Nuneaton 13 v Tynedale 15 (League Match)
Tynedale pulled off a tremendous victory in their last game of the season to finish in a very commendable fifth position in the league. Deprived of six of their pack and two of their backs by unavailabilities and county calls the team pulled together and edged out Nuneaton who themselves were short of several players due to county calls.
Playing into a strong wind in the opening half Tyne found themselves 8-0 down to a try and a penalty but on the stroke of half time skipper Keith Johnson scored a well worked try which Phil Belgian converted into the wind with an excellent kick.
Tyne applied a lot of pressure in the second half but Nuneaton defended strongly and it took another excellent kick from Belgian to give us the lead when he converted a penalty from within his own half. Nuneaton came straight back with a good try to regain the lead .
Tynedale missed two further penalty chances before Shane Auld charged over for the winning score.
TEAM: A Moses, A Roberts, M Walton, P Boston, M Lytollis, P Belgian, S Allen, B Milburn, A Charlton, C Baty, K Johnson, C Irving, S Jewitt, S Auld, G Rastall Reps: I Donkin, A MurrayScorers: Johnson - try, Auld - try, Belgian - conv, pen
West Hartlepool 9 v Tynedale 30 (League Match)
Tynedale won comfortably at bottom club West Hartlepool. Playing into the wind in the opening half Tyne scored first when Ed Parker scored following a maul from a lineout. West then clawed their way back into the game with three penalties whilst Phil Belgian who was having a rare off day with his kicking missed with his three penalty attempts. A scrappy first half ended 9-5 in West's favour.
Belgian converted an early second half penalty to get Tyne back on track and then kicked a magnificent 40 metre drop goal to put us back in the lead. West never threatened our line throughout the match and it was no surprise when Ed Holmes crossed for two tries in quick succession.
Tynedale's fourth try was the pick when Holmes broke from within his own 22 before handing on to Paul Boston. Boston took the ball on a further 30 metres before feeding Belgian who scored wide out.
TEAM: A Moses, A Roberts, G Fleming, P Boston, M Lytollis, P Belgian, E Holmes, P Southern, E Parker(A Charlton), C Baty(B Milburn), K Johnson, C Irving(S Auld), S Jewitt, J Murray, G Rastall Reps: A Charlton, B Milburn, S Allen, S Auld Scorers: Parker - try, Holmes - 2 tries, Belgian - try, drop goal,2 conv, pen
Tynedale 15 v Doncaster 33 (League Match)
Sponsored by the Northumberland County Show
Tynedale played into a stiff wind in the opening half and after a bright start were forced deep into their own half by league champions Doncaster. After 5 minutes Doncaster struck the post with a penalty but Doncaster pressure told after 12 minutes when a blind side break gave the Doncaster backs a chance which they clinically accepted.
The referee's and Tynedale's interprestation of the laws were obviously at odds as Tynedale conceded a steady stream of penalties for a wide range of reasons. With Tynedale's defence generally very strong Doncaster were finding it difficult to break through but after 20 minutes they were awarded a straightforwward penalty opportunity which also resulted in Jamie Murray being sin-binned for an infringement which could be described as debatable.
Tyne held out with fourteen man and had a stong period of play when Murray returned but failed to capitalise. Tynedale continued to force Doncaster onto the back foot and shortly before half time kicked a penalty. Doncaster however came back strongly in first half stoppage time and scored a well worked try wide out which was converted to give them a 17-3 half time lead.
Doncaster took the initiative early in the second half and ran the ball out of defence with confidence and were rewarded with a penalty.
After 13 minutes Tynedale scored an excellent try from winger Andy Roberts to give us some hope. Doncaster kicked another penalty but Tyne's hopes were increased when some slick handling by Mark Walton put Alan Moses in for a converted try to make the score 15-23 with 12 minutes remaining.
Hopes dissappeared from the restart when Belgian objected verbally to some stamping at a ruck and was subsequently penalised and sin-binned. Doncaster missed the easy penalty kick but against fourteen men for the second time in the match ran in two late tries to extend their lead.
TEAM: A Moses, A Roberts, G Fleming, M Walton, M Lytollis, P Belgian, E Holmes, R Parker, E Parker(A Charlton), P Southern, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, J Murray, G Rastall Reps: A Charlton, C Baty, C Johnston, S Auld Scorers: Roberts - try, Moses - try, Belgian - conv, 1 pen
Blaydon 21 v Tynedale 31 (League Match)
Tynedale produced another fine team effort to overcome neighbours Blaydon - thus completing the double over their local rivals and at the same time ensuring absolute safety from relegation.
