Note: You can now read 3rd XV Reports
Stourbridge 18 v Tynedale 0 (League Match)
Playing against all-conquering Stourbridge Tynedale scored a blank for the second successive Saturday but can be reasonably pleased with their performance.
Against a massive Stourbridge siide it was Tynedale who dominated the opening 30 minutes but they failed to capitalise on their opportunities. Stourbridge took a narrow 3-0 half time lead when they converted a penalty after Simon Clayton-Hibbott had been sin-binned.
Fifteen minutes into the second half Stour drove over for a try and then converted a penalty which put them in the ascendency but Tynedale came back gamely and had another spell of territorial supremacy without scoring. On the stroke of time a dropped ball gifted Stourbridge a converted try.
Chris Short made an impressive return to the Tynedale ranks with some outstanding tackling.
TEAM:A Moses, E Holmes, G Fleming, P Boston, M Walton, J Fletcher, S Clayton-Hibbott, A Johnson, E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, S Otuvaka, C Short (S Lumley - blood) Reps: J Shotton, P Southern, S Lumley Scorers: None
Tynedale 0 v Doncaster 6 (League Match)
Tynedale went into the match without both half-backs and the full back but John Fletcher returned to the unaccustomed position of fly half. Doncaster took an early lead but never really looked like breaking through for the remainder of the half with Tynedale having long periods of territorial supremacy without ever threatening.
Young Andrew Murray, pressed into goal kicking duties, did have one attempt at goal in the first half but his well struck effort was just short. In the first half it was Tynedale's lineout which continually failed to provide the critical supply of ball when it really mattered.
Apart from early and late periods in the first half it was Doncaster who dominated possession in the second half without breaking through an excellent Tynedale defence. The Tynedale lineout improved dramatically but another Doncaster penalty gave Doncaster the winning lead despite late pressure on the Doncaster 5 metre line.
TEAM:P Rigby, D Fitzgerald, G Fleming, P Boston, M Walton, J Fletcher, E Holmes, R Parker (A Johnson), E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, S Otuvaka (G Rastall), A Murray Reps: I Donkin, A Johnson, G Rastall Scorers: None
Tynedale 24 v Bedford Athletic 10 (League Match)
Tynedale scored a much needed victory and gained some revenge for the turn around of the previous week.
Alan Moses kicked Tyne ahead after 10 minutes but Bedford levelled 3 minutes later and went ahead on 16 minutes when a penalty try was awarded after a player was taken out off the ball. Despite Tynedale pressure there was no further scoring in the first half and the half-time score was 3-10.
Moses quickly narrowed the deficit with a penalty in the second half and after 10 minutes a further penalty reduced the margin to a single point. Shortly afterwards Andrew Murray went over for a try which Moses converted and Moses was on the target again to give tyne some breathing space.
Simon Clayton-Hibbott sealed the match when he scored from a pushover.
TEAM:J Shotton, D Fitzgerald, G Fleming, P Boston, M Walton, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, R Parker, A Charlton, P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull, S Otuvaka, S Jewitt, A Murray Reps: I Donkin, P Southern, G Rastall Scorers: Murray-try, Clayton-Hibbott-try, Moses -conv,4 pen
Bedford Athletic 29 v Tynedale 22 (League Match)
On a pitch which was extremely heavy due to overnight rain which put the match in jeopardy Tynedale somehow managed to let a 22-3 half-time lead slip away in the last 20 minutes of the second half.
Tynedale led through first half tries from Paul Boston, Keith Johnson and a pushover try from Ed Holmes. Mark Fletcher had to be rplaced by Peter Southern after only 20 minutes.
Bedford scored 20 minutes into the second half when their forwards drove over from a line out. In the last 20 minutes Tynedale were starved of possession and tragically Bedford managed three further scores to record an unlikely win.
