Students scrape past Darlington

THREE yellow cards didn’t stop Darlington giving the league champions a fright at the Northern Echo Arena.

There was an early converted try by visiting teenager Matt Protheroe but the hosts fought back and full-back Jamie Barnard touched down with Garry Law converting to level.

Park then took the lead when Ben Frankland intercepted on his own 22 and offloaded to winger Adam Radwan. Law’s conversion put the home side ahead.

The first of Darlington’s yellow cards came when flanker Simon Uzokwe was penalised for a ruck offence.

Hartpury scored their second try through Jonas Mikalcius, scrum-half Robert Shaw converting.

Hartpury stepped up the pace and scored via flanker Jake Polledri, Protheroe converting. Radwan had the home side back in front early in the second half but No.8 Matt Heaton was then sent to the sidelines for dropping a maul.

Hartbury took advantage with a score from winger Levi Davis.

A further yellow card for prop Ralph Applebyallowed Hartpury’s flanker Matthew Gilbert to score.

Fly-half Law made it an interesting finale, skipping through to score a deserved fourth try. A late penalty denied them the losing bonus point.