Tynedale travelled to Peebles their longest journey in the Borders Semi Junior League on Saturday, with a much changed team due to injuries looking for a better display than the previous week's dull display. Peebles have made a much better start to the league than Tynedale so a tough day was expected.
Unlike the previous 4 weeks Tyne started brightly with Fraser McKenna and Ryan Potts, linking the play well. With Brogan Millar snatching every loose ball and the engine room duo of Will Brown and Jonny Atkinson driving the ball forward Peebles were caught offside just outside their own 22 and Pottsy slotted over to give the visitors the lead after 13 minutes. From the kick off Tyne lost the ball and after they were stretched from one side of the pitch to the other there were gaps all over and Peebles just marched in. It was as if the green light had gone on and Peebles were totally dominant giving the Tynedale boys a lesson in running rugby as 2 more tries quickly followed.
Strong words were needed and when Peebles kicked deep into Tyne's 22 things looked bad, but good defensive work by Dave Watchorn and Graham Robson turned the ball over and when it was cleared downfield it was the blue and white hoops turn to apply some pressure. After Peebles again conceded a penalty Tyne kicked to the corner and with the last play of the half a neatly worked line-out by Dave Batey saw Sam White charge over in the corner to make it 15-8
After some changes at the break Tynedale came out ready for action, with Angus White and Joe Northwood joining Adam Telfer in the front row they started to dominate the set scrums and it only took 3 minutes to proceed down field and it was Angus who broke free and got the touch down. When 4 minutes later Jareth Main scored by putting pressure on and managing to kick through and win the chase for the try the score was looking good with Pottsy converting both Tyne were up 22-15.
Ben Archer had a very good game at centre using the ball well and giving a creative boost out wide, James Davison had some good runs with the ball and was almost through the defence only stopped by the fullback. Dave Watchorn showed great versatility playing the 1st half at flanker and the 2nd in the centre looking perfectly at home in both positions.
Peebles were not finished and cut through the Tyne defence to score 2 more well worked tries. Both sides could have scored again and it was only last ditch tackles that kept the scoring down. This was a game played in the right spirit by 2 teams trying to play good open rugby and well refereed by a ref who was happy to let them.
Ryan Potts gets Man of the Match for a very good performance at Fly Half creating chances and good distribution all game.