting his off stump in a wicket maaiden. 23-4-74-4
Change of bowling brought Hardy on with a wicket maiden Tindale(8) caught by Foster. 26-5-76-5.
T-Gell suffered a six off his first ball but Scullard(8) was caught by Whalley at mid on driving the next. 27-5-82-6
Hardy had another wicket maiden in the 30th over bowling Prince(4). 30-7-91-7
T-Gell bowled a maiden then took a wicket in his next over with Telfer(1) caught at silly mid off. 33-8-96-8
Hardy bowled Keen(1) to leave the Pilgrims at 96-9 off 33.3 overs at lunch.
Hardy finished their innings with the first ball after lunch. 96 all out.
It had certainly been a difficult innings and one wondered how the School's innings would progress.
The Pilgrims had brought several acknowledged spinners. They started with a no ball and gave away two fours in the first over.
The next two were maidens and the School innings had got to 35 off 8 when the off spinner came on.
Hardy(28) attemted an injudious stroke and was stumped in a wicket maiden. 11-3-41-1
Tahir was bowled 13-3-43-2 then Proctor(13) was bowled 14-4-44-3 and the Pilgrim's score began to look better.
Runs were now coming in singles and the overs were interspersed with maidens. Bushnall was caught by Khan off P'than in the 25th over. 25-6-63-4
A four then another this one a straight drive by Raglan saw the first boundaries for 19 overs. A bowling change and a wicket maiden took the fifth wicket Whalley bowled for 12. 29-8-73-5
The sixth wicket fell with the addition of three runs. 32-9-77-6
Three of the remaining overs before tea were maidens and another wicket was lost. 37-11-82-7
Tea.
The wily spinners had School batsmen well controlled. T-Gell was run out 40-12-83-8.
There was confusion out in the middle as runs were sought but not given. This caused much merriment.
A two was followed by a maiden then a single by Elliott brought Durie on strike. A straight drive then a square cut brought School to 94.
The next over Elliott(8*) took two to level the scores the pulled the last ball over mid wicket to give School the win.
Result Durham School won by 2 wickets.
Pilgrims 96 (Shah 23, Durie 3-18, Hardy 4-5, Taylor-Gell 2-12, West 1-17)
Durham School 100-8 (Hardy 28, Durie 16*, Khan 2-7, P'than 3-15)
An exciting low scoring game.

Rugby
3/5/2013 Micky Young O.D, now at Leicester has signed for Bath next season.
Nick Willings Hon. O.D. coached Durham University to win the U.A.U. championship season 2012/13.
He came to watch the First XI play Durham Pilgrims.

1/5/2013 Durham Pilgrims 96, Durham School 100-8.
The match v RGS (4/5/2013) will now be played at School on the Playground start 11.30 a.m

27/4/2013 Durham School v Sedbergh on the Playground.

Weather 40F It snowed on the way for the visitors.
Wicket Damp, slow.
Format 105 overs split 55/50
Toss Won by Durham who put Sedbergh in.

The decision to field was exonerated when West bowled Gomersall who made a hundred last year with the last ball of his first over- a wicket maiden. Tahir bowled from the Bow end. West had another wicket maiden in his second over taking the batsmans middle stump. 3-2-1-2
Tahir conceded a single and West two runs before bowling the third batsman. 5-2-5-3
Sedbergh's batsmen keen on quick singles got into a muddle and a quick return enabled Tahir to take off the bails. 6-2-5-4
West had another victim when Foster appealed for caught behind.
The independent umpires consulted and gave the bowler the decision. 7-2-6-5
It had been a tremendous start.
I remembered that Sedbergh have an in-bred defiance.
Parker the captain drove West through mid on for four. He and Lloyd carefully selecting their shots constructed a response. Whilst only the 13th(7), 14th(5) 15th(5) and 17th(10) overs were loose with a boundary and six in the 17th the School bowlers were parsimonious in their offerings. It took until the 20th over for Sedbergh to reach fifty.20-3-51-5
The batsmen made slow progress whilst giving no chances.
Hardy bowled two maidens and Parker had his 50 in the 34th over 34-5-80-5.
Another maiden by Hardy and lunch. 37-6-83-5
West returned to bowl from the School end but was not as economical as before. When Sedbergh had 102 Parker's contribution was 64. 42-6-105-5
A rare four over Hardy's head then West had his fifth wicket Lloyd(34) caught at cover by Hardy. 47-6-6-119-6
Hardy's brother was the Sedbergh w/keeper and next in. Parker tried a switch hit but the ball went wide and Raglan took an astonishing catch right arm outsretched. A finger tip catch to dismiss him after a stalwart innings.(80) 49-6-127-7
Hardy caught and bowled his brother. 50-6-133-8
and in his next over the batsman hoisted a ball to long off where it was caught by Elliott. 52-6-141-9
Hardy had the last batsman l.b.w 54-6-145-10
Sedbergh had staged a remarkable recovery but it did not seem an insurmountable total. However they started with a double wicket maiden by Parker. 1-1-1-2
A dubious l.b.w was given despite an audible nick by Bushnall and Durham were 4-1-5-3
A somewhat similar position that Sedbergh had been in earlier. A few singles then a maiden and in the 11th over Whalley hit a four through mid on. In the 13th over Hardy was surprised leaving a ball going wide to find it cut back and bowled him. 13-3-24-4
Sedbergh had surprisingly taken Parker off and Croft his replacement a left arm leg spinner on his first XI debut was causing all sorts of problems. The chief of these was the low bounce.
Tea Durham 18-4-30-4 Whalley 12*
Durham lost Whalley straight after tea bowled round his legs by Croft the ball rising only 6 inches. 19-4-30-5
Another wicket fell Raglan caught behind 19-4-31-6,
then Foster top edged and was caught at mid on 20-4-32-7
A wicket maiden followed witha stumping. 21-5-32-8
Elliott swept a ball to the square leg boundary 23-5-38-8
but innings closed with a bowled and caught and bowled by Sedbergh.
Durham all out fot 41
Result Sedbergh won by 104 runs.
Sedbergh 145 (Parker 80, Lloyd 34, West 5-44, Hardy 4-35)
Durham 41 (Parker 4-11, Croft 5-8. Carlyle 1-6)
After Sedbergh were 5 wickets for 6 runs one has to admire the determined fightback.
Durham's batting collapsed to leave the visitors worthy winners.

The next game is v Durham Pilgrims on the Playground start 11.30.
On Saturday the first XI play R.G.S. Newcastle on the County Ground, Jesmond start 11.30 a.m.

24/4/2013 Durham School v Durham Gilesgate Sports College.

Wicket damp
Format 20 overs
Weather dull
Toss won by School who will bat.

I am having problems with the new computerised cricket scoring programme so this report is truncated.
School got off to a flying start by Hardy and Tahir. After 4 overs they had 32 on the board. That was eclipsed by Tahir hitting two massive sixes into the top of the diggings in the fifth which yielded 20 runs.
Hardy was caught and bowled by Rimer for a quick 22 in the sixth. 6-0-60-1
Raglan joined Tahir and both batted aggressively the next six overs bringing the hundred up. 12-0-102-1
Both continued to flourish but the introduction of a spinner slowed progress. Tahir had 50 in the fifteenth over 15-0-133-1 but was stumped off Bell for 64 in the 18th. 18-0-151-2
Raglan who had matched Tahir's scoring rate had his fifty in the 19th over and ended on 57 not out.
The innings closed at 165-2
West bowled the opener off stump with the fourth ball. 1-0-4-1
The Sports College found scoring difficult and Gell was hit to deep mid on where a stunning catch was taken.
With the ball coming over the fielder's shoulder. 5-0-12-2
A thrash intended for cow corner went high instead of long and was well caught giving Gell a second wicket. 11-0-32-3
Elliott had bowled well without reward but was replaced by Durie. He went for six over square leg however the next over was a wicket maiden as he caused problems with his swing bowling and Foster standing up had the bails off in an instant to take the fourth wicket. 16-1-56-4
Durie had further successes with a batsman caught at mid on 18-1-63-5
and another bowled to get the sixth wicket 20-1-73-6
Result Durham school won by 92 runs.
The School openers had given a splendid start followed by Raglan's spirited knock This allowed the bowlers to dominate as the College struggled against a formidable total.
Durham School 165-3(Hardy 22, Tahir 64, Raglan 57*, Bell 1-11)
Durham Gilesgate Sports College 73-6.

The bowling figures for this game
West 2-0-4-1
Elliott 4-1-7-0
Taylor-Gell 4-0-18-2
Grossart 2-0-8-0
Tahir 4-0-18-0
Durie 4-0-14-3

Durham Pilgrims (Wednesday 1st May) this match will start at 11.30 a.m. on the Playground.

Rugby
30/4/2013 Geoff Parling O.D. is selected for the British Lions tour squad for Austraila and Hong Kong 2013.
He plays lock for Leicester and England.

Cricket
27/4/2013 Sedbergh 145 Durham 41

20/4/2013 Loretto School v Durham School in Musselburgh

Weather 48F stiff breeze, sunny.
Format 45 overs
Wicket Straw coloured, dry potentially good for batting.
Toss Won by Loretto who decided to bat.