Tyne took an early 9 point lead through the reliable boot of Phil Belgian - scoring two penalties and an excellent 40 metre drop goal. Blaydon then got back into the match when they capitalised on a Tynedale handling error to score a converted try.
Tynedale then stepped up the pace with Belgian forcing Blaydon back into their own half with a fine example of kicking. Belgian converted his third penalty before Tynedale scored a superb try - Alan Moses ran back a Blaydon drop out, chipped ahead, collected at pace and fed Andy Roberts who scorched over from 40 metres.
Blaydon came back and scored a try from a line out drive but Tyne had the last word of the half when Grant Rastall scored after pressure on the Blaydon defence to make the half time score 26-14.
Tynedale started the second half strongly and were rewarded when Paul Boston charged through creating the chance for Mark Lytollis to show his pace which he gratefully accepted.
Blaydon were second best on the day in most (if not all) departments and Tynedale played out the remainder of the game relatively comfortably although Blaydon scored in the final ten minutes to make the scoreline more respectable.
TEAM: A Moses, A Roberts, G Fleming (M Walton), P Boston, M Lytollis, P Belgian, E Holmes, R Parker, E Parker(A Charlton), P Southern, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, J Murray, G Rastall (R Ponton) Reps: A Charlton, R Rutherford, M Walton, R Ponton Scorers: Roberts - try, Rastall - try, Lytollis - try, Belgian - 2 conv, drop goal,3 pens
Tynedale 19 v Dudley Kingswinford 10 (League Match)
Tynedale produced a tremendous rearguard action to hold on to a hard-earned victory over second placed Dudley Kingswinford.
Playing with the elements in the first half Tyne used the wind to good effect with Phil Belgian producing another impressive kicking display to give us a 12-0 half-time advantage.
Dudley opened the second period brightly and things looked ominous for Tynedale when the visitors scored a converted try after only a couple of minutes to narrow the margin to only 5 points. Dudley continued to press and a penalty after 51 minutes brought them within two points.
Tynedale were playing with tremendous spirit and got their reward when Andrew Robson charged down an attempted clearance and outsprinted the visitor's defence for the touch down - Belgian converting to take the score upto 19-10.
Dudley replied immediately with a penalty but despite intense pressure in the closing quarter the Tynedale defence held out to record a tremendous victory which goes a long way to erasing relegation fears.
TEAM: A Moses, A Roberts, G Fleming, P Boston, M Lytollis, P Belgian, E Holmes, R Parker, E Parker, C Baty, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson (A Murray), J Murray, G Rastall Reps: A Charlton, R Rutherford, C Johnston, A Murray Scorers: Robson - try, Belgian - conv, 4 pens
Scunthorpe 19 v Tynedale 16 (League Match)
Tynedale's winning run came to an end against a determined Scunthorpe side. Playing with the elements in the first half Tynedale took a 6-0 lead with two penalties from Phil Belgian. Tynedale were struggling to contain Scunthorpe's lively back row and Scunthorpe turned the match on it's head with two unconverted tries to take a 10-6 lead. Belgian kicked another penalty but Scunthorpe replied with a kick of their own to gain a 13-9 half-time advantage.
Two further Scunthorpe penalties gave them a clear 19-9 advantage before Paul Boston crossed wide out following some good forward play. Belgian converted with a fine kick to close the gap to three points with time running out. Tynedale spurned their chance to share the spoils when the referee awarded Tynedale a very kickable penalty only for it to be reversed after the touch judge had intervened.
TEAM: A Moses, A Roberts, G Fleming, P Boston, E Holmes, P Belgian, I Donkin, R Parker, E Parker (A Charlton), P Southern, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, A Murray, G Rastall (R Ponton) Reps: A Charlton, C Baty, C Johnston, R Ponton Scorers: Boston - try, Belgian - conv,3 pens
Tynedale 37 v Sandal 14 (League Match)
Tynedale recorded their fourth successive league victory against a Sandal side who seem doomed for relegation. Kicking off with a biting wind behind them Tyne quickly took the initiative and an early Alan Moses break was held just short. From the resulting scrum the Tyne pack shoved the opposition back allowing Andrew Murray to dive in for the score with less than three minutes on the clock.
We continued to have all the early play and the second try came after 12 minutes. A strong Steve Turnbull charge, one of many in the match, set up good ruck ball from which Ian Donkin put in an astute kick. As the Sandal defence hesitated Grant rastall scooped the ball up and accelerated over to score his third try in two matches - Phil Belgian marked his return to the side with an excellent conversion.
Sandal did start to make some spirited incursions into the Tyne half and their fly half missed with an ambitious penalty opportunity. It was Tynedale however who scored next when Belgian converted a penalty before Turnbull scored after several strong surges with Ed Holmes heavilly involved. A further Belgian penalty gave us a comfortable 25-0 half time lead.