TEAM:J Shotton, A Moses, G Fleming, P Boston, D Fitzgerald, S Clayton-Hibbott (M Walton-blood), E Holmes, R Parker, E Parker, M Fletcher (P Southern), K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, A Murray, S Otuvaka. Reps: M Walton, P Southern, A Charlton Scorers: Boston - try, Johnston - try, Holmes - try Moses - 2 conv,pen
Morley 23 v Tynedale 11 (League Match)
After a fine start to the match Tynedale slipped away badly and struggled to make any real impact in the second half with the Tynedale pack again being outplayed in most phases.
Tynedale had the best of the opening exchanges but were fortunate when Morley missed a easy penalty chance from almost in front of the sticks. Morley let Tynedale off the hook once again shortly afterwards when their flanker knocked on with the line at his mercy.
Tynedale were spurred on by their lucky breaks and scored an excellent try from Ed Holmes who received a long pass from Alan Moses and beat three defenders to score after several good forcefull phases with Gary Fleming and Soa Otuvaka (on his return) to the fore. Moses missed the difficult conversion but he made no mistake four minutes later when he converted a penalty to give Tyne an 8-0 advantage.
Morley came back into the game and their winger scored under the posts from a perfectly executed move from a scrum. It was the Tyne's turn to take control of the match and Moses converted his second penalty to give Tynedale a deserved 11-7 half time lead.
The second half however was one of Tynedale's more dissappointing halves of the season with Morley taking control right from the restart and taking the lead after only four minutes after Tynedale had knocked on in the 22. After this early setback Tynedale struggled to gain any momentum and only rarely threatened . Morley's forwards generally had the upper hand and they converted three further penalties to establich a convincing winning margin.
TEAM:J Shotton, E Holmes, G Fleming, M Walton (P Boston), D Fitzgerald, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher (R Parker), E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, A Murray, S Otuvaka (S Jewitt). Reps: P Boston,S Jewitt, R Parker, Scorers: Holmes - try, Moses - Conv, Pen
Tynedale 10 v Nuneaton 20 (League Match)
Tynedale played against the elements in the first half and found themselves struggling when Nuneaton converted two early penalties. The Nuneaton second row was then sin-binned for stamping which eased the pressure on Tynedale but he marked his return to the field with a try which was converted to give the visitors what appeared a "manageable" 13-0 half time lead.
Tynedale's hopes were increased when Dominic Fitzgerald scored his first try for the first team after 10 minutes of the second half when he finished off an excellent sweeping move. Alan Moses converted to make the scoreline 7-13.
The bigger Nuneaton pack were however always on top and they effectively won the game for Nuneaton half way through the half when they drove half the length of the field to be awarded a penalty try when the referee adjudged that Tynedale had collapsed the maul.
Although Tynedale had territorial advantage they were restricted to a single Moses penalty to make the final scoreline 10-20.
TEAM:J Shotton, E Holmes, G Fleming, M Walton, D Fitzgerald, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher (R Parker), E Parker (A Charlton), P Winter, K Johnson, P Steadman, A Robson, A Murray, R Ponton(S Jewitt). Reps: S Jewitt, A Charlton, R Parker Scorers: Fitzgerald - try, Moses - Conv, pen
Tynedale 33 v Aspatria 20 (League Match)
Tynedale recorded their first "double" of the season when they defeated Aspatria in a match in which they always looked the likely victors with their pack generally on top.
Tyne took an early lead through two Alan Moses penalties but Aspatria hit back and scored wide out after several well worked phases. Aspatria then took the lead when a penalty was converted but they were unable to press home their advantage. Moses scored his first try of the season from close in after a couple of dummy runs had occupied the Aspatria defence and this was quickly followed with a pushover try from Simon Clayton-Hibbott to make the half time score 20-8.
Moses slotted an early second half penalty to extend Tynedale's advantage but Aspatria then scored their second try to keep them in the hunt. Moses kicked his fourth penalty and converted a penalty try, awarded when Tynedale's pack appeared to be driving for the line, to give him a personal tally of 23 points.
