DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK’S remarkable run continued as they claimed a tenth successive National League One victory against Wharfedale.

Mowden looked to be in for an easy afternoon when Wharefdale back row James Burridge was dismissed in only the third minute, and a potential rout was on the cards when the Northern Echo Arena hosts forged into a 17-0 lead before the midway point of the first half.

However, Wharfedale’s 14 men rallied, and Mowden’s lead was reduced to three points at the start of the second half, only for their opponents’ exertions to take their toll in the closing stages as the home side eventually ran out 36-26 winners.

Burridge received a straight red card for dangerous play after he was deemed to have used his boot recklessly, and Mowden took immediate advantage as Matt Walsh opened the scoring.

With Wharfedale trying to reorganise, Peter Homan and Simon Uzokwe also crossed the whitewash before the 17th minute as Mowden’s expansive, free-flowing style enabled them to take advantage of their numerical superiority.

Wharfedale rallied though, with tries from Ricky Cano and Jack Barnard hauling the Yorkshire club back into the game before Uzokwe’s second score for Mowden rounded off the first-half scoring.

Jarad Williams’ debut try at the start of the second half saw Mowden’s lead pegged back to 22-19, but with Wharfedale visibly tiring as the hour mark approached, some strong running from the Darlington forwards saw Danny Brown’s side regain their earlier momentum.

With Warren Seals pulling the strings at fly-half, back-rower Ollie Hodgson and flanker Luca Petillo scored tries to make the game safe.

Tempers frayed in the closing stages, resulting in the issuing of four yellow cards – two for Mowden (Rob Conquest and Garry Law) and two for Wharfedale (George Hedgley and Steve Graham) - and the visitors claimed a bonus point as Matt van Sertima crossed in stoppage time.

Blaydon put in a decent display against National One leaders Richmond, but were eventually beaten 10-3.

Seven days on from shipping more than 70 points against Hartpury, Blaydon produced a much-improved performance and even claimed the lead when Andrew Baggett slotted a penalty after Richmond were penalised for offside.

Jack Allcock’s try ensured the London side claimed a 5-3 lead at the interval though, and Blaydon’s attempts to mount a comeback were hampered by second-half yellow cards for Keith Laughlin and Chris Wearmouth. Richmond centre Ronnie McLean-Dent scored his side’s second try while Blaydon were reduced to 14 men.

“We didn’t capitalise on our chances when we had the wind, and then gave away too many stupid penalties,” said Blaydon director of rugby Micky Ward.

Tynedale suffered a 33-26 defeat to Macclesfield in National Two North, while Billingham were on the wrong end of a 31-17 scoreline at Sheffield in National Three North.

In North One, West Hartlepool suffered a dramatic late defeat courtesy of a controversial penalty try at Driffield.

Trailing by ten minutes after the concession of tries to Will Brigham and Chris Saddler, West hauled themselves back into the game when a close-range scrum led to John Bunter touching down.

Saddler’s score saw Driffield leading 15-5 at the break, and the hosts stretched further ahead when Felix Nellon crossed at the start of the second period.

Zac Southern’s penalty reduced West’s arrears, before two quick tries from Eldon Myers threatened to turn the game on its head.

Southern’s penalty with five minutes left made it 20-20, but with Rob Thorn in the sin bin, West conceded a succession of late penalties that eventually resulted in the award of a penalty try deep into stoppage time.

Morpeth were 27-17 winners over Guisborough, while South Shields Westoe enjoyed a 24-14 success over Wheatley Hills.

Durham City remain dominant in Durham and Northumberland One, and recorded one of the biggest scores in their history as they romped to an 83-12 win at Ponteland.

Middlesbrough kept up the pressure at the top of the table though as they triumphed 22-9 in their local derby with Stockton.

Stockton enjoyed plenty of possession, but Middlesbrough’s superior finishing skills were crucial as Ben Wood and Conner Foley claimed two tries apiece in a bonus-point win.

Consett saw off Gateshead 22-12, Ryton were narrow 14-12 winners over Hartlepool Rovers, and bottom club Darlington’s miserable season continued as they were thumped 96-0 at Acklam.