Tynedale started the second half in fine fashion scoring an excellent try in the opening minutes. Donkin started the play with a quick tap penalty deep in his own half and it was Turbull who stormed over for his second try after several phases of well controlled high impact rugby with Peter Southern involved on several occasions.
A second pushover try, by Donkin, gave us a 37-0 lead with 20 minutes remaining. Sandal however showed good spirit and their threequarters looked lively at times. They were rewarded for their efforts with two tries in the last quarter to put some respectability on the scoreline.
TEAM: E Holmes, A Roberts, G Fleming, A Moses, C Johnston(S Allen), P Belgian, I Donkin, R Parker(C Baty), E Parker(A Charlton), P Southern, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson(R Ponton), A Murray, G Rastall Reps: A Charlton, C Baty, S Allen, R Ponton Scorers: Rastall - try, Turnbull - 2 tries, A Murray - try, Donkin - try, Belgian - 3 conv, 2 pen
Whitchurch 13 v Tynedale 36 (League Match)
Tynedale gained a critical first away victory of the season with an excellent performance. Playing into the breeze in the opening half Tynedale generally dominated proceedings and Andrew Murray missed with two early penalty opportunities before Grant Rastall opened the scoring with a try which Murray converted.
Rastall claimed his second try shortly afterwards after some good threequarter play. Tynedale looked to be well in control with Whitchurch rarely on the attack but in the ten minutes before the interval they kicked two penalties.
Whitchurch then stunned Tynedale on the stroke of half time when they scored a converted try after some poor defensive work to edge ahead 13-12.
Ian Donkin restored Tyne's lead in the opening minutes of the second half with a good try which Murray converted. The rest of the half belonged to Tynedale as we ran in further tries from Andy Roberts, after some excellent flowing threequarter play, Andrew Murray and replacement Simon Allen.
TEAM: E Holmes, A Roberts, G Fleming, J Murray, C Johnston(S Allen), A Moses, I Donkin, R Parker, E Parker(A Charlton), P Southern(R Rutherford), K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, A Murray, G Rastall (R Brown) Reps: A Charlton, R Rutherford, S Allen, R Brown Scorers: G Rastall - 2 tries, Donkin - try, Roberts - try, A Murray - try, Allen - try
Tynedale 19 v Blaydon 10 (League Match)
Tynedale gained a deserved victory over in-form Blaydon, giving a determined performance which never let the visitors settle into their stride.
Playing against a stiff wind in the first half Tynedale conceded two unconverted tries but generaly the team's tackling and defensive organisation was exemplary.
Two early second half Phil Belgian penalties put Tyne within striking distance and then they took the lead when substitute Craig Johnston capitalised on hesitation in the Blaydon defence following an astute Alan Moses kick through.
Generally Tynedale were in control of the match and a Belgian penalty and drop goal in stoppage time gave the score a more decisive look.
TEAM:A Moses, A Roberts, G Fleming, J Murray, E Holmes, P Belgian, I Donkin (C Johnston), R Parker, E Parker, P Southern, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, A Murray, G Rastall Reps: C Johnston, C Baty, S Allen, R Ponton Scorers: C Johnston - try, P Belgian - conv, drop goal, 3 pens
Tynedale 16 v Morley 11 (League Match)
Tynedale gained a much needed victory in a match played on a mud bath pitch. Playing into a strong wind in the first half we took the lead after 5 minutes when Phil Belgian converted a penalty into the wind. Morley missed a chance to equalise but did kick two penalties to take the lead although they never threatened the Tynedale line.
On the stroke of half time Morley missed badly from another penalty chance. but Tynedale had looked relatively comfortable in the opening half.
We started the second period strongly and after a period in the visitors 22 scored the try we needed when Keith Johnson got the touch down from a driving maul - Belgian converting.
Having looked second best for most of the match Morley then dominated possession for most of the second half although they struggled to gain ground in attrocious conditions. Belgian converted his second penalty following a rare Tyne attack but Morly came back and scored wide out following a line out,
Tynedale finished the stronger and Belgian missed narrowly with a penalty from 5 metres inside his own half before succeeding with a similar kick right on the final whistle.