Aspatria came back again in the last ten minutes and scored a try from their own 22 after a Tynedale attack had broken down.
Tynedale 'Man of the Match'- sponsored by Egger UK - was Andrew Robson.
TEAM:J Shotton, E Holmes, G Fleming, P Boston, D Fitzgerald, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher (R Parker), E Parker(N Hart), P Winter, K Johnson, P Steadman, A Robson, A Murray, R Ponton. Reps: S Jewitt, N Hart,R Parker Scorers: Clayton-Hibbott-try, Penalty Try, Moses - try, 3 conv, 4 pen
Whitchurch 21 v Tynedale 11 (League Match)
Tynedale suffered another disappointing defeat in the Midlands when they were second best to Whitchurch. Tynedale took an early lead through an Alan Moses penalty but 10 minutes later they conceded a converted try when the Whitchurch centre broke through.
With half time approaching Tynedale suffered a double blow when Geoff Mason was sin binned for a late tackle and from the ensuing penalty Whitchurch were awarded a penalty try after the referee deemed Tynedale had collapsed a driving maul. Mason quickly responded with a penalty to make the half time score 6-14.
Tynedale had to withstand early pressure in the second half and this resulted in Whitchurch's third try. Tynedale eventually got to grips with the game and showed what they could do if only the forards had been able to produce half decent ball when Moses put James Shotton away form half way to score an excellent try.
TEAM:J Shotton, D Fitzgerald, G Fleming, P Boston, G Mason, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, a Johnson (P Southern), E Parker(A Charlton), M Fletcher, K Johnson, R Taylor, A Robson, A Murray, R Ponton. Reps: S Jewitt, A Charlton, P Southern Scorers: Shotton - try, Moses - 3 pens
Aspatria 8 v Tynedale 26 (League Match)
Tynedale played well to secure a much needed victory on a heavy Aspatria pitch. Dominic Fitzgerald and Paul Boston both made their first team debuts and played their full part in this important victory.
Tynedale's line out functioned well in the opening exchanges and several Aspatria balls were "stolen" as Tynedale for once exerted the early pressure. However Aspatria scored first after Tynedale were off side but alan Moses quickly responded after Aspatria collapsed a maul.
Shortly afterwards Aspatria scored a try after their hooker was driven over from a lineout after Tynedale had been penalised. The Tynedale forwards were now taking a tighter grip on the game and they went close on several occasions before Andrew Robson crossed from a lineout maul to give Tynedale an 11-8 half time lead.
The second half was dominated by Tynedale and their scrummaging domination was underlined in the third minute of the second half when they won an Aspatria put in and proceeded to drive the Aspatria pack over their own line allowing Simon Clayton-Hibbott to get the touch down. Moses kicked a further penalty before Andrew Murray crossed in the dying minutes following another close in maul.
TEAM:J Shotton, D Fitzgerald, G Fleming, P Boston, G Mason, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, R Parker(A Johnson), E Parker(N Hart), M Fletcher, K Johnson, R Taylor, S Bowen (S Turnbull), A Murray, A Robson. Reps: N Hart, A Johnson, S Turnbull Scorers: Robson - try, Clayton-Hibbott - try, Murray - try, Moses - 1conv, 3 pens
Tynedale 8 v Sedgley Park 18 (League Match)
Tynedale suffered their third home league defeat of the season to a Sedgley Park side who are reckoned to be one of the contenders for the championship. Torrential rain prior to the kick off made the conditions difficult and handling errors were common.
Tynedale, as usual, were under immediate pressure form the kick off and it seemed that Park were certain scorers as they recycled the ball a metre short of Tynedale's line only for a loose pass to be gratefully intercepted by James Shotton who ran the length of the field to score.
Tynedale's lead was short lived however as Park immediately broke through some weak tackling to score themselves. After these early tries the game settled and Alan Moses kicked Tynedale ahead after 20 minutes but Park equalised shortly before half time.