The School is located in Musselburgh on the outskirts of Edinburgh. Loretto is surrounded by a 7 foot stone wall. It is rumoured to be the most expensive in Scotland. The cricket field has long boundaries, is surrounded by trees and has a pretty pavilion.
Roger Thwait introduced himself who told me he had been at Durham School during the spring term 1977 and he had much enjoyed his stay. He had been in charge of cricket at Loretto for 5 years but now he just enjoyed watching. His son was the wicketkeeper today.
West and Tahir opened the bowling for Durham.
In the fourth over School had success when Tahir bowled the opener's off stump with the last ball in a wicket maiden.4-1-11-1.
Marshall hit the first boundary with a straight drive. Then following his no ball West jagged a ball back as the batsman shaped to play down leg and bowled him. 7-2-17-2.
Tahir had a maiden but conceded four when pulled by Marshall to mid wicket in the last over of his spell.
Bowling changes at both ends.
Two consecutive balls went to the boundary as Loretto attained the half century off 14 overs.
The scoring rate increased when Marshall straight drove for 4 and followed that with a six. 16-3-63-2.
Accurate bowling contained the batsmen for the next few overs then Loretto scooped a ball to cover off Gell. 18-3-69-3.
Steadily the total increased and after 25 overs had become 83-3.
The scoreboard had developed a mind of its own. I kept the score but it was ten runs ahead of me.
Marshall hit two successive sixes over the bowler's head into the undergrowth and just as a new ball came the original was found, somewhat reminiscent of the diggings on the Playgound and the rabbit holes. Eventually order was restored; the scoreboard was corrected and 109-3 became 99-3 and the hundred came in the next over.
Lunch was taken at 106-3 off 31 overs.
Loretto kindly invited me to lunch and as I walked to the dining hall I passed photographs of prominent former pupils including A. Darling and N. Lamont. Two opposites next to each other.
Hardy had a wicket in the 34th over when Loretto was bowled attempting to sweep. 34-114-4.
As the 40th over came Marshall hit a six over long on. 40-1-146-4
Tahir and West returned to bowl the remainder of their allocation, the run rate increased but Marshall(91) now in his nineties could not get on strike and when he did he thrashed to midwicket to be caught on the boundary. 45-160-5.
A four nicked past slip closed the innings at 170-5.
Durham started needing 3.8 an over playing out a maiden. The fifth over was also a maiden but eight came from the next.
Loretto had a very agile fielder placed at gully who stopped several scoring shots, however Tahir managed to get one past to the boundary. The eighth was another maiden. The scoreboard now had the score 401 as it coninued to confuse. The tenth over brought a wicket for Loretto when Proctor(10) was bowled middle stump. 10-3-37-1.
The change of bowlers suited Tahir who hooked a full toss over square leg for 6. 12-3-46-1.
Anorther six over long on was the highlight of the 14th over as tea was taken.14-3-62-1.
Durham took 15 of the first post tea over then Hardy hit a six in the 16th. 16-3-84-3.
The 18th over was productive as Hardy followed a drive for 4 with a six over square leg. 18-3-102-1.
The scoreboard showed Hardy 54* and Tahir 31*
Loretto had left a mid on vacant and Tahir spotted this and a drive through that brought a boundary.
The 20th over was productive for Tahir with 16 runs comprising two fours, a six over mid wicket and two. Now both batsmen were 54* according to the scoreboard. Whilst I was puzzling this out Hardy(47) was run out. Loretto's ground fielding had been excellent restricting many runs to singles and a sharp return this time got a wicket when none looked likely. 21-3-129-2.
Tahir was out in the next over, topedgeing high to fine leg. The fielder ran from square leg to take the catch arms outstreched at ankle height at fine leg. A fantastic catch by Taylor(Callum). 22-3-129-3.
Well ahead of the run rate Bushnall and /// consolidated gradually reducing the deficit.
Meanwhile a constant stream of buses could be seen over the perimeter wall which would have entranced Henry Blofeld.
Whalley(19) drove past mid off for four and was bowled next ball. 31-4-168-4.
A square cut by Bushnall and the match was over.
There had been some very good ground fielding by both sides. On a good batting strip Loretto had not scored quickly enough to test Durham It was unfortunate that Marshall did not get the strike sufficiently toward the end of his innings
and after a patient chanceless innings succumbed to risky shot.

Durham won by 6 wickets in 32 overs.
Loretto had been most excellent hosts.
Loretto 170-5 (45 overs)( Marshall 91)
Durham 172 -4 (Tahir 64, Hardy 47)
I do not have the bowling figures yet.
After the 20/20 game yesterday the next match is against Sedbergh on the Playground start 11.30 a.m.
The fixture at Sedbergh last year was one of the very few played and was drawn.

24/04/2013
Durham School 165-2 (20 overs), Gilesgate Sports College 73-6.

23/4/2013
The Loretto match report is written but requires information only available from the scorebook.
I will have access to that tomorrow and expect to post the final version on Thursday.
The match tomorrow (Wednesday 24/4/2013) v Durham City Sixth Form college will now start at 2.30 p.m.

Loretto 170-5 (45 overs), Durham 172-4 (34 overs). Report shortly.
The first XI have a match at home on Wednesday start 1.30 p.m. v Durham Sixth Form College.
The next game is against Sedbergh on the Playground start 11.30 on Sat. 27/4/13.

The season starts with a match away against Lorretto in Edinburgh on Saturday.

Durham have two O.D.s playing in the County Championship this year: Gordon Muchall is contracted to Durham C.C.C. and his brother Paul has a contract with Gloucestershire.
News will appear regularly throughout the season.

O.D. News.
M.I.Stewart (O.D.) AGC(SPS) was present at the Sovereign's Parade held at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst on Friday 12th April.

Rugby
27/3/2013
Durham School had the following games at the Rosslyn Park Sevens.
Durham 7 Bedford Modern School 12
Durham 7 Colstons 22
Durham 19 St, Edwards, Oxford 5
Durham 31 Royal Hospital School 0
Played 4 Won 2 Lost 2 Pts for 74 Pts against
This concluded a very successful season with only one loss.

Sedbergh won the National Sevens.

Cricket 2013
The Captain of Cricket will be Sam Hardy.
The Vice-captain is Adil Arif.
The fixtures list is now here

The Annual Dinner was held in Big School attended by over 200 parents, guests and players.
The format is shown below.

Presentations

Full Colours:

Re-awarded: Ruari Bell (Capt) & no of games.

Awarded no. of games: Sam Hardy (V.C), Jed Noble, Brad Jones, David Nelson, David Elliott, Craig Willis

Awarded for services to the club: Tom Studd, James Whyte & Rory Blakeney-Edwards

Half Colours:

Jacob Bushnell (games), Josh Eaton (2nd XV Capt), Jack Wilson (services to club).

Whitfield Cup: Craig Willis

Gerrard Cup: Dan Taylor

Durham School were the N.E. H.M.C 2013 Champions.
The first VII are to play in the National Sevens Tournament at Rosslyn Park this weekend.

2/3 March 2013
North of England Schools Invitation Sevens at Birkenhead Park.
Durham 33 Manchester Grammar School 7
Durham 45 Adam G.S. 12
Durham 57 King Henry V111 Coventry 0
Durham 41 Stockport G.S. 0
Played 4 Won 4 Points For 176 Points against 19
Quarter final Durham 12 Sedbergh 34
Sedbergh won competition

28/2/2013 I was mistaken about the 7's event at Yarm. It did not take place.
The 1st seven play in the North of England competition this weekend at Birkenhead Park.

11/2/2013 Bain Sevens - Results as follows:

Boys sports results : Week beginning 4th February

Rugby 7s:

Sat 9th: U16 @ RGS Sevens

Sedbergh; 19-19 drew
NSB; 7-24 Lost
St Peter's; 5-17 Lost
Stewart's Melville; 38-14 WON

Plate Semi-final:
Dame Allan's; 42-0 WON

Plate Final:
Stewart's Melville; 31-24 WON

Sun 10th Feb: U15 Archer Sevens (Durham School)

Mount St Mary's; 28-19 WON
Gosforth Academy; 33-10 WON
RGS, Newcastle; 35-5 WON
Yarm School; 21-7 WON

Cup Semi-Final:
Barnard Castle; 19-12 WON

Cup Final:
Bradford Grammar School; 0-37 Lost

Sun 10th Feb: U18 Bain Sevens (Durham School)

1st VII:
Giggleswick; 63-7 WON
Barnard Castle; 7-37 Lost
RGS, Newcastle 'B'; 0-57 WON
St Peter's, York; 27-0 WON
Ashville College; 28-7 WON

Cup Semi-Final:
Merchiston Castle; 19-14 WON

Cup Final:
RGS, Newcastle; 19-26 Lost

2VII:
Gosforth Academy (Falcons Academy); 21-19 WON!!!
RGS 'A'; 0-29 Lost
Yarm; 26-26 drew
Mount st Mary's; 7-28 Lost
Merchiston Castle; 0-36 Lost

Super 7s information:
- As a school, we have 23 points after the first weekend of the series putting us top of the Super 7s leader board

7/2/2013 The Bain sevens will be played on the Playground on Sunday 10/2/13 start 11 a.m.
The Yarm sevens due to be played on 6/2/13 will now take place on 27/2/13.
The Ampleforth sevens were cancelled. The ground was unplayable.

Geoff Parling O.D. scored a try against Scotland at Twickenham on Sat. 2/2/13. It was his 13th cap at lock.
David Elliott has been selected for the Independent Schools Barbarians.

6/2/2013 Wilmslow High School v Durham School - a Durham view.
This match was played away on 22/1/2013

Information obtained from spectators suggests this was a close encounter.
Durham went into the second half leading 7-6.
Willis had sidestepped his opponent from 10ms out after about 20 minutes and converted.
Atkinson made two fantastic breaks down the touchline linking up with Elliott from the other wing to nearly score.
The second half began with a controversial try by Wilmslow in the corner.
This was a setback to Durham and enthused the opposition with their forwards gaining momentum.
Whilst the Durham back line made ground through Wilmslow's defences the y were denied possession.
A yellow card reduced the team to 14 men and Nelson and Eaton were injured.
Wilmslow scored an excellent try but now Durham started to win ball.
A build up of pressure took School into the 22 and Bell 10m out broke from the back of a ruck to score.
The try was converted. With 5 minutes to go Durham were camped on the Wilmslow and had 4 scoring opportunities but were penalised for holding on three times.

Comment by Ben Mason Director of Sport.
"To round up we completely outplayed them in the backs and broke the line every time, however we didn't get enough ball from the forwards.
The referee was O.K. but gave us less time to place the ball which killed our attack. Unfortunately their first try was what changed the game.
Durham wish Wilmslow good luck in the rest of the tournament."

25/1/2013 Presently in New Zealand.
The following article appeared in the Daily Mail.

