TWO tries in the final 10 minutes saw Tynedale Panthers cause a big shock in the North of England final.

A determined effort saw the U15 girls from Corbridge dramatically overturn a 10-point deficit to pre-game favourites West Park, of Leeds, and book their place in the National Cup semi-finals in the process.

With girls rugby thriving at Tynedale Park, the girls travelled to Darlington for the final full of confidence but knowing they faced tough opponents. West Park have a big reputation as the best team in Yorkshire, which is regarded the strongest county in the country for girls' rugby.

And Tynedale knew they were up against their strongest ever opponents early on as a rampant Park side ran in an unconverted try for first blood.

However, the Panthers responded well and drew level a few minutes later courtesy of an unconverted try from Maisie James.

A period of determined attacking, cancelled out by solid defending, from both sides followed, but the Leeds side eventually found a way through just before the half time whistle to take a 10-5 advantage into the break.

The writing looked to be on the wall just minutes after the second half when a third unconverted try for Park put them 10 points to the good.

Yet Tynedale refused to give in and were back in within a shout when, galvanised by a yellow card to a Leeds player for foul play, they clawed a try back as Maisie got her second of the afternoon.

It was all to play for but time was against them, until Holly Thorpe spotted a gap in the tough Park defence to score from half way. The successful conversion from Maisie proved vital as it put Tynedale's noses in front at 17-15.

And that is the way it finished as, despite squandering possession, the Corbridge lasses clung on bravely to be crowned North of England champions. They are yet to find out who they will meet in the final four of the national round on April 9.

Panthers coach Nick Oliver said “That was by far the most exciting game I have witnessed in all the years I have been coaching.

"When Leeds scored their third try, I was worried. But the girls dug deep and responded in a way we knew they could.

"We didn’t have any subs so more than ever they needed to play for each other and we’re all very proud of 15 of them.

"We’re looking forward to the national semi-final, and the players will have learnt a lot from that game."