Middlesbrough Rugby Union Football Club have been promoted to Regional 1 North after a decisive final match victory against West Hartlepool.
Despite a challenging season, the 1st XV ended triumphantly with a 64-14 win, securing the championship title in the fiercely contested Regional 2 North league.
The league was considered ‘probably the closest fought league in English Rugby’, with Middlesbrough narrowly taking the top spot on points difference.
Their closest rivals, Northern, were on the same points and could have taken the title with just one additional converted try and a penalty.
A triumphant Middlesbrough RUFC 1st XV (Image: Supplied)
The final match saw Middlesbrough starting strong, though they missed a few early scoring opportunities.
West Hartlepool took an early lead, but Middlesbrough responded positively, with a try from Lynas and a conversion from Hill, bringing the score to 7-10.
West Hartlepool reclaimed the lead with another try, making it 14-10, but Middlesbrough continued to fight back.
Ollie Hodgson (Image: Supplied)
The players kept up the momentum, and combined efforts from both backs and forwards saw Ollie Hodgson crashing over for a try, and Hill converting to take the lead at 14-17.
Hill then scored and converted another try, taking the score to 14-24.
Middlesbrough’s forwards began to dominate the set pieces, causing West Hartlepool to be stuck in their 22.
Conner Foley capitalised on a disrupted scrum to score, and Hill’s conversion brought the half-time score to 14-31.
Conner Foley (Image: Supplied)
The second half continued in the same vein, with Middlesbrough piling on the pressure.
Conner scored his second try, converted by Hill, and Marsay ran in from halfway for another, taking the score to 14-45.
The penalty count against West Hartlepool was mounting, and Colvin and Helm drove over for another try, converted by Hill, making it 14-52.
West Hartlepool made a brief comeback, pressuring Middlesbrough back into their own half and causing them to concede penalties.
However, a crucial turnover at a line-out allowed Middlesbrough to clear their lines and get back on the offensive.
Joe Sawdon, converted by Hill, extended the lead to 14-59.
With the championship title on the line, the fans and players rallied for one more try.
Harry Bryce, coming off the bench, set up Hill for the final score, ending the match at 14-64.
The players and fans waited in suspense for news from Consett, where Northern were playing their final match.
Acting club secretary Keith Bircham relayed the news that Northern had won their match, but not by a sufficient margin to overtake Middlesbrough.
A massive cheer erupted as it was confirmed that Middlesbrough were the Regional 2 North champions, having done enough in their final match to secure the title.
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