Wilmslow will have surprised a few, but not themselves, by beating favorites Durham and so securing a home tie against Warwick School in the Daily Mail Cup quarter finals.
Played on the excellent 3G pitch at Burnage Rugby Club the biting cold might have inhibited good play but both sides were enterprising and sought to play running rugby.
After Simon Green had made good ground and Durham were penalized, Wilf Noden gave Wilmslow the lead. However the Durham backs always looked threatening and a powerful outside break by David Elliot took Durham close to the Wilmslow line.
From the resulting lineout, fly half Craig Willis sidestepped the defence to score and then he added the conversion. Another penalty by Noden made the half time score 7 - 6 to Durham.
Wilmslow started the second half with far greater urgency and they were rewarded with a fantastic opportunist try by Rob Shotton. Attacking down the left he kicked ahead cleverly and with several more deft dribbles of the ball, he won the race for the line for an unconverted score.
[[Also See: DAILY MAIL CUP QUARTER FINALS DRAW]]
Wilmslow's pack were now in the ascendancy and further pressure brought a penalty that Noden converted for a 14 - 7 lead.
Though Durham launched some good counter attacks they lost a forward to a yellow card for persistent transgressions in the loose. Wilmslow seizing the moment drove forward and despite some desperate defence eventually exploited an overlap on the left for Lewis Gallagher to score.
With a 19 - 7 lead Wilmslow seemed to have the game won but Durham fought back magnificently. From a 5 metre scrum No 8 Ruari Bell scored and the conversion made it a one score game.
Wilmslow's supporters were now worried, even more so when Durham again took play close to their line. But a crucial penalty allowed Wilmslow to relieve the pressure and secure the victory.
Durham will rue silly mistakes and careless penalties but Wilmslow deserved to win this exciting game. The Cheshire school narrowly lost a semi final to Whitgift in 2011 and once again have a semi final in their sights. They are not to be underestimated.
Final Score: Wilmslow 19-14 Durham - Daily Mail Schools Cup 6th Round
by Bob Marsden

12/1/2013 Durham 21 R.G.S. Newcastle 15.
A spectator commented it was a good game. Tries by Sam Hardy, Craig Willis and Adam Redman.
Two conversions by Willis the other by Redman.
School now play Wilmslow H.S. away on 19th or 22nd Jan. The winners will enter the last eight.
The following report appeared in the Daily Mail 10/1/13.
Another North East derby provided a close result and some top class action as Durham held on to beat RGS Newcastle 21-15 to gain a place in the last 16 of the U.18 Cup against Wilmslow High School.
Newcastle were left shaking their heads at missed opportunities.
Besides some faulty goal kicking they missed out on a last gasp try when a counter-attack led by full-back Jonathan Wilkes ended in a dropped pass as a three man overlap developed.
Durham led 21-12 thanks to tries from flyhalf Craig Willis, full back Adam Redman and centre Sam Hardy.
Durham coach Ben Mason said "it was a real nail biting finish and if RGS had managed to score at the end I think there was part of me that was thinking fair enough because it was a really good passage of play.

1/1/2013 Durham School Rugby
The Christmas Term ended in disappointment with games against Yarm, St. Peter's,Q.E.G.S.Hexham and R.G.S. cancelled
although the XV had progressed in the D. Mail Cup to the fifth round.
In all other respects it had been an outstanding session playing 13 winning 11 drawing 2 but undefeated.
I am informed that this is only the fifth occasion when the side has remained unbeaten in traditional fixtures.
The last time was in 1997 also in 1996.
In 1992/3 the first XV went 2 seasons spread over 3 calendar years unbeaten.
The Cup Match v RGS that was unplayed will take place next term as reported previously.
I will be unable to report since I will be in Dunedin/San Diego until early February.
A successful New Year to everyone.

21/12/2012 Sam Hardy and David Elliott, currently students at Durham, both played for the Independent Schools XV against Hymers College recently.
The visiting team won 19-15 with Elliott scoring a hat trick of tries as reported in the Daily Telegraph on 21 December.
The outstanding Daily Mail U.18 Cup match is deferred until next term.
Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
CHB

18/12/2012 Term finished disappointingly with another rugby game unplayed.
Notes:
I could not travel to Lytham to watch the cup tie win against Hutton G.S. I am informed the return journey by the squad was under horrendous conditions.
The A66 going west was closed and the coach carrying Durham just managed to get on that road before the gates were closed to east bound travel..
The match v RGS was called off minutes prior to the start.
School had gone to considerable efforts to try and get the Playground playable. The RGS team held a vote and decided that they would not play.
I am going to New Zealand after Christmas and will resume reports on my return in mid February,
Are there any O.D's in Dunedin ? Contact me especially 1947-51 era.

12/12/2012 The rugby match round 5 of the D.Mail U.18 Cup was called off five minutes before kick off.

11/12/2012 Two O.D's played in the televised Heineken Cup match for Leicester v Treviso: Geoff Parling captained the home team and Micky Young came off the bench to replace Ben Youngs at scrum half after 60 minutes.

The Daily Mail U.18 Cup game v R.G.S. Newcastle is scheduled for a 2 p.m. kick off tomorrow 12/12/12 at School. Support welcome. Any delays etc will be posted on the site if available.

7/12/2012 The match v QEHS Hexham tomorrow is cancelled.

6/12/2012 Hutton Grammar School 5 Durham 16
This means School will play R.G.S. Newcastle at School next Wednesday in the next round.
I could not attend the game which I understand was in dreadful conditions on a pitch that only just passed inspection.

5/12/2012 The match due to be played on Thursday 6/12/12 has been transferred to Arnold School, Lytham St. Annes.
Should this be impossible the all weather pitch at Maiden Castle could be used.
I am unable to attend, I will post the result if played and futher info. when available.

1/12/2012 11.15 Game off. Playground frozen at Club's end.
The match v Hotton G.S on Thurs. is still on and arrangements have been made by Durham re Maiden Castle all weather pitch should their ground be unfit to play in Durham.

24/11/2012 Durham school v Woodhouse Grove on the Playground.

Greasy pitch, no wind 35F
Woodhouse Grove came with a fine record this season. Pl16 W 13 L3 For 411 Agt 199
School elected to play towards the School.
The kick was caught punted and taken into touch. WG throw. The Durham(3) Ellwood was injured and left the field. The lineout was caught and driven but a turn over was won by Durham.
From a penalty WG developed a threatening move but play was forced into touch on the School 10m line. A catch and drive followed then a box kick which WG marked returning play to half way.
Another turn over to Durham and the ball went to Elliott(11) and he offloaded to Studd(15) but School were still contained in their half and the visitors had the line out.
Durham stole the throw and Elliott put in a raking kick this was retrieved by Magee(15) and sent to the Durham 10. This time Durham lost the line out and Bradford were winning the early exchanges.
A scrum on the Durham 22 then a line out led to a penalty which was kicked to the WG 10m. At this time Ellwood the prop returned. School had a free kick, Elliott made ground and the tackler gave away a penalty. Willis(10) put in a strategically accurate kick to give Durham good position.A short throw combined with a drive drew in the defence. Quick release to the backs and Hardy(13) taking the pass at speed was unstoppable.
Willis converted.
Durham 7 Woodhouse Grove 0 17 mins.
School scored again this time a scrum on half way preceded the try. The Durham put in was heeled cleanly Bell(8) picked up passed to Taylor(9) who offloaded to the backs then the ball was recycled to Symonds(5) then Jones(4) and back to Bell who touched down for a well worked try. Willis converted.
Durham 14 Woodhouse Grove 0 20 mins.
School were trying to play open rugby at pace and the Bradford XV were pinned in their half a reversal of the early stages of the match. Now WG had a penalty, this was kicked to the Durham 22 and offside Durham conceded a penalty again. WG took the line out to catch and drive and were nearly over but were driven back by the School forwards. Still WG continued their attack and MOrgan(10) put in a grub kick but the ball went over the dead ball line.
The restart resulted in a Durham throw on the visitors 22. Caught and driven Durham reached the 5m. An infringement gave the chance for WG to clear as the whistle went for half time.
Durham 14 Woodhouse Grove 0
Durham conceded a penalty in their 22 soon after play resumed which Morgan converted.
Durham 14 Woodhouse Grove 3 3 mins.
The teams swapped kicks and eventually the ball went into touch on the WG 22. School won the line out and the ball was spread wide to Elliott on the wing. Searching for a gap he went crossfield then straight slicing through the defence taking play into the visitors 22. WG gained possession and chipped over the School defenders into space. Blakeney-Edwards took the ball at full stretch with no defenders behind he then side stepped two tacklers before being held.
WG had a scrum on their 22 and used it to bring their back line to take the action to the Durham 22.
School won a turnover at the breakdown. Ellwood emerged with the ball and thrust his way forwards giving the ball to Elliott in support who was pushed into touch.
A long throw in by WG brought their backs into play and now the action oscillated between the 22's with neither side gaining control of the game although both teams had individuals penetrating deep from time to time.
After this the momentum seemed to go with WG and Durham were under pressure when penalised for not releasing and WG were on the home 5m. WG knocked on at a vital moment when in a try scoring position.
This gave School a scrum the ball was passed to Willis who cleared to the Durham 10m.
WG knocked forward into touch Durham had the line out and Wilson (7) caught it and Willis put the ball into touch. Match over.
Durham 14 Woodhouse Grove 3

It had been a close game. Durham had been fortunate that the visitors had made mistakes. Both teams had to contend with a slippery ball. The Woodhouse backs had shown alacrity but were given little opportunity to use their skills.
The same could be told of Durham. A hard-earned win the teams separated only by the two excellent tries.

There is an O.D. lunch at School Monday 26/11 contact Godfrey Hedley
The next game is on Saturday 1st December on the Playgound v St. Peter's k.o. 2.15 p.m. I am told there will be a prematch lunch at School then.
It will be available to all. Further details shortly.
The Hutton G.S. match in D.Mail cup is rearranged for Thursday week 4/12/12.

23/11/2012 The next match is scheduled for Saturday 24/11 v Woodhouse Grove on the Playground k.o. 2.15 p.m.
WG have an impressive record Pl 11 W 9 L2 this term.

21/11/2012 The match v Hutton G.S. was cancelled - ground unplayable.
The first XV were ready to leave when they were informed, by this time I had braved the foul conditions on the M62 and was approaching Manchester where in the torrential rain I took the wrong exit and ended up in the airport. At least I knew where I was and the rain had stopped. Other inflictions on the way were a stranded vehicle causing complete blockage and standstill for 1/2 hour then animals on the road. Returning there was a cow taxi broken down in the centre lane. Oh the joys of motoring in this country. I prefer Arizona where the only other car is driven by Bill Cody the local sheriff with a dastardly effective speed camera.

16/11/2012 The scheduled rugby games versus Yarm School tomorrow are all cancelled because of illness.

Durham will play Hutton Grammar School on Wed. 21/11/12 in Preston.
D.Mail U.18 Cup 4th round k.o. 2.15 p.m.
Steve Borthwick ex captain of England was a former pupil.
The school founded in 1552 has a proud record in the competition.

Durham and St.Peter's York will meet on the Playground on Dec. 1st

15/11/2012 Peter Stuart Bell O.D. (70-77) has been nominated for the position of High Sheriff for the County of Durham.
He is the father of the current first XV captain.

Michael Turns O.D.captain of cricket 2009 will captain Loughborough University XI in 2013.

10/11/2012 Merchiston Castle v Durham School in Edinburgh.