It was a poor start to the second half which cost Tynedale the match when an attacking kick from Moses was fielded by Park who then ran it from within their own 22 to score at the opposite end with apparent ease. The try was converted to give Park some breathing space but Tynedale, who again scrummaged strongly, had their chances, none more so than a series of penalties in front of the visitors posts which for some inexpicable reason they didnt opt to kick with ample time on the clock!
Mark Walton almost scored after he cut through the defence but his pass inside went to ground and Park end up worthy winners although Tynedale's performance was a step up from the past two weeks.
Tynedale 'Man of the Match'- sponsored by Egger UK - was Steve Bowen.
TEAM:E Holmes(S Jewitt), G Mason, G Fleming, M Walton, J Shotton, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, R Parker(P Southern), E Parker (A Charlton), P Winter, K Johnson, R Taylor, S Bowen, A Murray, A Robson. Reps: A Charlton, S Jewitt, P Southern Scorers: Shotton try, Moses pen
Nuneaton 29 v Tynedale 29 (League Match)
Tynedale struggled from the kick off when they were hesitant and let the ball bounce resulting in a Nuneaton try in the corner with less than one minute played. Nuneaton added to this try with an early penalty before Tynedale started to get into the match with the Tynedale scrummage doing well against bigger opposition.
Alan Moses brought the scores back to 3-8 and prospects were better with Moses missing a second penalty attempt. On the stroke of half-time a knock-on resulted in a Nuneaton scrum from which they scored wide out and which was excellently converted to make the score 3-15 at half time.
Early in the second half the game was effectively over when a Tynedale attack broke down in the opponents 22 and the Nuneaton winger and full back combined to score their third try which again was converted. Tynedale ground their way back and Moses converted two further penalties whilst Andrew Murray was held short after he had charged down a kick. Nuneaton underlined their superiority at cashing in on chances and mistakes when they intercepted in the dying minutes to score under the posts.
TEAM:G Mason, E Holmes, G Fleming, M Walton, J Shotton, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, R Parker, E Parker (N Hart), P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull (P Steadman), A Robson (A Johnson), A Murray, S Jewitt. Reps: N Hart, A Johnson, P Steadman Scorers: Moses 3 pens
Tynedale 9 v Morley 5 (League Match)
(Sponsored by: Robson Print Ltd, Robson Walker Electricians, Business Investors Group, Newcastle Computer Services)
Tynedale recorded their first home win of the season with a much needed victory over Morley. On a pitch which was cutting up badly as the match progressed Tynedale withstood several second half scares to record a victory which they just about deserved.
Morley started the stronger but Tynedale repelled their early attacks in what was generally a quiet start to the match. Tynedale gradually found their feet in difficult conditions and threatened to break through before Alan Moses did well to convert a 17th minute penalty. Morley came back strongly but missed a penalty and then drove Tynedale back over their own line from a line out but a try was not given.
Tynedale capitalised from this let off and Moses kicked another difficult penalty followed by a third on the stroke of half time to give Tynedale a 9-0 interval lead.
Morley started the second period seeking an early score but they failed with an early penalty before they did score a try when they crossed following a close-in lineout. Tynedale, realising their lead was in danger, lifted their game but failed to break through with ball handling proving difficult and Moses hit the post with one penalty attempt and missed a second after the Morley second row was sent off for punching.
Fourteen men Morley came back with renewed vigour and Tynedale conceded several penalties and had to defend several close-in lineouts. The Tynedale defence held firmly and were almost rewarded when Ed Holmes crossed the Morley line but couldnt ground the ball. The final minutes were spent with Tynedale scrummaging on the Morley line.
TEAM:G Mason, E Holmes, G Fleming, M Walton, J Shotton, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, R Parker, E Parker, P Winter, D Clark, S Turnbull (P Steadman), A Robson, A Murray, K Johnson. Reps: P Boston, P Southern, P Steadman Scorers: Moses 3 pens
Tynedale 12 v Worcester 76 (Tetley Bitter Cup - 4th round)
The huge gap between a full-time professional Worcester side and Tynedale was cruelly emphasised in this match when a brave Tynedale side was taken apart by a slick moving Worcester side. The scoreline, whilst probably a record reverse for Tynedale, was no cause for embarrassment as this Worcester side as shown they can take apart teams with a far higher league standing than Tynedale in a similar fashion.