TEAM:A Moses, A Roberts, G Fleming, J Murray, E Holmes, P Belgian, I Donkin, R Parker, E Parker (A Charlton), P Southern, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, A Murray, G Rastall Reps: M Lytollis, C Baty, E Parker, R Ponton Scorers: K Johnson - try, P Belgian - conv, 3 pen
Livwerpool St Helens 35 v Tynedale 7 (League Match)
Tynedale suffered another heavy defeat on their travels. We started well but lost a hold of the the match in the second quarter when we had two players yellow carded - LSH capitalised and scored two tries during this period. Gary Fleming was yellow carded after 25 minutes for kicking the ball away and one minute later James Ponton, 'on-loan' from Leeds, suffered the same fate after he was adjudged to have gone overthe top to kill the ball.
Tynedale found themselves 18-0 down at half time against high flying LSH and never really threatened to get back in the game. Captain Keith Johnon scored Tyne's second half try
TEAM:A Moses, A Roberts, G Fleming, A Hopps, C Johnston, P Belgian, E Holmes(I Donkin), R Parker (C Baty), A Charlton (E Parker), P Southern, K Johnson, A Robson, A Murray, J Murray (G Rastall), J Ponton Reps: I Donkin, C Baty, E Parker, G Rastall Scorers: K Johnson - try, P Belgian - conv
Tynedale 20 v Bedford Athletic 18 (League Match)
Tynedale achieved a vital win against Bedford Athletic with a converted try in the dying minutes.
Playing with a strong wind at their backs in the first half Tynedale had the ideal start when Phil Belgian converted a penalty in the opening minutes after Bedford were caught offside. Tynedale made good use of the wind in the opening minutes and should have been further ahead after 5 minutes but Belgian pushed his penalty attempt wide.
Bedford then had a twenty minute purple patch during which they dominated Tynedale and scored two tries to take a 10-3 lead.
Tynedale's patched-up side eventually started to get some foothold in the game and were awarded a penatly try after Bedford collapsed a driving maul after a 5 metre line out. Tynedale continued to press in the dying minutes of the first half but had to settle for a Belgian drop goal to give Tyne a 13-10 interval lead.
Playing into a strong wind Tynedale got off to the worst start possible when they gifted Bedford a try after only 4 minutes .
Tynedale almost totally dominated possession throughout the second half with Bedford never able to mount any attacks of note. Nevertheless it was difficult to make ground into the wind and Tynedale rarely looked like scoring themselves.
Matters were made worse when Bedford converted a 33minute penalty but Tyne showed immense spirit and lifted their game further against a tired Bedford side. After a series of close in scrums Tynedale got the vital score with two minutes left on the clock from a pushover scrum with Ed Holmes diving in for the score. Belgian kept his head to add the vital conversion from a missable position and Tynedale easily controlled the last few minutes to record a hard earned victory,
TEAM:A Moses, A Roberts, G Fleming, A Hopps, C Johnston, P Belgian, E Holmes (I Donkin), R Parker, A Charlton (E Parker), A Johnson (P Southern), K Johnson, S Turnbull A Murray(R Ponton), J Murray, G Rastall Reps: I Donkin, P Southern, E Parker, R Ponton Scorers: E Holmes - try, Penalty try, Belgian - drop goal, 2 conv, pen
New Brighton 35 v Tynedale 5 (League Match)
Playing their first match for a month and dessimated by the unavailability of several players (with four players making their seasonal debuts) this was never going to be an easy match and so it proved as Tynedale started reasonably well but disintegrated in the final quarter to suffer yet another away defeat..
Playing into the elements in the first half Tynedale generally held their own but found themselves 0-18 down at the interval with New Brighton scoring a converted try on the stroke of half time to create a comfortable cushion.
The second half was a major disappointment with Tynedale's weaknesses being cruelly exposed. Tynedale did score a try through Kiwi Shane Auld who had a storming match but overall it was a match best forgotten.
TEAM:A Moses, D Fitzgerald (S Allen) P Boston, A Hopps, C Johnston, P Belgian, I Donkin, R Parker (P Southern), E Parker (A Charlton), A Johnson, K Johnson, P Steadman, S Auld, A Murray, G Rastall (S Jewitt) Reps: S Allen, P Southern, A Charlton, S Jewitt Scorers: S Auld - try
Doncaster 40 v Tynedale 13 (League Match)
Tynedale came away from high-flying Doncaster perhaps thinking the scoreline flattered the the victors.
Tyne took an early 6-0 advantage when Andrew Murray converted a penalty close in before debut boy Phil Belgian introduced himself with a penalty from the half way line.
Doncaster were quickly back in the game and kicked three penalties to take the lead before scoring two late first half tries whilst Tynedale were reduced to 14 men with Andrew Murray in the sin bin to make the half time score a rather harsh 6-23.
Tynedale played reaonably well for patches in the second half and they cut the margin when Ed Holmes scored wide out - Belgian adding the touchline conversion to make the score 13-23.