It had been 125 years since these two schools played against each other. A pre match lunch was held in the Old Library with just under 50 attending.
The Headmaster gave a short address of welcome pointing out that both teams were unbeaten this term.
As I sat down I was approached re my O.D. tie enquiring as to when I was at Durham.
This led to a discussion about conditions and as whether I had been beaten by the then Head Canon H.K.Luce. I remarked that I had not enjoyed that privilege but who was it asking ?
It turned out he arrived the first term after I left. Patrick Swales O.D. 51-55. His brother Wandy (W.H.W.) 49-51 had been at Durham with me.
I recall Wandy helped me demolish a bottle of Calvados after an O.D. reunion in London the last time I saw him. I felt terrible the next day.
Patrick told me he has taken up croquet a vicious game which he says has the skill of snooker and the tactics of chess. His godson was in the Merchiston squad.
Talk around the table was entertaining with one chap telling of playing in the Falklands against 45 Commando and another relating that the roughest team he played against was the Metropolitan Police.
It had been most enjoyable and hospitable.

A relatively warm day with no wind and a soft well grassed pitch.
A light drizzle commenced as the kick off approached.
Merchiston started with a return kick to the School 5m. A mistake by Durham and they tried to pick and go. Merchiston were stopped but a penalty was the cost and it was converted.
Merchiston 3 Durham 0 5 mins.
School chased the kick caught and passed out to the wing then inside but a heavy tackle took Hardy(13) out. It was some minutes before he left the field to sympathetic applause.
A scrum was given to Durham and Nelson (2) was able to take the play forward to the home 5m. A drive was held up so the scrum was to Durham. A good heel and Bell(8) went round the side to put down.
Merchiston 3 Durham 7 12mins.
A penalty to Durham did not succeed and Merchiston dropped out from their 22 and play began on the 10m with a scrum to School a pass to Willis (10) then inside to Bell got over the gain line but Merchiston retrieved possession a fluid 3/4 move then kicked long and low, the ball bounced on edge went forward and Merchiston was there to touch down.
Merchiston 10 Durham 7 17mins.
School followed the restart then gained a penalty which was kicked to the home 5m. A short throw in was caught and driven over. The conversion was from the touchline by Willis.
Merchiston 10 Durham 14 23 mins.
The Merchiston restart was knocked forward and they had a scrum on the School 22. Although Durham had a good shove the home team got the ball and chipped ahead. The kick was too long and went over the dead ball line.
A penalty soon after took play back to their 22. However a scrum to Durham was lost when the put in was not straight followed by a free kick and a high garry owen went into the Durham 22. It was caught by Raglan (14) and returned over the defenders. Once again this gave possession to the Merchiston backs. A penalty to Merchiston and Willis was down but resumed. The kick went into the School 22 play went crossfield and Durham had a line out. The ball was kicked ahead but was caught and play was back now on the 5m line. A Durham throw went wrong and Merchiston won the line out. Their fly Half Ibbetson (10) escaped down the touchline but was held up. The scrum went to Merchiston and a clean heel allowed the flanker to cross for a try.
Merchiston 17 Durham 14 half time
A tactical kicking battle was being won by Merchiston. The clearances were failing to find touch and each time this instigated a threat from their backs.
Their restart was caught by Jones (4) and Merchiston were offside so School kicked to touch. From the throw there was a catch and drive when released the pass went to Willis then a spirited back line movement took them over but held up so a 5m scrum to Durham. The ball was fed to Willis who passed inside to Elliott who jinked his way over.
Merchiston 17 Durham 21 5mins.
A free kick to Merchiston was wasted with a forward pass then a penalty to Durham on their 10m line became at the half way when the ref's decision was questioned. This time Durham made touch.
A line out throw was too long Merchiston seized it and chipped ahead. with both players chasing it was Merchiston who won. The ball being toucjhed down under the bar for an easy conversion.
Merchiston 24 Durham 21 18 mins.
Nelson made another foray to the opposition 5m and School were forcing Merchiston to defend. Raglan (14) came off. I think the third injury. Then a turnover to School saw Taylor (9) to Nelson (9) to Willis (10) to Noble (7) in a passing
movement but it resulted in a line out on their 22. Durham infringed and the penalty pushed School back to their 10m line. Now Merchiston applied pressure and mistakes were made by both teams. Counter rucking by Durham forwards gave control but it was lost in another kicking battle. Merchiston attacked through Slater (12) and Kelly (13) but lost the ball in the tackle. The Durham defence held when Merchiston were on the School 5m line and cleared to touch on the 10m line. The Merchiston throw was not straight and School had the scrum. Bell picked up at the back then some slick passing gave the ball to Noble back to Bell then Nelson and Merchiston conceded a penalty which Willis converted to draw the game. There were only a couple of minutes remaining.
Merchiston 24 Durham 24 full time.

It had been an exciting match with Merchiston trying to pierce the Durham defence with their quick passing and Durham containing them with the forwards again excelling.
It was generally agreed the best player on the field was the referee Mr. Malcom Currie.

The next game is versus Yarm at Yarm on 17/11/12 k.o. 10.30 a.m.

7/11/2012 The first XV play Merchiston Castle in Edinburgh on Sat. 10/11/2012 k.o. 2 or 2.15 p.m.
The season started well played 10 won 9 drawn 1. Pts for 376 Agst 116. Currently Durham are 6th in the performance league. see schools rugby

Below are photographs of the inundation the Playground suffered during  the cricket season,  Ruari Bell, captain of rugby kindly provided these.

24/10/2012 Ripon Grammar School v Durham School at Ripon. Daily Mail U.18 Cup 3rd round.

A damp, dismal day with light drizzle.54F. The ball would be greasy.
Ripon had played twice previously scoring 113 points for with none against.
Durham had made changes from the side that played Ampleforth to comply with the regulations of the tournament.
Mark Bedworth(O.D) playing and I had been here before watching in 1999 when School won a cup game.

An early penalty gave School position 10m from Ripon's line with a line out. The throw was caught cleanly and driven across in textbook fashion for a try. Willis(10) converted.
Ripon 0 Durham 7 5 mins.
The Ripon restart was caught and laid back but the receiver was pushed into touch. A penalty to Ripon missed it was collected by Elliott(9) and cleared to the 22 by Willis.
Ripon threw to the back of the line it was fed to their wing then a skilful back line move brought Hudson(11) on the wing into play, he skirted round the defence for a try.
Ripon 7 Durham 7 10 mins.
The School's drop was caught by the home scrum half grub kicked and chased into the Durham 22. The situation was rescued by J.Blakeney -Edwards(15). A penalty went wide but a scrum given to Ripon was on the Durham 5m line.
Willis was able to clear to the 22. The play went line out, scrum to Ripon fed to the backs along the line,back inside then up the middle. It was becoming evident how they had scored so many points in previous matches.
A Durham penalty did not clear and more interpassing by the grammar school put on more pressure.The inside centre lost the ball in tackle and good play by the School backs took play into the home half.A Durham penalty brought a line out caught by Noble(6). Next there was a charge down and Ripon punted to the Durham 22 but they were offside and the penalty gave School position just inside their half. The catch was taken by Jones(4) and spread to the wing. Tackled Nelson(8) won the breakdown and scrum half Elliott(9) passed to either Noble or Nelson to score in the corner.
Ripon 7 Durham 12 23 mins.
More determined play by Ripon pushed School back to their 5m line a knock forward gave School a scrum Nelson had the ball passed to Elliott and Willis cleared to the 22. This gave Ripon the throw but it was too long and School won a turnover. Defending Ripon try deliberately knocked on a try scoring pass in front of me. The laws state if a try was probable a try should be awarded.
The referee gave a penalty to Durham who elected for a scrum. After a reset the chance was lost. Then another opportunity came from moves between 9-10-Bushnell(12) then 9-Noble(6)- Ellwood(1) but it ended in a penalty to Ripon and half time.
The contest was evenly matched with Ripon enjoying a slight territorial advantage.
School got to the Ripon 5m line with a penalty at the start of the second half. Nelson (8) was hurt but recovered to continue. A drive by Durham took them over the line but inexplicably the Ripon 11 emerged with the ball and cleared to the Durham 22. I was unsighted but I was informed that just as Durham grounded the ball the Ripon defender picked it up and kicked it away.
From this position Ripon launched their backs and a back flip by 10 released May(14) who burst over. Try converted.
Ripon 12 Durham 12 6 mins.
A charge down by School then moves between Bell(8) and Whalley(11) then 9-10-Hardy(13) was followed by pick and go to put Ripon under pressure. Ripon had a long throw to their fly half but he was caught in possession and a scrum to Durham resulted. Ripon were back to their 5m and School had a line out. This time the ruse did not work a penalty to Ripon was cleared to the 22.
Ripon won a turnover and attacked in strength a last gasp tackle by School saved their line but gave away a penalty. The attempt was unsuccessful. A long restart was collected and driven. Then another drive and penalty had the home team
just 10m from the Durham line. Ripon won a scrum and spread the move wide but were bundled into touch. The next phase was a kick to the corner and the Durham player was isolated. Ripon secured possession and May scored their try.
Durham 12 Ripon 17 25 mins.
An intense maul developed on the home line but School could not penetrate the defence and had a line out on the opposing 22. A catch and drive was stopped but a penalty was conceded and School went for the line out again.
The catch and drive was successful.
Ripon 17 Durham 17 30 mins.
The drop out was caught by Nelson(8) and he set off on a bustling run he was nearly away in their 22 but was caught by the Ripon(5).
However play was returned to the 22 for a penalty. Kicked to the corner Durham had the throw and repeated their line out procedure. Initially the defence held but ultimately Durham were able to cross for the try.
Ripon 17 Durham 22 33 mins.
The home team responded with a fierce attack on the Durham line going to the 22 and gaining a scrum. Control was lost and the ball was hoisted into touch. Match over.

The game had been a typical cup tie scrap. Ripon had produced some clever handling amongst their big backline. They pierced the School defence twice. They ran straight and caused problems. Durham's forwards had a great game producing three tries from their exemplary textbook actions in the line outs.
A close game. I leave it to the referee's assessment. Durham raised their game a notch when behind.
The forwards 1. Ellwood, 2. Eaton, 3. Henderson, 4. Jones, 5. Bryant, 6. Noble, 7. Bell(Capt), 8. Nelson, 9. Elliott, 10. Willis,11. Whaley,12. Bushnell,13. Hardy,14. Turnbull, 15. J.Blakeney-Edwards.

D.mail U 15 Cup
Durham 52 Dame Allan's 7

20/10/2012 Durham School v Ampleforth College on the Playground.