The conditions were remarkably good after recent weather and Worcester took the advantage of a stiff wind in the first half. The scoreboard started ticking over after only four minutes when Worcester scored the first of their eight first half tries - all but one converted immaculately from not-straightforward positions. A second try after eight minutes temporarily silenced the large crowd but the next ten minutes signalled Tynedale's best spell of the match and perhaps the only time when a major upset seemed possible.
A fine period of controlled play by Tynedale was rewarded with a well worked try for Ed Holmes who touched down under the posts after thirteen minutes and the crowd were ecstatic as the scoreboard showed Tynedale within one score. The dream lasted only five minutes however as Worcester exposed some weak tackling to regain their 14 point advantage and then four further tries in the ten minute period before half time completely sealed the game . Half time score was a resounding 54-7.
The second period started little better as Worcester scored two early tries but Tynedale then held the opposition at bay for a 20 minute period before 2 further tries suggested a complete avalanche. Tynedale however showed their heart and fitness and took play back to Worcester for the last 10 minutes and were rewarded when Mick Lee was driven over for a consolation try.
TEAM:G Mason (R Hendrickse), E Holmes, G Fleming, J Fletcher(J Shotton), M Walton, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, R Parker, E Parker (A Charlton), P Winter (A Johnson), K Johnson, S Turnbull (P Steadman) A Robson, S Jewitt (M Lee), A Murray (D Clark). Reps: J Shotton, R Hendrickse, A Johnson, A Charlton, P Steadman, D Clark, M Lee Scorers: Holmes - try, Lee - try, Moses - conv
Dudley Kingswinford 13 v Tynedale 13 (League Match)
In torrential rain Tynedale shared the spoils in what was always a closely competed match. Ed Parker and Alistair Johnson were the latest victims of the sickness bug and replacement hooker Aaron Charlton only lasted half the match, eventually secumbing to the after effects of the same virus which had sidelined him earlier in the week.
After resisting early Dudley pressureTynedale took a 3-0 lead through an Alan Moses drop goal after the forwards had driven the ball on. Dudley, who in attrocious conditions continued to attempt to move the ball around, immediately pressured the Tynedale line and eventually crossed for a deserved converted try. Moses hit back with a penalty to make the score 6-7 at half time.
In the second half Dudley extented their lead before Tynedale were awarded a penalty try when Dudley offended to prevent a Tynedale pushover try. Tynedale's scrum had been solid all day but their lineout was at best scrappy. Tynedale's narrow 13-10 lead was not enough as Dudley kicked a penalty to bring the scores level.
TEAM:G Mason, E Holmes, G Fleming, J Fletcher, M Walton, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, R Parker, A Charlton (P Southern), P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, S Jewitt, A Murray. Reps: D Fitzgerald, P Southern, P Steadman Scorers: Penalty Try, Moses - Drog Goal, Penalty, Conversion
Tynedale 23 v Longton 11 (Tetley Bitter Cup - 3rd round)
In a generally scrappy match Tynedale far from had things their own way and the match was only sealed in the last ten minutes. Longton had the perfect start when they scored a try after only two minutes from a close in line out drive.
Tynedale bounced back with what turned out to be their best play of the day when John Fletcher inspired a passage of play which resulted in Geoff Mason scoring - Alan Moses converted to give Tynedale the lead. Longton missed several penalty opportunities before two drop goals in the space of 4 minutes gave them a 11-7 lead.
Simon Jewitt then linked well to score a well converted try to restore Tynedale's advantage - 14-11 to Tynedale at half time.
