Westcombe Park 36 v Tynedale 20 (Half Time: 0-17)
Tynedale made the long trip to Kent to play the runners-up of Division Three (South) in a winner take all play off and lost in the cruellest of circumstances - leading 17-0 at the interval only for the home side to turn things around with a resounding 2nd half performance.
Tyne kicked off on a beautiful sunny day, playing with what appeared to be a relatively insignificant breeze. It was a tense start by both sides with Tyne conceding several early penalties - one of which resulted in the home side narrowly missing an attempted kick at goal.
Westcombe were a huge side and Tyne had to defend strongly on several occasions. Gradually the match began to settle down with Tyne using the breeze well, frequently kicking behind their opposition and the opening score came after 19 minutes when Jack Harrison scampered over after the organisation of the home defence was caught wanting - Phiol Belgian converting.
Tyne now had the momentum and Belgian kicked a penalty on 28 minutes to increase the lead. The Tyne lead was increased further on 33 minutes when Belgian squeezed over for a try which he then converted. The home side tried hard to get back into the game but the Tyne defence was excellent - turning the ball over on several occasions.
The 17 points lead looked promising as the teams went off for half time but remarkably within 10 minutes of the restart Westcombe were in the lead!. A penalty almost straight from the kick off gave the home side the three points to kick start their recovery and with the home support roaring them on they then ran back the restart and were awarded a second penalty which again they converted.
With Westcombe now scenting blood the momentum proved unstoppable and after only 5 minutes of the second half the home side scored their opening try which was converted to bring the score to 13-17.
Two minutes later Andrew Murray was yellow carded for "failing to allow release of the ball" and the resulting penalty made the score 16-17. The turn around was completed on 50 minutes with a further penalty evaporating Tyne's half time advantage.
Tyne managed to compose themselves and were rewarded with a Belgian penalty on 53 minutes which saw them regain the lead but it was still the home side who were in the ascendency and a penalty on 56 minutes was followed by converted tries on 59 and 65 minutes to effectively seal the victory.
It was an understandably dispirited side who left the field at the end and faced the long journey home. Hopefully the side will recover and learn from this experience - Tom Borthwick and the team have been magnificent throughout this long season and after a few weeks rest they will, I'm sure, come back in an even more determined fashion.
REPLACEMENTS: J White, D Herdman, A Charlton, M Fieldhouse
SCORERS: J Harrison - try, P Belgian - try, 2conv, 2 pen
Tynedale 28 v West Park St Helens 6 (Half Time: 7-6)
Tynedale secured the necessary bonus point win but Blaydon did likewise at Preston and so Tynedale now travel to play Westcombe Park in a play-off for the one remaining promotion slot into National Two.
This was a rather nervous performance from Tynedale against a well organised, physical West Park team who never resembled a side who are struggling near the foot of the league.
Tynedale got off to a great start and Aaron Charlton scored from a line-out drive after only 4 minutes, Phil Belgian converting.
West Park, playing with the advantage of a stiff breeze, converted a penalty after 18 minutes but generally West Park's defensive play far exceeded their attacking threat and they never really looked like crossing the home line.
Tynedale scorned several half chances to score further tries and shortly before half time West Park kicked their second penaly to narrow Tyne's advantage to a single point.
Tyne started the second half with a flourish and Ben Duncan made some hard yards to score in the corner after only 2 minutes. The next 15 minutes saw the home side nervously struggling to put some passages of play together and the visitors began to dominate possession for longer periods.
The third try came after 23 minutes when a hesitant run out of defence by West Park gave William Massey the opportunity to intercept on half way and scamper in under the posts. Four minutes later the vital fourth score came when the ref awarded a penalty try after Massey had been taken out as he chipped over the last defender. Unfortunately by this stage news of the Blaydon score had filtered through to the spectators and the match ended in a bit of an anti-climax.
Whatever the outcome down in Kent it needs emphasising what an excellent season Tynedale have had, playing some scintillating running rugby and making many friends in the process.
REPLACEMENTS: H Smales, D Jupp, R Vickers, M Fieldhouse
SCORERS: A Charlton - try, B Duncan - try, W Massey - try, Penalty Try, P Belgian - 4 conv
Rugby Lions 7 v Tynedale 24 (Half Time: 0-10)
Tynedale recorded an impressive victory over third placed Rugby Lions but were unable to score the criticlal 'bonus point' fourth try and subsequently lose top league spot to Blaydon with only one fixture remaining.