Brilliant sunshine. 56 F. Slight breeze across pitch. Perfect conditions.
Ampleforth kicked off toward School. Caught by Jones(4) it was driven then fed to Willis(10). Another move took involved 9(Taylor) and 10.
Penalty to Durham with Ampleforth not releasing kicked to their 22 but the Durham throw was not straight so the throw went to the College that throw was stolen and driven then chipped ahead.Taken by J.Blakeney-Edwards(15) but he did not release penalty to Ampleforth and cleared to their 22. Another line out was pinched by Durham taken by Nelson(2) then out to 9 then 10 inside to 4 passed to Bell(8) back to 2 he was held up. The ball went loose Ampleforth scrum in left hand Bow corner.
Out to the centre he was tackled then a penalty was kicked to the visitors 10. Again the line out was won by Durham passing between 10-Studd(14)-15 then the College was saved by a penalty on their try line and play went back to half way for a line out.Dominant in the line out the ball was won again this time by Wilson(7) passed out 10-14 but a knock forward gave a scrum to Ampleforth. Durham infringed a free kick to Ampleforth given to the winger he was quickly tackled and Durham were offside.The penalty was converted by Wittmann(10)
Durham 0 Ampleforth 3 15 mins.
Ampleforth were in the lead despite the game being played almost entirely in their half.
The restart caught by Durham taken on by 2 spread along the 3/4line and 15 was over in the Bow corner.Conversion by Willis.
Durham 7 Ampleforth 3 16 mins
The Ampleforth drop was caught by 4 then driven by the forwards. A kick did not bounce so it was a line out back on the Durham 22. Again the throw was won and a drive gained 20m but the ball stolen by Ampleforth who started a back line move but a forward pass resulted in a scrum to Durham on their 22 from that 9 passed to Elliott(11) a chip ahead was collected by 14 and he weaved a way through to put down in corner.
D 12 A 3 18mins
Durham had a 9-10-Bushnell(12) move but for not releasing a penalty was given on the Durham 10. But not 10m back another penalty to Ampleforth and School were defending their 5m line. Ampleforth lost the line out and returned play to half way. The visitors backs made a break however it ended in a charge down and two Durham players collided. The referee decided to have a scrum on half way then a move by 2-9-14 then 10 got the ball from the breakdown and manouevred his way over the try line.
Durham 19 Ampleforth 3 27mins
The restart was returned to 1/2 way. Following a good shove by Durham the referee awarded a penalty to the College. Their throw was won by Durham a move by 10 and inside pass went forward then the final action saw Ellwood(1) catching but it was half time most of the play had been in the A half. Their backs had been unable to progress being denied possession Durham found themselves on their 22 when a penalty was given from the kickoff. Ampleforth infringed a scrum to Durham followed 8 picked up from the back passed to 2 then Hardy(13).
Another penalty against the School then a further penalty for not releasing was kicked by the visitors to the Durham 22.
At the line out a a crafty back flip by the College 10 (Wittman) to 13 made ground but the ball went sideways for a scrum but were still on the home 22. A move 9-10-13 was stopped with a good tackle.At the breakdown Durham were penalised and yellow carded for handling on the ground. Ampleforth kicked to the Durham 5m line.Throw to Ampleforth and the first serious attack mounted 10-Walker(15).
Play went back to Durham's 22 then Ampleforth had a scrum on the School 5m again, the defence held and the ball was cleared to 1/2 way.
Ampleforth lost their throw the School backs went 9-10-13 who chipped caught by 2 who made 15 m. Another penalty to Ampleforth was kicked to Durham's 10 so Ampleforth had the throw .The referee got another card out for Durham and it was 13 v 15 The next penalty was to School and kicked to their 10m line The line out worked again passed out to the wing and back to 4 then crossfield and with an exciting run Elliott broke through two tackles and accelerated to go past two more defenders for a try.
Durham 24 Ampleforth 3 18 mins
Durham held the Ampleforth drop 8 and 4 combining then a chip was chased by Bushnell 11-8-Symonds(5) combined penalty School taken by 8 but held up. Scrum to Durham out along back line and the try was scored.
Durham 29 Ampleforth 3 25 mins
School now had a full complement of players but penalties continued and Durham were back within their 22.From the line out 14(Meacham) for Ampleforth spotted a gap he was stopped but a penalty reulted and another yellow card. Tap and go from the College followed by a drive and it needed a strong tackle to stop them. Durham stole the ball but knocked on and it was scrum to Ampleforth.
Play continued to oscillate between the twenty twos. Durham would get upfield the Ampleforth would pin them back as the penalty score mounted.
There were no more points.
Final score Durham 29 Ampleforth 3

It had been stop / start all the game. The staccato nature of it prevented School form developing a flowing game for which their forwards had provided the platform. The match had been played in a sporting fashion and the penalties were technical.
I am informed the penalty count was fortyfive in favour of Ampleforth against five for Durham. It evened out the result.

20/10/2012
Daily Mail U.18 Cup
Durham play Ripon G.S. in Ripon on Wed. afternoon 24/10
Daily Mail U.15 Cup
Durham play Dame Allan's on the Playground on Tuesday 23/10 k.o. around 4 p.m

The match v Sherborne on 27/10/12 is off.

Durham play Merchiston Castle in Edinburgh on November 10th k.o. 2.15. They have extended an invitation to a prematch lunch in the Old Library at 12.30 p.m.
The cost is £10 payable in advance. Arrangements should be made with Joanna at merchistonians@merchiston.co.uk
tel 0131 312 2262 after 22nd October.

13/10/2012 Sedbergh School v Durham School at Busk Holme, Sedbergh.

Sunny,50F, perfect conditions watched by an enthusiastic crowd.

Sedbergh attacked from the start but were contained and Durham had a throw on their 10m line. The throw was caught by Noble(6) passed out and this gave School position on the home 22. Sedbergh had a penalty and their backs fed the ball to the wing but he was pushed into touch at the Durham 10m. A scrum to Durham followed by a free kick quickly taken and Durham were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which Willis converted.
Durham 3 Sedbergh 0 5 mins
Play had been in the home half. The restart was caught by Whyte(4) driven then passed but the runner was caught in possession.Sedbergh's scrum half Lloyd(9) stole the ball at the next set scrum but Durham regained control and Willis(10)
kicked toward the Sedbergh 22 where Durham won a turn over in the breakdown. A penalty went to Sedbergh sending play back to the Durham 11 however the throw in by Sedbergh was not straight scrum to Durham. A mistake gave possession to the home side and they brought their backs into play passing to the wing. He did not break through but obtained a penalty 10m from the Durham try line.Sedbergh chose to go for a line out on the 5m line. A penalty to Durham was given when Sedbergh were judged to have crossed in play and willis cleared to the School 22. Durham were under pressure the throw in was not straight so Sedbergh were given a scrum. The School pack responded by shoving them back but the Durham clearance went straight out and it was a line out to Sedbergh on the 22. Although School won the line out they were offside. This brought play back to the 22 where Noble pinched the throw passed to the fly half and he to R.Blakeney-Edwards who was ushered into touch on the half way line. The next phase saw Sedbergh gain control at the breakdown and some clever interpassing made space for Smith(7) to scoot over for a try which was converted.
Sedbergh 7 Durham 3 20 mins.
With a man in front of the kicker Sedbergh had a scrum on halfway, School took the release and it was turn over to Durham. Frantic forward play continued as both packs tried their hardest to get the ball this was followed by a scrum to Durham on the home 10m line. The pack drove then released a pass to the wing. A scrum to Sedbergh was next their three quarters were given the ball and showed how dangerous they were with their customary passing skills but the Durham backs shadowed them preventing space. Ultimately half a chance came and it was seized when Stevenson (14) got across. His try was converted.
Sedbergh 14 Durham 3 22 mins.
The School restart resulted in a penalty to Sedbergh which was kicked back to their 10m line. Sedbergh won the throw and passed to the wing but the pass was forward so Durham had a scrum on the 10m. Willis brought Nelson(2) into play and he barged his way forward nearly getting through but when stopped he gave Elliott(11) who was in support a try scoring pass.
Sedbergh 14 Durham 10 conversion by Willis 30 mins.
The restart ball was caught by Bell(8) then moved via Willis to R. Blakeney-Edwards. A School player was injured and I saw it was Elliott being helped from the field to generous applause. He was able to continue after half time. The drop out was caught by Sedbergh no 8 Moore passed along the back line then returned but a forward pass ensued and Durham had the scrum but their clearance went straight out. The line out ball on Durham's 22 was taken by Sedbergh given to Giles(10) who sold a dummy which was not bought but they retained control on the Durham 5m. A clean set of passes along the back line gave the winger Stevenson or Marshall the opportunity to score. The try was converted.
Sedbergh 21 Durham 10 4 mins.
Soon Sedbergh had a scrum on their 22.after a reset despite a good shove by Durham they had the ball but it went forward in the tackle so the scrum went to Durham. Using their backs School made ground and hammered at the home line. Sedbergh were offside in defence.Bell(8) had the ball and he shrugged off several tackles then keeping low he rolled across for a try. Willis converted it.
Sedbergh 21 Durham 17
From the next moves Durham had a throw on their 22 and a penalty. Sedbergh had a yellow card and Willis kicked to the School 22. A three quarter move by School promised the ball was out to R.Bakeney-Edwards(14) then brought inside but the Sedbergh backs up quickly stultified the move. Durham were back on their 22 with a scrum Sedbergh stole the ball and started a back line move. Hardy(13) anticipating this brought off a opportunist intercept and sprinted to touch down between the posts. Willis converted. The response to going two scores behind had been resolute.
Sedbergh 21 Durham 24 18 mins
Sedbergh pressed hard with spirited play as both teams realised time was running out. Durham had a penalty when Sedbergh were offside. Then a penalty to them took them to the School 10. A turn over to Durham from that throw and the backs spread the move out but their defence held. Sedbergh now attacked a kick to the corner bounced fortuitously for them but it was covered. Sedbergh had a scrum on the Durham 5m and ramped up the pressure with pick and go and intensive forward drives. Each time they were repelled. Then Durham had a penalty and cleared. The relief was only temporary as Sedbergh renewed their attack. Eventually they won a penalty in front which was slotted over,
Sedbergh 24 Durham 24 32 mins.
A Durham player was yellow carded and School had a faint chance in the Sedbergh 22 as time ran out.