Any hopes Tynedale had of a comeback were squashed when with 15 minutes to go a mistake in midfield led to a Doncastre try. Tynedale then lost Steve Turnbull and Ed Holmes to the sin bin and Doncaster capitalised on their 2-man advantage with two late tries.
TEAM:A Moses, T Kruger, P Boston, M Walton, C Johnston, P Belgian, E Holmes, P Southern, A Charlton, A Johnson, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, J Murray, A Murray Reps: S Allen, R Parker, S Auld, G Rastall Scorers: A Murray - pen, P Belgian - conv,pen, Holmes - try
Tynedale 42 v West Hartlepool 27 (League Match)
Tynedale won a match which they could and should have won much more convincingly but for uncharacteristic poor concentration and committment in defence.
Tyne started well and Jamie Murray marked his return to the side when he finished off a slick handling movement to score a fourth minute try which younger brother Andrew duly converted. Both sides then exchanged penalties before West took a quick tap penatly to score with Tyendale's defence nowhere.
Murray regained the lead for Tynedale with another penalty but West scored their second try when some powder puff tackling from Tynedale allowed their scrum half to score. John Fletcher then sent in Paul Boston for a try under the posts to give Tynedale a close 20-15 interval lead.
Tynedale took control of the match in the second half with Mark Walton scoring an early try before Murray kicked a further penalty. The Tynedale pack then turned the screw and were duly awarded a penalty try before Fletcher ghosted over to give Tynedale a runaway 42-15 lead.
Much to the annoyance of their coaching staff, Tynedale, for the second week running, completely lost their control and impetus in the last few minutes and the West scrum half scored two unopposed tries.
TEAM:A Moses, C Johnston(T Kruger), P Boston, M Walton, D Fitzgerald, J Fletcher, E Holmes, R Parker, A Charlton (E Parker), A Johnson (P Southern), K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson(G Rastall), J Murray, A Murray Reps:T Kruger, P Southern, E Parker, G Rastall Scorers: A Murray - 3 pen, 4 conv, Boston - try, Fletcher - try, Walton - try, J Murray - try, Penalty Try
Darlington Mowden Park 26 v Tynedale 25 (League Match)
Tynedale suffered a cruel blow when victory was denied them with a last gasp drop goal. To make matters worse Tynedale had built up a healthy 25-11 lead with only 9 minutes left on the clock only to lost the initiative in that closing period.
Mowden Park started well and quickly built up an 11-0 lead with a try and two early penalties. Tynedale worked their way back into the match and new kicker, Andrew Murray, converted two penalties to make the scoreline 6-11 at the interval although Ed Holmes had a try dissallowed by the referee despite the touch judge clearly indicating a successful score.
The score remained at 6-11 until 20 minutes into the second half when Keith Dungait out paced the home defence after intercepting on halfway. Mark Walton then strode through for a try to give the lead. A rare Tynedale away victory looked certain when a Dungait drop goal attempt struck the post and Tynedale regrouped to send Alan Moses over for a try which Murray converted for a 25-11 lead with only 9 minutes left and with no injury stoppages.
The last few minutes turned out to be a nightmare as first Andrew Robson was sin-binned for a fairly innocious offence which many observers felt was perfectly legal. DMP took full advantage as they drove over from the resulting line out. With only four minutes left DMP scored a carbon copy try to cut Tyne's lead to 25-23.
Tynedale were now on the back foot and in the third minute of added time DMP hit a drop goal with the very last move of the match to deny Tyne a deserved victory.
TEAM:A Moses, C Johnston, P Boston, M Walton, T Kruger, K Dungait(J Shotton), E Holmes, R Parker, A Charlton (E Parker), A Johnson, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, J Murray, R Brown Reps:J Shotton, P Southern, E Parker, R Ponton Scorers: A Murray - 2 pen, 2 conv, Dungait - try, Walton - try, Moses - try
Tynedale 18 v Whitchurch 6 (League Match)
Tynedale stuttered to another much needed league victory in an uninspiring match on a dull grey day.
Playing against the elements in the first half Tynedale opened brightly and following several well controlled phases were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Unfortunately Alan Moses's bad kicking form contiinues as he screwed the kick wide.
Tynedale always had the upperhand and Whitchurch never really threatened the home line although they kicked two penalties to one from Moses to make the score 3-6 at the interval.
The second half was played entirely in Whitchurch's half although Tynedale were never allowed to run away with the match as the general standard of play was poor. Keith Dungait scored from a pushover before winger Craig Johnston finished following a simple but well worked move from the base of the scrum. With Tynedale's goalkicking going from bad to worse they had to rely on tries to score but Whitchurch defended well and stook to their task with good spirit.
