Durham seal title in record breaking style

DURHAM thumped North-East rivals Northumbria 67-7 to claim the BUCS Super Rugby League title with a record number of points over the course of the season.

They were always expected to win against the side at the foot of the table, who will now face a relegation play-off to remain in the top division, but the manner of their 11-try thumping summed-up a sensational season and was a perfect way to clinch the trophy.

Exeter had hoped that Durham would slip up, potentially opening the door for them to claim the league title they won in 2018 and 2019, but the Devonians were defeated at Cardiff Met anyway, with the Welshmen securing their spot in third in the table.

Durham boss Alex Keay was staggered by what his group had achieved, and credited his side continuing to stay engaged as a squad during the Covid-hit 2020/21 academic year as he helpd them win back to back league titles.

He said: “I’m speechless. Two seasons back-to-back, it’s an incredible feat by the boys.

“We engaged the boys during the Covid year, but they engaged as well which was really good.

“It was difficult but we kept the group together and the boys have been brilliant, they have ridden every problem that has got in the way and they should enjoy it before we focus on the play-offs.”

Cardiff followed up their big win against Bath last week with another vital victory, edging Hartpury 38-32 away from home in another high scoring game to leapfrog them and confirm sixth place despite being thrashed 7614 by Leeds Beckett yesterday.

Beckett face Swansea – who will be seeking a seventh straight win – in the second game on Wednesday, knowing victory can take them into the playoffs, as they sit one point behind Bath, who lost their final game of the season to the Swans 19-15.