11/4/10 at Berwick RFC, Scremeston.
Following 3 weeks of Sevens Rugby, the Arnold Clark sponsored Tynedale Colts returned to the 15-a-side game against fellow Border League pugilists Berwick. Although this time we were competing in the Semi-final of the Northumberland County Cup.
It was beautiful sunny day up on the coast and with a good squad of players available, despite some injuries to some key players everyone was upbeat and looking forward to securing a place in the Final for the third successive year.
With two comfortable league wins over Berwick already this season it was going to difficult to assume that this game would be any different, but it was Berwick who drew first blood with a penalty kick on 8 minutes. This seemed to awaken the "Kraken" and the visitors trundled onwards up the severe slope in earnest. Some bullocking surges from Isaac Telfer were threatening the Borderers defences but they held fast, Choppa Robson & Big Willy B supporting him drove through the ruck and presented "Massive" Jack Outson with clean ball to whip out to Fraser Mckenna who carved through the Berwick line and offloaded to Louis Frankland, who made good yards before releasing our Falstone Flyer "Grudge" Davidson to score his fourth consecutive try in the corner. McKenna's conversion attempt dropped just shy of the posts but Tynedale now had their sights on extending their slender lead.
Again, Little Frankie did the legwork through the Berwick back line to create room for our "Kray Twins" Brogan & Hessie to pepper the defence with probing drives.
Eventually, Gussie White tunnelled through to score but the score was disallowed for an earlier forward pass. Berwick created some promising breaks & despite leaving our defence in their wake on occasions, failed to capitalise due to some superb tackling from our wicket keeper Matty Chard. Obviously, the family bloodline from the battle of Rorke's Drift still courses his veins, despite him looking nothing like Stanley Baker!!
At the Break Tynedale led 5 - 3.
The prospect for the second half looked more promising with Tynedale coming downhill with the wind behind them and the sun shining brightly into the eyes of the Berwick players. However, credit should be given to the stonewall defence of the Berwick lads as they held off the onslaught of the rejuvenated Tynedale Pack. Some great tackling and driving in the tight phases by the new back row combo of Dave Watchorn, Rich Ridley & Cecil Harvey soaked up all that the pseudo-Scots had to offer and with their tanks on empty, our resident whippet Young Cal Young breezed through to score out wide.
Tyne then brought out the big toys in the form of Fridge Raine & Roids White, two pieces of earth-moving equipment that would easily grace the pages of the Komatsu Sales brochure. With immediate effect, Tyne crossed the line again to score but once more the try was scratched out by the referee for accidental offside. Sam proving that his head was as hard as his biceps as it connected with Jofess Northwood's nose, (which put up little resistance), as Sam battered his way through the congestion. With Five minutes remaining yet another try was disallowed by the referee for some infringement that only he was privy to.
It was then that these missed chances looked like coming home to haunt the visitors, when a beautifully weighted ball from Rory Dixon was intercepted by the Berwick centre who raced up the hill to score under the posts despite the valiant efforts of Pottsy to catch him. One less pie & maybe Pottsy would have caught him!!!
A successful conversion saw the Tie end at 10 all.
The First half of extra time ensued and was a tense affair, dominated by the Corbridge travellers, injury to the inspirational Fraser McKenna saw him carried off by PC & Aga although not that you could see him, but he was in the middle somewhere, forced Tynedale to shuffle the backs with the ever capable Dixon taking the reins. In the second period, Pottsy threatened the line following some great running from Pete Elliott and with only three minutes left of extra time it was Pottsy again who out-gassed his opposite number to score & convert, to give Tynedale the chance of retaining the County cup for the 3rd successive year.
The Match finished 17-10 AET.
Man of the Match goes to Louis Frankland for his solid defensive work and explosive running in attack.
Couple of other Things:
" It was good to see the return of Pete Telfer to the touchline, having successfully finished interfering with the sheep, - At last a win - Is this the curse lifted?
" Fraser commenting on how warm and comfy he felt despite the pain in his knee whilst been carried off. He now also appreciates what an easy job being a hooker is…and could fancy his chances next season!
" Young Tom Richards showing the lads how to sing in harmony.
" Good luck to Big Willy B in his interview this week whilst sporting a shiner!! It doesn't detract from your good looks or charm in any way…! And it was earned in honesty.
" A big thank you to Dougie Hall and his clan for their hospitality at Berwick RFC.
And Finally
" Well Done Aga Dunn for overcoming his fear of buses!! Now you've mastered the A1 we'll try you up the A68 next time….