This had been an exhilarating game of rugby with both teams doing their utmost in a fine sporting tradition. A Sedbergh supporter said they were lucky to get the draw I thought perhaps Durham had the luck.
Sedbergh's backs were speedy and elusive but Durham's defence particularly in the final minutes was terrific. Both sets of forwards gave their all. On reflection perhaps a draw was a fair result. Amongst the crowd were numerous O.D.s including John Paxton, a great supporter.

The next game is against Ampleforth College on the Playground on Sat. 20/10/12 k.o. 2.30 p.m. for the Noel Shearing Cup. It is preceded by an O.D. v Old Ampleforthian rugby match starting at 11 a.m.

On Saturday 20/10/12 there is a fund nraising dinner in Big School in aid of the rugby tour to Canada, starting at 7.30.p.m.
Doddie Weir is the guest speaker.
There is a disco, auction, raffle etc.
Contact Ben Mason (b.mason@durhamschoo.co.uk)or Sue Langthorne (s.langthorne@durhamschool.co.uk) at school for details/tickets.

Cricket

Michael Turns O.D. former captain of cricket will captain Loughborough College first XI season 2013.

6/10/2012 Hymer's College v Durham School at Hull.

Sunny, wind end to end, 50F, well grassed pitch soft underneath.
Hymer's(H) won a scrum when Durham knocked on at the start they pushed play to the Durham 22 where a penalty was awarded. H did not agree and were penalised 10m. Willis(10) kicked to the H 10 and it was line out to Durham.
The throw was caught by Nelson(2) who bustled forward and passed to the wing. A penalty to School was kicked to the H 22 the line out ball was caught by Noble(6) who dived over to score.
Hymer's 0 Durham 5 5 mins.
Henderson(3) who was unwell was replaced by Whyte. The restart was caught by Hardy(13) but there was a penalty to H and the kick took them to the Durham 10m line .
Somehow despite a win at the line out and a pass back a Hymer's player emerged with the ball and ran round to place it between the posts affording an easy conversion.
Hymer's 7 Durham 5 10 mins.
Hymer's lead did not last long. Durham's long drop was returned and collected by Hardy who made a break taking School to the home 5m.where Bell(8)drove across.
Hymer's 7 Durham 10 12 mins.
A furious battle began culminating in a yellow card to each side. Scrum H was taken against the head and passed to Elliott(11) on the wing he made ground but was pushed into touch however a scrum was given to Durham inside the College 22. Again the ball was won by School willis grub kicked and next Hymer's were back on halfway with a scrum. Durham won the ball and released Willis to pass to Bushnell(12) for a touchdown.
Hymer's 7 Durham 17 conversion by Willis(10) 24 mins.
The College caught its restart ball and put it into touch on the Durham 22. From that line out the ball was moved wide to J. Blakeney-Edwards(15) who drew his man then passed inside to either Elliott or R. Blakeney-Edwards in support.
Conversion from the touchline by Willis.
Hymer's 7 Durham 24 26 mins.
From a penalty Hymer's had a throw in, it was too long and School secured possession, a nifty back pass by Willis to Hardy did not provide an opening. He was tackled H did not release penalty Durham. Kicked to the H 22 the throw
was caught by Noble then to Willis. He laid the ball back picked up by Symonds(5) it was spread wide and from a long pass Elliott put down. Willis converted.
Hymer's 7 Durham 31 30 mins.
After the restart Durham won a turnover then a penalty which took them to the H 22. The throw was held by Noble(6) but a knock on gave Hymer's a scrum. A poor pass from the base along the ground was scooped up by Durham and spread. A forward pass ended that move. Hymer's won two penalties and pushed School back into their half. Another infringement by Durham and Hymer's were on the School 22. Under pressure Durham yielded another penalty which Hymer's slotted over on the stroke of half time. A Durham player received a yellow card.
Hymer's 10 Durham 31 half time.
The wind which would have been behind Durham had dropped.In the last minutes of the first half Hymer's had more possession. H dropped out it was caught by bell and driven 10m, punted ahead and chased. A penalty to Hymer's resulted in a line out their throw was not straight so it was a scrum to Durham. The heel was collected by Bell passed to Symonds(5) then Taylor(9) and Willis(10) to Bushnell(12) and J.Blakeney-Edwards(15) to R.Blakeney-Edwards(14) and a back flip pass put Whyte(3) over.
Hymer's 10 Durham 38 10 mins.Conversion by Willis.
Early ball was secured by School and a break by Wilson(7) who set up J.Blakeney-Edwards for a try.
Hymer's 10 Durham 43 12 mins.
Symonds caught the drop out passed to Willis who put in a high ball, it was returned but Nelson(2) caught this and set off on a barnstorming run of 30m handing off attempted tacklers to place down a try.
Hymer's 10 Durham 48 16 mins.
The restart was caught by Jones(4) and driven back to the half way line however several plays by Hymer's took them to the Durham 22 then at the breakdown School had a turnover and cleared to their 10m line. At the line out Symonds won the ball passed to Wilson. Hymer's gained the ball but an intercept by Durham brought a penalty. A back line move got a try for Studd at outside centre who had come on for Hardy (13). Willis converted.
Hymer's 10 Durham 55 23 mins.
Durham scored again when Jones(4) caught the drop out, the play was driven then picked up by Nelson and from the maul taken round the fringe where Willis sold a dummy before crossing the line. He converted his try.
Hymer's 10 Durham 62 25 mins.
Replacement Leach for Noble (6). A back line move by Hymer's threatened but their winger was dispossessed with a scrum going to Durham. Willis cleared to H 10m where they had a scrum,a kick ahead landed in the hands of Nelson who passed to Ellwood(1) the ball then went along the back line for a classic move before Bushnell crossed for the try. Another conversion by Willis.
Hymer's 10 Durham 69 30 mins.
The Hull side had a three quarter movement but it was stifled by the Durham backs who gave them no space. A penalty took them to the School 22 where a winger was nearly away but not releasing in the tackle gave them a penalty.
Taking a scrum Durham won it against the head but the game was stopped when H had a man down. It is hoped he is O.K.
Full time Hymer's 10 Durham 69

On a superficial view it looked an easy win. It was not, Hymer's forwards fought for possession all the time but could not release their backs as the Durham pack excelled in the loose preventing distribution.

The next match is at Sedbergh on Saturday 13/10/12 k.o. 2.15 p.m.
Sedbergh defeated St. Peter Hamilton New Zealand 21-18 on Sat. 6 Oct.

3/10/2012 Durham School v Edinburgh Academy on the Playground.

Conditions at the start a light drizzle, 50F.
As usual School were in green hoops and Edinburgh in almost indistinguishable blue hoops.
School started at a fierce pace. The drop out was caught by Edinburgh no. 4 his kick was charged down and the attack started.
8-15-11 back to 9, 10 to 5 out to the left wing then 15 -7-9 then kicked to the Edinburgh 22. The visitors had only one touch as Durham interpassed then across the field to 11 but E offside and a penalty kicked by Willis brought the first points.
Durham 3 Edinburgh 0 7mins.
Edinburgh moved play back to the Durham 22 with a kick then awarded a penalty they were unsuccessful but moments later School were offside again and this time the kick was good.
Durham 3 Edinburgh 3 15 mins. the rain had become heavy.
Durham drop out made touch on the Edinburgh 22 they had a scrum and put a probing chip pushed School back to their 22 where a catch and drive made the 22. The rain was now torrential. Durham had an opportunity when Blakeney-Edwards found space and evaded two tackles. Edinburgh had a scrum and kicked long to the School line. Studd(15) collected it and made touch on the 22. From the line out Edinburgh's backs quickly moved the ball wide. it was dangerous but a strong tackle saved a difficult situation. Durham under intense pressure repelled several forward lunges but then Edinburgh releasing a crash ball sent Swan over. No conversion.
Durham 3 Edinburgh 8
My notes were destroyed as the rain pelted down and dripped off my nose onto the sheets. Play continued on field with both teams only concerned with getting control disregarding the downpour.
In the next legible note Edinburgh had Durham back on their 5m, a foray by their 3/4 went crossfield as the defence swallowed them up. Although School had the throw in Edinburgh had most of the play at this time. Noble caught the throw and provided a pass to Blakeney-Edwards(14) then to Studd with Nelson (2) and Willis(1) involved in a pick and go but it was half time. Spectators thought the referee played 45 mins. I was too wet to take much notice searching for papers that had blown away.
Durham 3 Edinburgh 8
After the start Durham had a line out on the Edinburgh 22. Wilson(7) caught it and passed to Ellwood(1) but he was collared and Edinburgh had a scrum. The referee who had played for Hymers in his youth invoked the new law when Edinburgh delayed play not using the ball at the base of the scrum. This permitted Willis to gain touch on the visitors' 22. A catch and drive ensued but despite several efforts School could not get over with the Edinburgh defence stalwart. A penalty to Durham in a kickable position but scrum was chosen. From this the ball went to the wing but could not be held such was the slippery conditions. No's 14, 15, and 9 were substituted for Durham. For the last 10 minutes Durham had pinned Edinburgh in their 22. A knock forward gave School a scrum on the Edinburgh 5m then another penalty to Durham again kickable was spurned but despite the pack's exertions Edinburgh eventually cleared to their 22. From this School were able to spread the ball and Nelson(2) now in the backs thrust through for a try.
Durham 8 Edinburgh 8 17 mins
Leach caught the restart and returned for a line out on half way. A massive high punt was well caught by Blakeney-Edwards passed to Wilson(7) who made ground then Bell(8) and 19(?) combined. It was nailbiting stuff as both sides challenged for the ball, scrummaging intensely. After more pressure from Durham Edinburgh worked play back to the home half. School won a turnover but a penalty was given which was unsuccessful. The Durham drop out was caught by Edinburgh and returned a knock forward by Durham resulted in a scrum to Edinburgh just 10m from the home line. A rapid passing move went to the wing who was tackled but made it across. It was desperately close and I was
unsighted. The Edinburgh coach said it might have been crossing I do not know or where he was positioned.
Durham 8 Edinburgh 13 30 mins
The rain had ceased but there was more controversy onfield as a School player was yellow carded when the referee impeded him. This was confirmed by Edinburgh officials. A penalty then to Edinburgh which went wide. Two Edinburgh players were down with exhaustion. Play resumed and School had a penalty which they moved to the wing he was nearly clear down the touchline but was tackled and released to his man inside but he was not there he had been taken out without the ball. The referee decided a penalty was appropriate and frenetic forward play developed as School tried to drive over. After several attempts Nelson burst through to touch down. It was 13 all as Willis took the conversion. It was good and he was congratulated by the team.
Durham 15 Edinburgh 13 full time.

