DARLINGTON MOWDEN PARK maintained their position at the top of the National One table with an impressive 31-17 win at Moseley. The victory was Mowden’s fourth straight bonus-point win so far this season, after previous victories over Loughborough, Hull Ionians and Cambridge.

The trip down to Billesley Common was far from straight-forward for Danny Brown's side, who trailed 17-3 shortly after half time. But a typically strong second-half showing yielded 28 unanswered points for the visitors, who have maintained their one-point lead over second-placed Coventry.

It was Moseley who started the brightest, with a second-minute penalty from James Dixon. A Chris Brightwell try extended the Birmingham side’s lead on 15 minutes, with two more penalties from the boot of Dixon giving them a strong start. A Warren Seals penalty was all Mowden Park had to show from the first 40 as they went into half time trailing 14-3.

Moseley started the second period as well as they did the first. Another Dixon penalty extended their lead to 14 points, before three quick-fire tries changed the momentum in Mowden's favour.

Grant Connon claimed the first with a try created by Seals, narrowing the gap to just seven points. Simon Uzokwe powered over in typical style to level the scores, before Dave Fisher gave Mowden their first lead of the game shortly after. The bonus point try was provided by Shaun McCartney, whose 75th-minute score provided Mowden with their fourth consecutive five-point win.

Mowden Park will look to maintain their position at the top of the table when they welcome Caldy to The Northern Echo Arena on Saturday (2pm). The game is part of the club’s second of five double-headers this season, as Darlington Mowden Park Sharks take on Wasps at 4pm.