Fightback falls short for Horden

Horden & Peterlee just missed out on an incredible comeback against Barnard Castle, the leaders holding on to win 22-18 in Durham/Northumberland One on Saturday.

Little went right for the home side in the first half as they trailed 19-3 at the break.

Glenn Bowman’s side recovered in the second period, but the title favourites completed a double, just.

Horden got their only score of the first half through a Craig Jones penalty from just outside the 22.

They improved on the restart and were immediately on the front foot, setting up camp in the 22.

Following a series of penalties, Barney ended up with a man in the sinbin and Horden pulled back a try when Newton Turton and Karl Hartley combined to send Jones over, the winger hitting the post with his conversion attempt.

Horden’s pack started to make gains, Ritchie Thirkell, Michael Thubron and Andrew White working hard.

Horden pulled a score back when Hunt and Conor Jones combined to put Craig Jones in, and he outpaced the defence to score.

A Craig Jones penalty made Castle’s lead 19-18 with 15 minutes to play, but Barnard Castle eventually broke out and made it 22-18 with a penalty.

Houghton won 47-0 at Chester-le-Street in Division Three, while Seaham were beaten 56-0 at Richmondshire.