It had been an engrossing game. Edinburgh were testing opponents with speedy backs. They had tackled themselves to a near standstill but so had Durham managing to deny several close calls.
The Edinburgh coach said we were the better team and he was proud of his lads. I would dispute that remark; it is unlucky to lose in the last minute.
It is now six wins out of six and we play Hymer's tomorrow.

Ben Simpson who captained the XV for much of last season in the absence of Simon Ord came to support.
He is contracted to Leeds Carnegie and also plays for Mowden Park, Darlington.
The team 1 Ellwood, 2 Nelson, 3 Henderson, 4 Jones, 5 Symonds, 6 Noble, 7 Wilson, 8 Bell(Capt), 9 Elliott, 10 Bushnell, 11 Atkinson, 12 Willis, 13 Hardy, 14 R. Blakeney-Edwards, 15 Studd.
There may be errors in attribution to various plays please excuse these my notes disintegrated in the rain.

The Hartlepool XV Durham played on Wednesday contained 7+ County players.

29/9/2012 Durham School v Dame Allan's School, Newcastle on the Playground.

Brilliant sunshine 50F a breeze blowing across the pitch. The turf in superb condition.
Dame Allan's(DA) caught the kick off but catcher was tackled by Leach(6) following up.
This led to a penalty which School took quickly and passed wide. The last pass was too wide and it resulted in a line out to DA. Durham caught the ball and spread it with Blakeney-Edwards(14) sending Studd(15) over.
Durham 5 Dame Allan's 0 3 mins.
Willis(10) returned the restart chased by 14 DA knocked on and School had a scrum on their 22.
From this the backs combined but were pushed into touch. DA throw tapped back Nelson(2) passed to Bell(8) then not releasing this gave DA a penalty, kicked to the Durham 10 DA lost the lineout. Bushnell(12) made ground.
A scrum to DA on half way then Durham were offside and the kick put them on their 5m line. DA had a scrum when School knocked on in the line out and Willis cleared.
School secured position in the corner but an error gave the scrum to DA who hacked the ball forward, it was collected by full back Studd and thence to Blakeney-Edwards to Nelson and finally to Leach for a try. Some good interpassing brought the reward.
Durham 10 Dame Allan's 0 17 mins
School were back on their 5m line soon, DA had a catch and drive then a penalty, a lineout, and scrum. A loose ball was taken by Willis and kicked to the half way line. DA had an interception but the runner was tackled.
Now DA had a penalty in front on the 22m. The breeze had strengthened and the kick failed. The wind was up and down the field. Our drop out was returned and DA won a line out on the Durham 22.It was stolen by Noble(7) taken by Nelson
who passed to Bell who sprinted away. Unfortunately the referee saw the knock forward in the tackle and awarded the scrum to DA on their 5m. The clearance was charged down DA throw in. Moments later Studd caught a punt
and ran it back. Then came the best move so far of the game Bell had the ball to Noble to Henderson to Leach to Elliott(11) but the ref. decided School had not released so penalty to DA whose kick was caught by Studd who
weaved his way forward to be tackled on the opposition 22.
Half time Durham 10 Dame Allan's 0
The restart by DA was blown straight out so scrum Durham on half way. Bell,Hardy and Studd combined then a drive by the forwards with Bell,Jones(4) and Leach threatened but DA won the ball and had a man over in space. A knock on spoiled their chance and Durham had the scrum. A kick ahead was taken by DA to the School 5m line where the runner was upended in a tackle. DA intercepted a clearance and scored.
Durham 10 Dame Allan's 5 5mins.
School followed up and caught the restart but knocked forward giving DA a scrum on the School 10m. The Durham scrum half Taylor picked up the ball passed out to Blakeney-Edwards who put down for the try. Converted by Willis.
Durham 15 Dame Allan's 5 10 mins. A line out on the Durham 22 gave DA possession which they spread wide and their winger was tackled into touch on the 5m. Minutes later they nearly succeeded with a similar move only to be foiled by another try saving tackle. School then took play back to their 10m line with a penalty then a scrum brought a clean heel for Taylor(9). He passed to Bushnell(12) and DA tried an intercept but knocked forward the ball bounced fortuitously for Hardy who pounced on it and ran through to score.
Durham 22 Dame Allan's 5 17 mins.
Then the best move of the season. Caught by a forward the ball was passed along the 3/4 line to Hardy for a try. This had promised so many times and came right for once.
Durham 27 Dame Allan's 5 20 mins.
The drop out was caught by Nelson but DA knocked on as the ball was released so school had a scrum on their 10m. A drive by the forwards then Taylor and Willis challenged resulted in a scrum to DA on their 5m. The clearing kick
went half way with the wind accompaniment. The line out ball was won, passed to Willis then to Noble,Nelson and finally Henderson(3) for the try.
Durham 32 Dame Allan's 5 25 mins.
There had been many changes during the last minutes as more of the squad were utilised. The opposition drop out was caught and driven the ball went to Hardy who sprinted 50m and when the diagonal runner threatened he passed to Bell in support.
Durham 37 Dame Allan's 5 30 mins.
The restart was caught by DA and a crash ball was stopped but DA had a penalty just inside the Durham half which their fly half Hutton(10) put over with ease.
Durham 37 Dame Allan's 8 31 mins.
School had a final try when seeing an opportunity Atkinson and Redman ran strongly at the vistors defence to open a gap for Bushnell to penetrate,
Durham 42 Dame Allan's 8 full time.

Dame Allan's had contested well particularly in the first half. Durham had tried to play expansive rugby alhtough playing at high tempo causes mistakes to happen two moves were a delight but only one brought the try.

Edinburgh Academy, always a strong side, are the visitors tomorrow. Kick off 2.15 p.m. 2011 Durham 8 Edinburgh 29
On Saturday the XV travel to Hull to play Hymer's College, another difficult fixture. 2011 Durham 29 Hymer's 5

O.D. news. James Ritzema O.D. captain of cricket season 2011 has played for the British Embassy in Paris during the summer. He is playing rugby for them now.
His brother Wayne Ritzema O.D. is playing cricket in Perth (Australia).

29/9/2012 Durham 42 Dame Allan's 8

Durham University 29 Oxford University 12
Durham are coached by Nick Willings (hon O.D) formerly first XV coach at School.
Report on today's match in preparation.

26/9/2012 Hartlepool 6th Form College v Durham School at West Hartlepool R.F.C.
2nd round Daily Mail U.18 Cup.

Sunny day 50F. Stiff wind. The pitch was in remarkable condition after the worst storm in 30 years in the area had caused road closures and flooding. Hartlepool went through some impressive pre match exercises with their backs looking very useful. School were playing with the wind.
They started well winning a penalty on the College 5m. It was kicked to touch but Durham now erred and Hartlepool took play back to their 10m.
Blakeney-Edwards(15) caught a punt ran back, evaded a tackler but a scrum was given losing an opportunity. Play went back to halfway. Penalty Durham Atkinson(11) then Willis(12), Noble(6) and Bushnell(10) combined taking play
to the Hartlepool 22. A line out on their 5m did not yield results. The game had been played almost entirely in the home half but they had not conceded a try. Now a Hartlepool line out was tapped back then knocked forward. From the scrum that followed Elliott(9) collected the ball as it came out and passed to Blakeney-Edwards(15) who touched down in the corner. No conversion.
Hartlepool 0 Durham 5 12 mins.
Durham for not releasing and offside were penalised twice and Hartlepool returned play to half way. From their throw Atkinson won the ball but a penalty was given, Nelson (8) picked up but turn over to Hartlepool. This gave them the chance to develop a catch and drive going 15m. The backs were released and the foray was held temporarily until the scrum half evaded a tackle and the College quickly went wide and the right wing touched down. A very good conversion.
Hartlepool 7 Durham 5 25 mins.
A fumble by Hartlepool in their 22 provided a loose ball which Bushnell latched onto and crossed unopposed. Converted by Willis.
Hartlepool 7 Durham 12 27 mins.
The drop out was held up in the wind then caught by Symonds(5) passed to Elliott. Advantage Durham. Willis's penalty went diagonally to the opposition 10m line. The line out passed back to Hardy(13) then Willis and Turnbull(14) who straightened the line. There was a man down. The referee. At first I thought he had been tackled by mistake but it was a twisted knee. He was probably the best player on the field. He recovered and awarded a scrum 5m from the College line Durham put in. Elliott(9) to Turnbull inside to Atkinson then to Bushnell and finally back to Elliott who scored. Willis converted an excellent try.
Hartlepool 7 Durham 19 34 mins.
Half time.
Would this be enough when Durham played into the wind? Hartlepool had held out for a long time.
Durham were offside early in the second half. Hartlepool throw on Durham 22. School were forced back to their 5m line and pinned there the College went short side but turnover to Durham followed by a penalty brought relief at a crucial moment. The kick only went to the 22 line. A scrum to School and the ball came out to Bell(7) who offloaded enabling the threequarters to pass to Turnbull on the wing and touch down. No conversion.
Hartlepool 7 Durham 24 7 mins.
Bryant(4) caught the restart and made ground but Hartlepool regained possession with a scrum on the School 22. Once more their fast and powerful backs mounted an attack but they gave away a penalty and Durham's kick broght a line out on the College 22. School won the line out passed to Willis who passed to Eaton(2) on the wing but it could have been 8 or 6. Anyhow Ellwood(1) was there to receive a tryscoring pass and Willis put a difficult conversion over.
Hartlepool 7 Durham 31 14 mins.
Both packs continued to compete for possession as they had throughout the match and the College backs looked dangerous. A knock forward gave Durham a scrum the ball came out and Eaton(2) fed Elliott who was away like a shot along the touchline. He was brought down inches from the line but did not release.
During the final minutes play was in the School 22 the Hartlepool backs again causing problems. A chip over the head of the School defence was just touched down by Elliott in time to avert a try.
Result Hartlepool 7 Durham School 31.

It had been a hard fought contest. The scoreline does not reflect how close this game was. The College 69(centre) was particularly quick and elusive in a good back line. Durham had defended well with last ditch tackles saving their line frequently and had made the most of the opportunities.

The next game is versus Dame Allan's on the Playground k.o. 10.30 a.m on Sat. 29/9/12
Next week School entertain Edinburgh Academy 3/10/12 k.o 2 p.m.

26/9/2012 Hartlepool 6th Form College 7 Durham 31 Report later.
Next match v Dame Allan's on the Playground Saturday 29th September. k.o. 10.30 a.m.

22/9/2012 Durham School v King's Tynemouth.

