MIDDLESBROUGH ensured home advantage in their promotion play-off against Malton and Norton next Saturday when they beat Hartlepool Rovers 31-0.

The bonus point was crucial as it meant Boro finished with one more than Malton, who completed their Yorkshire One programme with a 43-22 home win against Hullensians.

The first try came from a stolen line-out ball. The forwards drove on and when a penalty was awarded Ash Kearney dived over.

Mike Thornburn, Iain Bradford and Miles Colvin all made ground before the ball was spun wide for Ben Wood to score the second after 35 minutes.

Three minutes later Conner Foley pounced on a loose ball and fed Joe Gaudie, who had a relatively easy run-in. Matthew Todd's second conversion made it 19-0 at half-time.

With the wind behind them, Rovers applied a lot of pressure, which they failed to convert.

Sam Gaudie had been named on the bench ahead of his appearance for North Under 20s at the divisional festival. But his introduction reinvigorated Boro’s attacking play.

His half break allowed him to pop the ball to Euan Tremlett, who scored the bonus point try. Then Boro took a ball against the head and another break by Gaudie launched an attack featuring Rob Bellerby and Wood before Thornburn finished it off.

Back row man Peter Dent scored a hat-trick as Durham City finished with a 38-6 win at Gosforth. Bradley Pears (2) and Howard Johnson also touched down and Paul Armstrong added four conversions. Durham and Northumberland League secretary Bill Scott presented City with the champions' trophy.

Stockton came back from 8-0 down with four tries to lead 20-8 at Gateshead, but finally had to settle for a 20-20 draw.

Teenage scrum half Tom Brown equalled his father Simon's 20-year tally of one first team try when he sniped over on his debut.

Lock Todd Highfield finished a series of forward drives, No 8 Karl Hopkin also drove over, then on the stroke of half- time flanker Charlie Doherty weaved his way over.

The speedy Gateshead threequarters earned tries through wingers Connor Anderson and Matty Banning, plus full back Scott Cartner, who added a penalty and a conversion.

Stockton have a rearranged game at home to Gosforth this week. The 2pm kick-off will be preceded by a minute's silence for former chairman of selectors Ron Jackson, who died on Saturday.

Barnard Castle made sure of the division two title in emphatic style with 106-3 home win against bottom club Houghton. They still have to visit Bishop Auckland this week and entertain North Shields, but there will be nothing at stake.