Andrew Murray scored after a fine forward drive but generally Tynedale failed to put together enough passages of cohesive play as most of the players seemed to be accepting what was happening rather than making thing happen.
TEAM:A Moses, C Johnston, P Boston, M Walton, E Holmes, J Fletcher, K Dungait, R Parker, A Charlton, A Johnson, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, J Murray, R Brown Reps:D Fitzgerald, P Southern, E Parker, G Fleming Scorers: A Murray - try, Dungait - try, Johnston - try, Moses - pen
Dudley Kingswinford 38 v Tynedale 15 (League Match)
Tynedale fell away in the final quarter to league leaders Dudley. Tynedale played well in the opening half and the scores were level 10-10 at the interval with Tynedale dominating in the scrums.
Dudley took an early lead with a converted try but Tynedale forwards took command and Alan Moses replied with a penalty. Tyne then took a deserved lead after taking the home side's scrum - Andrew Murray scoring the try which Moses converted. Dudley kicked a penalty right on the stroke of half time to level the scores.
In the second half Tynedale started on top but suffered injuries to several key players as well as having Keith Johnson sin-binned. Dudley kicked three penalties to ease ahead but Tynedale came back with ten minutes to go when Andrew Murray ran 40 metres to score his second try.
Unfortunately Tynedale lost their way completely in the last five minutes, missing several tackles as Dudley ran in three tries to give them what, on paper, looked a comfortable victory.
TEAM:A Moses, J Shotton, G Fleming, M Walton, C Johnston, S Allen, E Holmes, R Parker, E Parker, A Johnson, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, A Murray, J Murray Reps:D Fitzgerald, P Southern, A Charlton, R Brown Scorers: A Murray - 2 tries, Moses - conv, pen
Tynedale 18 v New Brighton 6 (League Match)
Tynedale secured a much needed victory in a somewhat scrappy match. With Tynedale largely dominating forward exchanges they deserved their victory but they lacked a cutting edge which would have given them a more convincing scoreline.
Playing with a strong breeze in the first half New Brighton got off to a great start with a penalty after only 2 minutes. Alan Moses had an opportunity to level straight afterwards but his kick was held up in the wind.
Jamie Murray then scored a great try for Tynedale when he finished in style after several well controlled, penetrative phases. New Brighton did restore their lead with another penalty although Moses hit the post from an attempt in front of the sticks. In a first half largely controlled by Tynedale New Brighton were unlucky not to score when their forwards eventually got their act together and mauled over.
Moses kicked Tyne into the lead early in the second half but Tynedale then had to defend as New Brighton's took the game to Tynedale for a 15 minute period during which Tynedale's defence held firm.
A further Moses penalty increased the margin as Tynedale regained the upperhand and the scoreline was given a more realistic look when Ed Holmed forced his way over from a set scrum right on the final whistle.
TEAM:A Moses, C Johnston, G Fleming, J Fletcher, J Shotton, K Dungait, E Holmes, P Southern(R Parker), A Charlton(E Parker), A Johnson, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, A Murray (R brown), J Murray Reps:M Walton, R Parker, E Parker, R Brown Scorers: J Murray - try,Holmes - try, Moses - conv, 2 pens
Bedford Athletic 26 v Tynedale 10 (League Match)
Tynedale suffered another serious reversal when they lost at Bedford to give the home side their first league points of the season.
The first half was close with Tynedale playing quite well in certain areas. Alan Moses got Tynedale off to a good start with a penalty after only 2 minutes. Bedford however came straight back and scored following a scrum.
Bedford then opened up a gap with a penalty and an try to give them a 13-3 lead. Moses missed a couple of kickable penalties before Andrew Murray scored a converted try to make the half time scorte 10-13.
Tynedale were rarely in the match in the second half which was one of their poorest showings of the season.a Bedford penalty extended their lead but with everything to play for Tynedale conceded a critical try after they had a kick charged down. Heads went down and Bedford kicked a further penalty - a long journey home!
TEAM:A Moses(C Johnston), E Holmes, G Fleming, T Kruger, J Shotton, S Allen, K Dungait, A Johnson, A Charlton(I Douglas), P Southern (C Irving), K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson(R Brown), A Murray, J Murray Reps:C Johnston, C Irving, I Douglas, R Brown Scorers: A Murray - try, Moses - conv, pen
Tynedale 18 v Liverpool SH 22 (League Match)
Tynedale lost once again by a narrow margin - this time at home to a very robust Liverpool St Helens side. Tynedale started and finished the game very strongly but lost the match effectively in the middle 30 minutes during which LSH scored all their points.
