Cambridge hold out to beat Darlington Mowden Park ahead of National League One clash with Sale

Cambridge continued their perfect start to the new National League One season following last weekend’s narrow 32-31 victory at Darlington Mowden Park.

The win is the fourth in a row Richie Williams’ team have racked up so far this term – and it sets things up nicely for Saturday’s (October 1) home clash against another side with a 100 per cent record in Sale.

Kwaku Asiedu proved to be Cambridge’s key man with a couple of tries, but before he intervened to positive effect it was Anthony Maka that got the scoreboard rolling when he crashed over from a driving maul in the 15th minute.

Steffan James, who struggled for accuracy with the boot last time out against Taunton Titans on home soil, added a couple of penalties soon after to put Cambridge well in the ascendancy during the opening exchanges.

Matt Minogue responded with Darlington’s first try of proceedings but Cambridge soon regained control after Asiedu opened his account for the afternoon.

The second half largely belonged to the hosts as Liam Checksfield, Morgan Passman and Max Fraine all dotted down to seal the bonus point but Cambridge responded to keep their noses in front courtesy of tries via Rian Hamilton and another from Asiedu.

The victory has left Cambridge – who are now one of four teams to have won all their matches so far this term – sitting fourth in the table on points difference.

The other sides that are yet to taste defeat are leaders Rossyln Park, second-placed Rams and this weekend’s visitors Sale in third.

After Sale, Cambridge will also face the other two sides above them in October, as well as fifth-placed Cinderford in what is shaping up to be a crucial month.