Ryton’s victory was their first major cup since 1927 and their first Durham Junior Challenge Cup since 1910. On the fifteen-minute mark, Ryton’s Duncan Simpson was sin binned for killing the ball and from the resulting penalty Sunderland kicked for touch. A line out catch and drive by Sunderland enabled Harrison to force his way over the line for the first try of the game which was not converted.

Ryton responded quickly and following an infringement at a line out they were awarded a penalty, which Matty Roberts kicked. The score 3-5. Ryton forwards continued to threaten and were starting to look the better organised. With Robin Scott, Darren Owens and Jordan McKie in the back row they continually disrupted the Sunderland tempo and prevented quality ball reaching their backs.

Near the end of the first half and despite playing below their season standard it was Sunderland who again looked the most threatening when a ball was spread wide and Goforth, broke two tackles to touch down. The conversion was missed and Sunderland led 10-3. On the stroke of half time Sunderland's Drummond was penalised at a ruck and sin binned. From the resultant penalty Ryton's centre Duncan Simpson with a typical charge fed 'Mr Versatility' - Sam Shaw-Kew who broke the line for a try and pulled the score back to 10-8, Hal Convery, unusually missing the conversion. Sam, a suspected purveyor of pink shirts, started the season at No 8 but like many other Ryton players has played out of position to help us end the season on a high! The match was played at a fast and uncompromising pace and both sides started to use their replacements. Ryton moved ahead shortly after the restart to 11-10 with a penalty from Matty Roberts then Sunderland received a double blow with 2 of their players leaving the field injured.

The 2nd half pressure on both sides was starting to mount and the Wearsiders then had a great chance to score when they cleverly chipped the Ryton back line but the defence held with Peter Moore and Paul McCarten continually patrolling their respective wings. With mistakes starting to creep in, Sunderland knocked on. Ryton scrummaging was superb throughout with the superb 2nd row partnership of captain Stephen Parkinson and Glen Wymes, son of former Ryton stalwart Derek ensured that control and power was there when needed. Front row Colin Scullion, Anthony Brett and Brett Hanratty were at their most creative continually disrupting Sunderland's attempts to control play and wheeling at will to bring the advantage back to Ryton. The Ryton backs and forwards now playing as a unit continually disrupted the Sunderland team and further pressure was applied when scrum half Adam Williamson, back in the team after a ligament injury, tackled time after time to reduce Sunderland's opportunities.

Sunderland were now restricted to playing just outside Rytons 22 and finally secured a penalty, which they kicked and the score moved to 11-13. In the last 20 mins Ryton sustained a great deal of pressure in their own 22 as Sunderland were keen to open their backs up and create back play to secure victory. Ryton made four changes with utility players, Alex Williamson on for Owens, Tom Oliver for Wymes, David Lawson for Hanratty and finally Trevor Goodwin for Convery. In the last 10 mins Ryton maintained their composure and started to use their forward pressure to their advantage and the Sunderland pack had to work hard to prevent the Ryton pack moving the ball forward into the Sunderland 22.

Twice under sustained pressure Sunderland were penalised and the resultant penalties put over by Roberts, taking the score to 17-13. With minutes to go Sunderland's Kyle cleverly chipped the Ryton fullback but the ball ran into the dead ball area and the passage of play looked finished but as the defender hesitated, Kyle followed up and was inches away from scoring what would have been a match winning try. Seconds later the referee - Paul Candlish blew the final whistle and Ryton had won the Durham County Junior Cup.

Ryton Chairman of Rugby - Willie McKie said: 'Every player put a tremendous amount of effort and played at the top of their form which they should be very proud of and they thoroughly deserve our praise for a job well done'. 'We also extend out thanks to the match officials, supporters of both clubs and Gateshead RFC for their support and help in making this a night to remember’.

Rytons coach - Robin Scott added: “This is a massive boost for the club and will clearly focus the squad and club for season 2007/08 and beyond”.

The squad celebrates with – Gordon Jude (Physio), Matty Roberts (vice capt), Brett Hanratty, Lewis McIntyre, Steve Fudge, Stephen Parkinson (capt), Mark Jeavens, Dean Glendinning, Graham Robson, Jordan McKie, Peter Moore, Adam Williamson, Hal Convery, Tom Oliver, Glen Wymes, Duncan Simpson, Robin Scott (coach), David Lawson, Darren Owens, Trevor Goodwin, Anthony Brett, Sam Shaw-Kew, Paul McCarten, Alex Williamson, Colin Scullion.