The start of the second hald was all Longton but they failed to take their opportunities notably when their centre knocked the ball on when going for the score. After 15 minutes Tynedale regained control but Moses missed two kickable penalties and a drop goal. With ten minutes to go Moses found his form and his first successful penalty was quicly followed by an excellent drop goal and a further penalty to ensure Tynedale progressed to the fourth round of the Tetley Bitter Cup for the first time in their history.
TEAM:G Mason, E Holmes, G Fleming, J Fletcher, M Walton, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott (I Donkin - blood), R Parker, E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull (P Steadman), A Robson (A Murray), M Lee (D Clark), S Jewitt. Reps: A Roberts, I Donkin, A Murray, A Johnson, N Hart, A Murray, D Clark Scorers: Mason - try, Jewitt - try, Moses - drop goal, 2 conv, 2 pen
Wallsall 24 v Tynedale 23 (League Match)
Tynedale lost their third successive league match in a last minute cliffhanger at Walsall. For the third match running the team was disrupted with last minute changes with youngsters Dan Clark and Alistair Johnson starting their first First XV matches for the injured Andrew Robson and Steve Turnbull.
Tynedale were largely unimpressive in the first half and trailed 9-14 at the interval .
The second half performane was much brighter and after Walsall had extended their lead to 17-9 Tynedale took control of the match and stormed into a 23-17 lead with 3 further Alan Moses's penalties and a Mark Walton try. Walsall however exposed some weak defending to score a converted try with 5 minutes to go and consequently took a single point lead.
Tynedale had their chances in the closing minutes with Moses missing with a not-too-difficult drop goal and the they also failed to capitalise on a heal against the head in the home team's 22.
TEAM:G Mason, E Holmes, G Fleming, J Fletcher, M Walton, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, R Parker, E Parker, M Fletcher, K Johnson, A Johnson (A Murray), D Clark, M Lee, S Jewitt. Reps: A Roberts, A Murray, A Charlton Scorers: Walton - try, Moses - 6 pens
Sandal 14 v Tynedale 15 (Tetley Cup, 2nd Round)
Tynedale progressed into the 3rd round of the Tetley Bitter Cup after a close match which had a nail biting finish. They now face Midlands One side Longton (from Stoke) who provided an upset by winning at West Hartlepool in their tie.
Tynedale's team was disrupted with late changes for the second week running with Andrew Robson suffering a recurrence of his back problem on Thursday and John Fletcher pulling out on Saturday morning with the flu.
Alan Moses gave a 100% kicking display with two drop goal and three penalties. Sandal led twice in the first half, 3-0 then 6-3, but Tynedale quicly pegged them back on both occasions despite losing Simon Clayton-Hibbott to the sin bin in the first half.
Tynedale edged ahead in the second half and Sandal lost one of their second rows to the sin bin. With ten minutes left Tynedale led 15-9 but Sandal scored a try five minutes from the end which critically was unconverted.
Mark Walton, playing in the centre for John Fletcher, and Simon Jewitt in the back row had outstanding matches.
TEAM:G Mason, E Holmes, G Fleming, M Walton, A Roberts, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher, E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Murray, M Lee, S Jewitt. Reps: C Johnston, P Rigby, A Johnson, N Hart, R Ponton Scorers: Moses 2 drop goals, 3 pens
Tynedale 16 v Stourbridge 35 (League Match)
Sponsored by Matthew Charlton
Tynedale fell to their second successive home league defeat against Stourbridge who are sweeping away all opposition in the opening weeks of the season. In what was always going to be a very difficult match Tynedale's preparations were disrupted by the loss of full back Geoff Mason on the eve of the match and then the loss of Andrew Robson with a back injury 30 minuted before kick off.
On a still, sticky day the opening exchanges were fairly even and the sides exchanged early penalties before Stourbridge scored a try when their centre ran onto a loose lineout ball and evaded some poor attempted tackles by Tynedale's "defence". This score apart there was little sign of what was to come with Tynedale pressurising the Stourbridge scrum and Stourbridge being the more certain on their lineout ball. The half time score was 11-6 to Stourbridge.
