BARNARD CASTLE’S under-11 team continued their fine form in the Land Rover Premiership Tournament at Newcastle Falcons on Sunday.

Castle had entered the elite section of the tournament due to their excellent season last year and previous success in large tournaments.

Castle were drawn in a tough group but emerged victorious and unbeaten. The first game saw them beat Alnwick 15-5 with tries for Welsby, Thompson and Wills in a clinical first half.

The next game saw them pitched against Durham City.

This proved to be a very tough encounter and Castle emerged victorious 5-0 after a barnstorming try from the powerful Williamson – Michie was denied by a last-gasp tackle after a searing break, but Castle held their lead.

The last group game saw Castle cut loose and beat Morpeth 30-5. Newnam scored two superb solo tries; Seymour finished a fluent move; Osborne ran in a classic scrum half break down the blind side; then the effervescent Wills and livewire Welsby closed the game out in style. Arnold made his full Tournament debut and looked a very promising addition to the squad.

The semi-final saw Castle drawn against Westoe – who had pipped Castle in the County Cup Final last season.

Revenge was sweet for Castle in a pulsating game between two well-matched sides.

Heroic defence kept the Castle line intact with the huge work rates of Duarte and Heaviside very prominent around the tackle area and ruck. Towards the end of the game Castle were camped on the Westoe line with the game in deadlock. Osborne produced a moment of magic from a scrum and crosskicked precisely for the acefinisher Thompson to race up, collect and score.

Castle then played Northern in the final – under floodlights at half time at the Falcons vs Harlequins match.

They met a very powerful and well drilled Northern Team who ran in five tries against a heroic but tiring Barnard Castle.

The Team were presented with medals by Internationals Doddie Weir and Stuart Grimes after the game and went home extremely proud.

Castle look forward to further tournament success this season and to continuing their winning form. The squad are always looking to strengthen and new additions are welcome.