Perfect conditions for rugby. Brilliant sun, no wind 50F.
King's had asked that we play a mixed 1st and 2nd XV squad.
This made identification difficult for the writer because there were two players for each position.

A knock forward and a good tackle gaining a penalty took King's to the School 22. Tapping back King's were on the home 5m and tried to go blindside. Durham offended in stopping this and King's had a penalty in front. Escuing the three points they tried tap and go but Durham won a turnover and kicked long. Wilson chased to pick up but a forward pass spoiled that and King's had a scrum on half way. Their clearance was caught by the full back R. Blakeney-Edwards, passed to Bell(8) who made space for Wilson to touch down. Try converted.
Durham 7 King's 0 10 mins.
The restart was caught by Bryant and fed to Field but he was ushered into touch. The King's throw was not straight. From this J.Blakeney-Edwards had possession and went across. He converted his try.
Durham 14 King's 0 14 mins.
Next an attempted break by King's fly half made ground but a knock on gave Durham a scrum. A slick passing with the full back joining the line looked a certain try but mishandling gave King's the scrum and they cleared.
From the line out the 3/4ters developed another move this time the winger received clean ball and passed inside to Eaton in support for the try. No conversion.
Durham 19 King's 0 20 mins.
Nelson won a turnover released but the pass was not held. King's had the scrum but conceded a free kick and School were on their 5m line in the Bow end bottom left hand corner. Bell(8) picked up at the heel and weaved his way past the defence to touch down under the bar. Try converted.
Durham 26 King's 0 30 mins.
Their restart was caught by 4 then passed to 5 who ran clear 2/3rds of the pitch and Leach backing up scored.
Durham 33 King's 0 33mins.
Another certain try was stopped when our winger was pushed into touch however their throw was crooked and School worked the ball to their inside centre who gave it to Bushnell(10) who converted the try.
Durham 40 King's 0 half time
The drop out did not go 10m and Durham had a scrum on half way. Enterprising play by the front row with Nelson emerging with the ball then a hand off enabled Henderson to take the try scoring pass.
Durham 47 King's 0 5 mins.
A mistake by Durham gave King's possession and they nearly got clear but a fine tackle ended the threat. A scrum to King's on the 22m followed by a penalty was again declined, kicking to the corner. They took the line out and spread the ball wide. Durham won a turnover then forced their way to the King's 22 but the scrum was King's. The pack took this against the head the pass went from scrum half to fly half to Leach(12) who sold a dummy to score. The try was converted by Studd.
Durham 54 King's 0 8 mins.
Durham scored again immediately T.Elliott made space and D.Elliott(11) put down. Willis converted.
Durham 61 King's 0 11 mins.
King's had a scrum on the Durham 10m line, a free kick and a spirited move was denied by tackling. Another scrum to King's then a pass to their inside centre but he was tackled in possession this was repeated another scrum to King's but
they knocked on and Durham had the ball on the visitors 22. Atkinson secured the ball, broke free from the melee and ran toward their line approaching it he drew his man and gave the pass to Studd for a try. Try converted.
Durham 68 King's 0 17 mins.
The restart was caught by Blakeney-Edwards who outpaced the defence to reach the 22 then an inside pass gave Elliott(11) the try which R. Blakeney-Edwards converted.
Durham 75 King's 0 20 mins.
Again the dropout was caught Atkinson had the catch and passed it to Taylor for the try.
Durham 80 King's 0
The referee ended the game 13 minutes early.

There were times when King's had opportunities, they declined two easily kickable penalties and could have made tries were it not for committed defence by Durham. Both sides suffered from a surfeit of knock ons and forward passes but
a noticeable feature was the willingness to pass even when in a try scoring position.

25/9/2012
The D.M. Cup match at West Hartlepool RFC kicks off at 3 p.m. tomorrow 26th September.

I asked Mark Smith rugby correspondent for the Newcastle Journal if he had time for a report in my absence.
He was unable to do that due to pressures of work but did write the following in the Journal on 15 September.

The early buzz surrounding last night's fixture was fuelled in no small part by the club's decision to stage a curtain raiser between Royal Grammar School Newcastle and Durham School - a tremendously entertaining clash eventually won 38-15 by Durham.
More than anything it sent out the message that the Falcons(Newcstle) finally see the bigger picture in growing their audience, and once the warm up act had exited the stage left the main event added fuel to the furnace.

22/9/2012 Durham 76 King's Tynemouth 0
Report later.

Important notice.
School will play Hartlepool 6th Form College in the Daily Mail U.18 Cup on Wednesday 26 Sept. at West Hartlepool R.F.C. k.o not available.
Hartlepool defeated Yarm 47-26 in round 1. Durham had a bye.

15/9/2012 R.G.S. Newcastle 15 Durham 38 played prior to the Championship game Newcastle Falcons v Doncaster at Kingston Park.

8/9/2012 Barnard Castle v Durham at Barnard Castle.

A glorious sunny day with a light breeze the pitch in superb condition. 68F
School kicked off into the wind caught and drove 15m but conceded a penalty.
Play went back to half way following a move by B.C. to the Durham 5m line.
A clean catch by Noble(6), then a drive had the winger away but Durham were awarded a penalty and lost their chance. Play centered around the B.C. 10m line.
A B.C. mistake gave away a scrum and Elliott(11) was ushered into touch on the wing. B.C. won their line out but the clearing kick was charged down. B.C. drop out on the 22m. With the wind it made it to the Durham 22m where an infringement brought a free kick to B.C.
Choosing a scrum Gaskin(14) received the ball and nearly got through before being tackled.
Next School developed a back line move but strong tackling arrested the impetus. Back on their 10m line Nelson(2) barged his way forward then an interception by B.C. resulted in Gaskin(14) getting the ball. Sidestepping a would be tackler he sped away outpacing the Durham defence to put down for a simple conversion by Leeming(10) under the bar.
Barnard castle 7 Durham 0 23 mins.
School won a turnover and drove taking play to the home 5m but gave away a penalty not releasing.
A stoppage for injury halted play then a penalty was kicked long by B.C. Winning their throw B.C. tried to spread play but Hardy's(13) tackles finished that. A kick for offside was unsuccessful.
Fasa(13) was injured and a scrum ensued. From this the backs weaved through but cutting across B.C.closed down only for Durham to pass inside to Raglan(14) to cross in the left corner. No conversion.
Barnard Castle 7 Durham 5 30 mins.
The drop out was collected by Nelson(2) and wom a scrum. From this the backs spread the ball the winger being forced into touch in the B.C. 22. Durham had a penalty from the line out it was quickly taken and the ball went to Hardy(13) to touch down. No conversion.
Barnard Castle 7 Durham 10
B.C. had a penalty kick in front of the posts which was pulled to one side before half time.
From their drop out B.C.engineered a try when the ball went loose Gaskin(14) kicked then dribbled his way past the chasing defenders out racing them to touch down. No conversion.
Barnard Castle 12 Durham 10 2 mins.
Durham responded to the challenge with the pack beginning to dominate with a catch and drive to the home 5m line.
Three resets followed then the passes went wide and J.Blakeney-Edwards(15) came into the line to score with a man over.
Barnard Castle 12 Durham 15 15 mins.
Twice B.C. were offside after the restart and ended up defending their 5m line. A catch and drive resulted in a try by Nelson (2) no conversion.
Barnard Castle 12 Durham 20 20 mins.
School scored again when Bushnell(10) spotted a gap and was clean away between the posts. He converted his own try.
Barnard Castle 12 Durham 27 23 mins.
The School defence was tested when they were offside and B.C. took the scrum option the backline move was foiled ans play returned to half way. Durham won the scrum and Bushnell sent a high ball toward the corner but it was just too long. The drop out was charged down by Nelson and he got up to tackle Gaskin the B.C. speedster. Nelson left the field to applause.
Gaskin was involved minutes later when Upton(12) their captain made the incision to pass him the ball and he was away in a flash to score.
A brilliant try much appreciated by a home supporter close by. Converted by Leeming(10).
Barnard Castle 19 Durham 27 30 mins.
Time was running out but Durham were not finished. A slick threequarter move opened up the defence, Hardy drew his man and passed inside to Bushnell to put down between the posts. He converted the try.
Barnard Castle 19 Durham 34

I quote my B.C. supporter two forward passes missed both of which led to tries fortunately one each.
And a Durham supporter this represented a very, very competent performance and a great start to the new season.
Barnard Castle have proved very difficult to defeat recently(I think 5 years in non D.M.Cup games) and this represents a terrific start to the new campaign as the Durham side selected 8 players who had never played for the Xv before.
They now prepare for their local rivals RGS Newcastle at Kingston Park on Friday 14th k.o. 5.30 p.m.
My observation Martin Pepper their coach faced a similar problem needing to play 7 first timers.
In Gaskin they had an outstanding talent and he was a threat throughout.
The Durham School pack had a lot of possession and the backs made some good moves but the opposition tackled well.

The Old Dunelmian Dinner was held in Big School in the evening with the news of the win at Barnard Castle raptuously received.
Richie Salkeld(67-72)is the new President and John Malden gave the address. Martin George (75-80) Headmaster an update.
Around 170 O.D.s attended. Unfortunately I cannot comment on the content of the speeches because those who know me will be aware I am going deaf, also to the amusement of many I could not get my dinner jacket on: the one I had hurriedly picked up when I came back from the match was about 30 years old and could just accomodate my arms.
I am unable to attend the RGS game but hope to be present for the rest of the season. Good luck on Friday.

7/9/2012 Results from the Tynedale 15 aside tournament are as follows:

Fettes College 19-8 Won
Blundells. 19-0 Won
Old Swinford Hospital 5-7 Lost

We then went into the second place play-off:

RGS Newcastle 17-0 Won

29/8/2012 Durham School v Stamford School
This friendly practice game was at School with the Playground in immaculate condition. It was played in sections to allow the squads a run out.
The first 30 mins. was between the first XVs of Stamford School and Durham.
There was no score until the final minute when Elliott broke away on the wing to touch down. It had been closely contested.
Thereafter the 2nd XVs played with Stamford having most of the play.
This was followed by revised teams and more substitutions rendering the game valuable for the coaches.
Of the two squads Stamford appeared the stronger.
School will participate in the Tynedale tournament on Sunday 2/9/12 start 11 a.m.
The first match of the season is v Barnard Castle away on 8/9/12 k.o. 2.15 p.m.
That evening the O.D.Dinner will be held in Big School 7.30.p.m.
Details of the weekend are available from a.stoker@durhamschool.co.uk