Alan Moses soon narrowed the gap with an early penalty in the second half and a "shock" looked possible. Unfortunately a mad 15 minute spell half way through the second half destroyed Tynedale when Stourbridge capitalised on Tynedale mistakes to score four unanswered tries. With the game well and truly lost Tynedale still battled away and deserved their last minute consolation try from Simon Clayton-Hibbott.
TEAM:J Shotton, E Holmes, G Fleming, J Fletcher, A Roberts (M Walton), A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, P Winter, E Parker, M Fletcher(R Parker), K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Murray (D Clark), M Lee, S Jewitt. Reps: M Walton, R Parker, D Clark. Scorers: Clayton-Hibbott - try, Moses 3 pens, conv
Halifax 18 v Tynedale 19 (1st round of Tetley Bitter Cup)
Tynedale progressed into the 2nd round of the tetley Bitter Cup virtue of a last minute drop goal from Alan Moses and now visit Sandal in the 2nd round on October 7th.
In ideal conditions Tynedale were under pressure in the opening minutes and Halifax missed an early penalty opportunity. With Tynedale having the better of the scrums they soon got into their stride and John Fletcher scored a try on 11 minutes after several penetrating breaks by his fellow backs, Alan Moses converted. Tynedale tacking was weak however when they allowed Halifax straight back at them to score a try under the posts within the minute.
Tynedale generally had territorial advantage for much of the first half with Halifax persistently infringing although Tynedale's lineout fell apart mid way through the half. Fletcher had a try disallowed for crossing after 26 minutes but the referee was playing advantage for offside and Moses kicked the penalty. Moses missed a comparitively easy kick shortly afterwards but Halifax made no mistake with a kick from close in right on the stroke of half time to make the scoreline 10-10.
In the second period Tynedale's lineout improved and Moses edged them ahead after 7 minutes. Halifax however had some dangerous runners and their right winger finished beautifully two minutes later, chipping over the defence to score.
The play was generally even but Halifax stretched their lead with an excellent penalty from wide out with 15 minutes to go. Moses quickly struck back to make the score 16-18 and Halifax then had two golden opportunities to wrap the game up when their second row knocked on close in and when they struck the upright with a relatively easy penalty. Tynedale however took their chance and pressured the Halifax line in the closing stages. From a ball over the tail of a line out on the Halifax 22 the ball was fed back to Moses who dropped a splendid drop goal with only a minute's play remaining.
TEAM:G Mason, E Holmes, G Fleming, J Fletcher, A Roberts, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, P Winter, E Parker, M Fletcher(R Parker), K Johnson, S Turnbull(A Murray), A Robson, M Lee, S Jewitt. Reps: J Shotton, R Parker, A Charlton, A Murray, A Johnson, M Walton. Scorers: Fletcher - try, Moses 3 pens, conv, drop goal
Tynedale lost their first league match of the season going down to much-fancied New Brighton side and thus ended a magnificent run of 24 consecutive league wins. (Figures quotes elsewhere of 28 wins are inaccurate -Tynedale's last league defeat was the final league match of 1998-99 at Macclesfield).
Playing against a strong breeze in the first half Tynedale generally looked the more dangerous but failed to take their chances. In a match where scoring opportunities were few it was to prove costly that Tynedale were unable to capitalise on superb runs by John Fletcher and Geoff Mason in the first half with the Tyne support perhaps too slow to pick up the runners.
Alan Moses shaved the post with a drop goal in the opening minutes and later missed with another half chance. New Brighton took the lead with a penalty after 9 minutes and they doubled their lead after 20 minutes with another penalty kick. Just as it seemed Tynedale would turn around to play with the elements facing a slender 0-6 deficit they conceded a sloppy try. A 22 drop out fell short and Tynedale were slow to react. Fortunately New Brighton knocked on 5 metres from Tyne's goal line but from the resultant scrum Moses's clearing kick was charged down and the try was scored.