Playing into a strong breeze in the first half Tynedale played reasonably well but a score conceded on the stroke of half-time gave LSH a 14-3 half time lead.
This lead was increased in the second half but Tyne came storming back and 18-22 down with 5 minutes to go their prospects looked rosey as they camped in the visitors 22 with the wind at their backs - especially as the visitors were down to 14 men after one of their props had been sent off for throwing a punch.
Unfortunately the last 5 minutes was a catalogue of errors and LSH held on to record a hard earned victory.
TEAM:A Moses, E Holmes, G Fleming, P Boston, J Shotton, S Allen (T Kruger), K Dungait, R Parker, A Charlton(E Parker), P Southern (A Johnson), K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson(R Ponton), A Murray, J Murray Reps:R Ponton, T Kruger, E Parker, A Johnson Scorers: Shotton - try, Penalty Try, Moses conv, 2 pens
Morley 25 v Tynedale 23 (League Match)
Tynedale lost out by a narrow margin to a big Morley side who found it difficult when Tynedale were able to get the ball wide.
Morley went into an early lead with a penalty but Jamie Murray crossed for a try after Tynedale had disrupted the Morley scrum. Morley held the initiative in the first half and scored two tries before half time, one converted to make it 5-15 at the interval.
New boy Theo Kruger came on in the first half, after Keith Dungait suffered a nose injury, and showed touches of class.
Tynedale started the second half brightly and Alan Moses kicked two out of three penalties to bring the score back to 11-15. Morley however came back into a topsy-turvy game and were rewarded with a converted try and a drop goal.
The last quarter showed Tynedale applying all the pressure and Ed Holmes crossed for a converted try after a series of five metre scrums. A late try, brilliantly taken by Kruger gave Tyne the chance to draw level but Moses narrowly missed a difficult conversion.
TEAM:A Moses, E Holmes, G Fleming, P Boston, J Shotton, J Fletcher, K Dungait(T Kruger), R Parker, A Charlton(E Parker), P Southern, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, R Ponton(A Murray), J Murray Reps:A Murray, T Kruger, E Parker, C Irving Scorers: Murray - try, Kruger - try, Holmes - try, Moses conv, 2 pens
Tynedale 26 v Nuneaton 20 (League Match)
A much needed league victory went some way to erasing memories of our performance at Sandal in our previous league outing. Playing against a brisk wind in the first half Tynedale were 13-11 down at half time after dominating the opening 30 minutes before Nuneaton came back to have the better of the period before half time.
Alan Moses gave Tyne an early lead when he converted a penalty after only 3 minutes. After going close on several occasions Tynedale scored a fine try - good forward play giving Andy Roberts the opportunity to cross for his first try for the 1stXV.
Nuneaton eventually got into the game and scored with their first real attack when their right winger scored a fine individual try which was converted. The five minutes leading upto half time saw a flurry of penalties with Nuneaton kicking two and Moses one.
Moses missed an early penalty chance in the second half before Keith Dungait scored a fine excellent individual tryt under the posts , which Moses converted to make the score 18-13. Shortly afterwards Moses kicked a penalty to give tyne some breathing space.
The match appeared to be sealed after 70 minutes when John Fletcher broke to put Ed Holmes away for the third try. Tyne had further try scoring opportunities which could have proved costly as Nuneaton scored a converted try in the last minute of normal time. Moses missed a penalty to make the match safe before a forward pass denied Nuneaton the opportunity to turn the match around.
Overall a pleasing performance and we scored three fine tries - all by backs!! What we didnt do well was take enough of our scoring opportunities.
TEAM:A Moses, E Holmes, G Fleming, P Boston, A Roberts, J Fletcher, K Dungait, R Parker, A Charlton, P Southern, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, R Ponton, J Murray Reps:C Johnston, C Irving, I Douglas, G Smith Scorers: Dungait - try, Roberts - try, Holmes - try, Moses 1 conv, 3 pens
Sandal 17 v Tynedale 10 (League Match)
A very poor all round performance. Too many tackles were missed in a match in which Tynedale never got going despite taking a 10-3 lead in the first half.
Tyne got off to an excellent start when John Fletcher marked his return to the team with a try after only 3 minutes from a back move following a scrum, Alan Moses converting. Tynedale pressed further and Keith Dungait was tackled just short.
Sandal had a strong spell and Tynedale had to defend well close to their line before Sandal opted for the three points from a penalty in front of the posts.
Tynedale came back and Jamie Murray went close. Tynedale again had supremacy in the scrums but their cause was not helped by a referee who seemed to think it was his job even matters out.
Alan Moses dropped a goal shortly before half time to make the half time score 10-3.
