Darlington bounce back with five more tries

DARLINGTON returned to winning ways, scoring five tries in the process and adding another five league points to an already impressive tally.

The first half was even at 14-14, but they turned on the power after the break.

Elthamians, though, opened the scoring and from a catch-and-drive line- out, hooker Jay RudlandThomas touched down, with fly-half Tom White converting.

Park levelled when, after a series of set scrums, wing Callum Mackenzie burrowed over for their first try, with fly-half Brett Connon converting.

Elthamians were awarded their next try after confusion in the home defence, allowing prolific winger Dominic Lespierre the easiest of opportunities under the posts. With White converting, they edged ahead.

Park drew level before the break, however, when a perfect pass from his brother Brett was gathered by Grant Connon, who dissected the defence for a score under the posts, converted by Brett.

There was all to play for as the second half began, but Elthamians were unable to gain any meaningful possession and their chances were limited.

They lost the influential Harry Ledger for persistent offending and, with the numerical advantage, Darli ngton stepped up a level.

Home winger Shaun McCartney cut a fine line through the Old Elthamians defence, powering his

way over with two tacklers in tow, Connon converting.

Brett Connon added a penalty as some desperate defence from the visitors turned into infringements.

Home flanker Simon Uzokwe, a force during the game, then showed his power and persistency by forcing his way over.

Then, it was Park’s turn to be reduced in numbers when wing Mackenzie was sin-binned for not releasing.

As the game entered its final quarter, Elthamians did get one back via flanker Hamish Barton, converted by White.

Not to be outdone, McCartney scored his second with a surge down his wing to carry over the last two defenders for the score. The conversion was from Garry Law.