Tynedale applied pressure close to the New Brighton line in the second half but failed to capitalise. Moses missed a difficult penalty after 10 minutes was successful with his second attempt after 20 minutes to set up what looked like a grandstand finish. Unfortunately for Tynedale New Brighton were able to dominate the next period and with ten minutes to go scored their second try after forward pressure from a line out.
Tynedale swpet back down the field and after running a series of penalties Soa Otuvaka barged over for what was a consolation try ut perhaps gave a fair look to the scoreboard.
TEAM:G Mason, A Roberts, G Fleming, J Fletcher, E Holmes, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, R Parker (P Winter), E Parker, M Fletcher, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, M Lee (S Jewitt), S Otuvaka. Reps: J Shotton, P Winter, S Jewitt Scorers: Otuvaka - try, Moses pen,conv
Tynedale recorded their second successive away league victory at Sandal. The half time score was 3-0 to Sandal with Tynedale struggling and Sandal could have scored tries in the first few minutes. Sandal took a three point lead after 29 minutes with a penalty.
Gary Fleming scored a try for Tynedale after 4 minutes of the second half but 5 minutes later Sandal restored their lead when they scored a converted try to make the score 5-10. Tynedale's pack were dominating the scrummage and Steve Turnbull scored a try from a driving maul following a line out to level the scores.
After 26 minutes Alan Moses, who was having a wretched day with his kicking, slotted his only successful penalty from nine attempts to give Tyne a 13-10 advantage and from then on it was Tynedale's day with Sandal unfortunately losing four players with injuries and finishing with only fourteen players.
Simon Clayton-Hibbott finished the game off with two tries - one of which was a particularly pleasing individual effort when he scored from half way.
TEAM:J Shotton, A Roberts (D Gaule), G Fleming, J Fletcher, E Holmes, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher, E Parker, P Winter (R Parker), K Johnson, S Turnbull, S Jewitt, M Lee, A Robson. Reps: D Gaule, R Parker, D Clark Scorers: S Turnbull - try, Clayton-Hibbott- 2 tries, Fleming - try, Moses 1 pen
Liverpool St Helens 6 v Tynedale 34
Tynedale ended up conclusive winners in their first ever National league match at Liverpool St Helens. Tynedale had to weather the storm in the opening quarter of the match when a much bigger Liverpool side had Tynedale on the back foot and only fine tacking coupled with a couple of handling errors kept their line intact. Liverpool opened the scoring after 5 minutes with a penalty but Alan Moses levelled with the first of his seven kicks.
As the half wore on Tynedale came more into the game and were helped when Liverpool missed what should have been an easy penalty. The Tynedale forwards were now well on top in the scrums where they were giving their opponents a real pummeling. Soa Otuvaka made a tremendous storming run shortly before half time which should have resulted in a score but Tynedale had to settle for a 9-6 interval lead with Moses striking two further penalties to Liverpool's one.
Tynedale dominated the second period and Liverpool only managed a couple on incursions into Tyne's 22 during the entire half. With the scrum continuing to go Tynedale's way Moses kicked four further penalties and a drop goal to take the game out of Liverpool's reach.
Ed Holmes, back from his year out down the southern hemisphere, scored a well worked try after 25 minutes of the second half when he cut inside 10 metres out to touch down after a fine Gary Flenming miss pass. Simon Clayton-Hibbott scored Tyne's second try from a scrum after Tynedale had totally disrupted Liverpool's put in at a scrum.
Overall an excellent opening victory in what will be a very hard combatitive season.
TEAM:G Mason, A Roberts (M Walton), G Fleming, J Fletcher, E Holmes, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher (R Parker), E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull, S Otuvaka (S Jewitt), M Lee, A Roberts. Reps: M Walton, R Parker, S Jewitt Scorers: Holmes - try, Clayton-Hibbott- try, Moses 7 pens, drop goal