The sub-zero temperature was no problem for Wilmslow High School’s rugby team, as they edged a close encounter with Durham to progress to the quarter-finals of the Daily Mail Cup.

In their toughest test yet, Wilmslow came away from Burnage Rugby Club with a vital win that ensured they’re the only state school left in the competition. Matching Durham for much of the game, they did just enough to make it through.

With the temperature hovering around freezing, Durham kicked off, and made an earlyimpact, forcing Wilmslow back with big carries from their pack and centres. It was only due to some strong tackling that the threat was suppressed.

Wilmslow managed to weather the storm though and midway through the half, a counter-attack from their own half saw them win a penalty, converted by scrum-half Wilf Noden.

But Durham’s attacking play was relentless, switching play from right to left, and when a gap appeared in the Wilmslow line, they took their chance to go over underneath the posts. The conversion made the score 7-3 to Durham as half-time neared.

As the first half drew to a close, a second Noden penalty cut the deficit to one point at half-time.

After dominating early in the second half, Wilmslow created a moment of brilliance out wide, Rob Shotton instigating an intelligent kick-and-chase, twicegathering and sprinting for the line. Evading the tacklers, he dived over in the corner. Although Noden was unable to convert a tricky kick out wide, Wilmslow’s 11-7 lead was something to build on.

The game became more stretched as Durham fought back, coming close after a rapid break saw their winger denied by some heroic defence.

Buoyed by their defensive efforts, Wilmslow again turned the game on its head and battered the Durham line. Noden slotted another kick at goal to extend the lead to seven points.

With Durham on the ropes Wilmslow got through again, with another try through a sweeping attack on the left wing where full-back Gallagher touched down.

With the scores at 19-7 and time running out Durham rallied and pummelled the Wilmslow defence, and a late converted try, set up a frenetic finish.

As Durham gathered momentum, an end-to-end final few minutes saw possession change hands on numerous occasions, and every drop of energy being spent on both sides.

Holding firm, Wilmslow kept Durham at bay and when the time came, kicked for touch to end an enthralling match in which Wilmslow needed great tenacity in order to progress to the quarter-finals.