Durham U20's are WINNERS of the Jason Leonard County Championship 2022-2023

A thrilling and highly entertaining final at Ealing Trailfinders took place on Sunday 4th June between Durham and Hampshire, with Durham eventually running out winners 53-33 in a highly competitive game.

Durham took an early lead in only the second minute through a clear break from the half way line by full back Magnus Broadley, which was unconverted. The wheels appeared to fall off for Durham over a 12 minute period from Hampshire, who run in 4 tries through Thomas Hare, Ben Griffin, Patrick Dunne and their captain Jack Philips, all converted by the excellent Philips for a 28-5 lead to Hampshire after just 28 minutes of play. This was the first time that the Durham squad had been behind in this years tournament and they responded admirably. They clawed their way back into the game with three tries of their own before half time through Will Robinson, Tom Campbell and Korede Sanusi, with two conversions through Broadley for a score of 24-28 at the break.

The momentum was now clearly with Durham, even with the extreme high temperatures on the day, and scored 4 unanswered tries (2 converted) through Alex Radcliffe, Hamish Yeldham, Ted Reid and Robbie Richardson to lead 48-33 going into the final few minutes of the game. Hampshire never gave up and scored a consolation try through Harry Rabjohn, before Durham had the final say through another try by Reid.

This was an entertaining game by two great times in front of a good crowd at Ealing, with the game being live streamed for friends and family on the RFU website. Captain Mitchell Lacey-Babalola stepped forward to receive the trophy on behalf of a successful Durham U20 team.

Well done to everyone involved!