BLAYDON ensured their National One survival fight will go to the final game away to Old Albanians next Saturday when they won 40-24 at home to Rosslyn Park.

They are now relying on Darlington Mowden Park to do them a favour by winning at home to Hull Ionians, who remained two points ahead of Blaydon by beating Albanians 46-33.

A new head coach will be announced this week after Micky Ward followed his final home game in charge of Blaydon by acting as master of ceremonies at the awards dinner.

Most Improved Player was flanker Jack Davison, who ran 75 metres for the first of his two tries following early pressure from Rosslyn Park.

The visitors had an equal share of possession in the first half, but Blaydon defended well and belied their reputation as a forward-dominated team.

Winger Frazer Wilson, back to his best after his prolonged injury troubles, scored a good solo try and there was a brace from hooker Matt Thompson.

Lock Andrew Archibald got the sixth, Brett Connon converting five for a 40-0 lead after 55 minutes before Blaydon sent on their replacements and conceded four tries.

Mowden Park lost 36-16 at Coventry, who scored in the first minute on their way to a 21-6 half-time lead.

Mowden were back in the game when replacement Callum Mackenzie scored straight after half-time and Garry Law converted then added his third penalty.

But they were unable to capitalise when two yellow cards reduced Coventry to 13 men midway through the second half and the hosts pulled away again.

Tynedale, traditionally much stronger at home, completed an impressive set of away wins in National Two North when they thrashed Stourbridge 52-24 to remain fifth.

Billingham finished a very creditable fifth in Three North when Elliott Husband scored two tries in a 25-19 home win against Ilkley. Martin Hopley and Anthony Jackson also touched down.

West Hartlepool's 64-27 win at Huddersfield YMCA was in vain as Penrith clinched the North One East promotion play-off place with a 30-17 win at Percy Park.

There will be some changes to the Middlesbrough coaching set-up as they attempt a stronger promotion bid next season, having signed off with a 77-17 home win against Hartlepool Rovers. Winger Sean Moloney joined centres Peter Homan and Connor Foley in scoring hat-tricks, further tries coming from Euan Tremlett, Jack Pierce, Sean Kay and Matthew Todd.

Stockton finished with a 41-26 win at Gateshead after drafting in 17-year-old colts Connor Dodgson and Danny Spears as late replacements.

After conceding early penalties Stockton settled and scored tries through full back Dan Phinn and experienced winger Simon Crozier, both converted by winger Steven Bartliff.

Ross Craig and Martyn Heelbeck replied and Scott Cartner's conversions made it 14-14 at half-time.

Stockton became more dominant, moving the ball well for Phinn to take his tally to four, while classy centre Joe Hargreaves also crossed and young prop Josh Yellow battered his way over.

Gateshead's only second half try came from Glen Atkinson.

The Durham Intermediate Cup final between Gateshead and Barnard Castle will be played at Blaydon on Wednesday, May 3 (7.30).

On the following evening Durham City will host the Junior Cup final between Winlaton Vulcans and Bishop Auckland, also at 7.30.