Sandal drew level early in the second half when they fielded a loose kick and scored on the counter. Tyendale' s forwards took the game back to Sandal but Moses missed a relatively easy penalty in the dying minutes. Matters were made much worse when Sandal moved the ball from a scrum in midfield and Tynedale missed several tackles allowing the Sandal fly half to touch down for the winning score.
TEAM:J Shotton, E Holmes, J Fletcher, P Boston, A Roberts, A Moses, K Dungait (S Allen), R Parker (A Johnson), A Charlton, P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull, A Robson, R Ponton, J Murray Reps:S Allen, A Johnson, I Douglas, G Smith Scorers: Fletcher-try, Moses conv,drop goal
Nuneaton 17 v Tynedale 9 (National Knockout Cup)
Tynedale went out in the first round of this season's Senior National Knockout Cup when they went down at Nuneaton in a wind dominated game. Tynedale did not have the best of preparations when they lost goalkicker Alan Moses with a back injury during the week and this was compounded when traffic problems resulted in a longer than anticipated journey and a late arrival.
Playing into a strong wind in the first half we defended reasonably well to turn around 3-10 down. Nuneaton opened the scoring with a penalty and with Tynedale winning a lot of possession Nuneaton's chances were limited but they did score a critical converted try 5 minutes from half time after running a tap penalty. Simon Allen replied with a penalty on the stroke of the interval.
Allen kicked two second half penalties to edge within a point but then 5 minutes from time Nuneaton scored under the posts with their first second half excursion into our twenty two, despite playing with only fourteen players at the time after one of their forwards had been yellow carded.
TEAM:J Shotton, E Holmes(C Johnston), G Fleming, P Boston(J Harrison), A Roberts, S Allen, K Dungait, A Johnson (R Parker), A Charlton (E Parker), P Winter, K Johnson, G Smith, A Robson, G Rastall(S Turnbull), J Murray Reps: J Harrison, C Johnston, R Parker, E Parker, S Turnbull Scorers: Allen-3 pens
Tynedale 43 v Scunthorpe 16 (League Match)
Tynedale collected their first league victory of the season with a much improved performance. Playing into a strong wind in the first half Tynedale generally controlled things although Scunthorpe missed a chance to go ahead with a penalty after only 5 minutes - Tyne being penalised for diving over (one of several annoying penalties which Tynedale conceded in the first half).
Tynedale opened the scoring after 17 minutes when a period of play in the visitors 22 was rewarded with Jamie Murray diving over after a series of well controlled forward drives. Scunthorpe came back and reduced the arrears with two penalties in the space of 5 minutes but Tynedale then reasserted themselves and applied further pressure on the visitors line. Andrew Robson forced his way over for a try after Tynedale had confirmed their scrummaging supremity. A third Scunthorpe penalty on the stroke of half time made the scoreline 12-9 in Tynedale's favour.
Tynedale quickly wrapped the match up in the second period, scoring two converted tries and a penalty in the opening ten minutes. Ed Holmes scored the first try when a well executed backs movement gave Ed the chance to cut through the Scunthorpe defence. Alistair Johnson then capped a strong personal performance when he went over almost unopposed from a line out.
Two further 'forward' tries in the final quarter by Andrew Robson and Keith Johnson extended Tynedale's lead before Scunthorpe were rewarded for their efforts with a last minute concolation try.
TEAM:J Shotton, E Holmes, G Fleming, A Moses, A Roberts(C Johnstone), S Allen, K Dungait, A Johnson (R Parker), A Charlton (E Parker), P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull (G Smith), A Robson, G Rastall, J Murray Reps: C Johnston, R Parker, E Parker, G Smith Scorers: Murray-try, Robson-2 tries, Holmes-try, A Johnson-try, K Johnson-try, Moses - pen, 5 conv
Tynedale 3 v Darlington Mowden Park 15 (League Match)
Tynedale had a dissappointing start to their league campaign when they went down at home in the opening match. Playing against a stiff breeze in the opening half Tyne restricted the visitors to a single penalty until first half stoppage time when Mowden Park crossed under the posts after heavy pressure.
In the second half Tynedale were never able to apply telling pressure and an early score to Mowden Park effectively sowed matters up. With 20 minutes to go Tyne did score but were penalised for a double movement. Mark Forth scored our only points with a penalty after 65 minutes.
TEAM:M Bolam, J Shotton, G Fleming, D Fitzgerald, A Roberts, S Allen(A Moses), K Dungait, R Parker (A Johnson), A Charlton (E Parker), P Winter, K Johnson, S Turnbull (G Smith), A Robson, G Rastall, J Murray Reps: A Moses, A Johnson, E Parker, G Smith Scorers: Forth-pen