Tyne started strongly and were rewarded with a successful Phil Belgian penalty after only 2 minutes. Rugby then signalled their intent and for the next 15 minutes Tyne had to hang on against a period of dominance by the home side. Tynedale's succesfull defence was then rewarded when Jamie Murray capitalised on a loose pass from the Lions scrum, which was under pressure, to sprint home for the opening try.
There was no further scoring in the first half which meant Tynedale held a somewhat flattering 10-0 advantage.
It took only 3 minutes of the second period for Tyne to score their second try when Gavin Beasley paved the way for a Jack Smales try and things looked promising for Tynedale when William Massey scored the third try with 26 minutes left to play.
Rugby then, however, had a strong period and scored a try of their own on the hour mark.
Tynedale's efforts to score the elusive fourth try were not helped when Graeme Smith was given a red card for punching. Tyne did have scoring opportunities with several scrums near the Lions line failing to bring the much needed score.
A 24-7 victory at Rugby Lions was no mean feat but it was a dejected Tynedale team that made the long journey home. The league title is still within Tynedale's grasp but not if Blaydon manage a four try victory away at Preston Grasshoppers. Tynedale must concentrate on winning what will be a difficult encounter against lowly West Park St Helens who have their own reasons for performing well this coming Saturday.
REPLACEMENTS: H Smales, D Jupp, R Vickers, P Scott
SCORERS: J Murray - try, J Smales - try, W Massey - try, P Belgian - 3conv,pen
Tynedale 67 v Darlington MP 3 (Half Time: 29-3)
Tynedale turned on a scintillating display of pace and handling to demolish bogey side Darlington Mowden Park and maintain their slight advantage over Blaydon at the top of National Three (North).
The scoring started after 11 minutes when a superb break from Jack Smales created the space for Cameron Johnston to run in the operning try, William Massey kicking the first of his 7 successful conversions.
Mowden quickly replied with a penalty but Jack Smales scorched in from half way for a try after 19 minutes to extend Tyne's lead. Good lineout play created the chance for a Jamie Murray try after 25 minutes and Jack Smales then scored the bonus point try after 34 minutes after some fine play from Ben Duncan. A Massey penalty on the stroke of half time gave Tyne a convincing 29-3 half time advantage.
The scoreboard was moving again after only 2 minutes of the second period when Jack Harrison ran in fron his own half and Andrew Murray scored his a try shortly afterwards from a pushover scrum.
Rob Vickers crossed after 26 minutes before long distance tries from Rupert Neville and Ben Duncan extended the lead further.
Man of the match Grant Rastall wrapped things up 4 minutes from the end with the 10th try.
REPLACEMENTS: H Smales, D Jupp, M Fieldhouse, P Scott
SCORERS: C Johnston - try, J Smales - 2 tries, J Murray - 2 tries, J Harrison - try, R Vickers - try, R Neville - try, B Duncan - try, G Rastall - try, W Massey - 7conv, 1pen
Tynedale 37 v Leicester Lions 12 (Half Time: 13-7)
Tynedale eventually came good and sceured the valuable bonus point which means we stay top of the league but only with a 24 point better point difference than Blaydon.
Tyne started in a similar disastrous fashion to the previous week and were 7 points down in the first minute when the Leicester centre capitalised on a Tynedale error and ran in unopposed from 75 metres.
Tyne were quickly back on the attack however and Ben Duncan scored a fine try after 8 minutes following a typical forcefall run - Phil Belgian converting.
Tynedale held the territorial advantage but two Belgian penalties after 15 minutes and 36 minutes were their only reward in the first half as Leicester defended well.
Tyne came out for the second period with renewed energy and after just 5 minutes Jack Smales scored an excellent individual try from his own half which Gavin Beasley converted, Belgian having gone off injured at half time.
The third try came on 53 minutes with Andrew Murray demonstrating his pace as he left the visitor's defence for dead and the vital bonus point try was scored after 65 minutes with Duncan showing blistering pace to score his second try.
Five minutes from the end Will Massey seized on a Beasley kick through to scamper home but it was the visitors who had the final word scoring a try a minute later as the Tyne defence froze.
REPLACEMENTS: B McNeil, R Harding, A Charlton, S Johnson
SCORERS: B Duncan - 2 tries, P Belgian - conv,2 pen, J Smales - try, G Beasley - conv, A Murray - try, W Massey - try,conv
Preston Grasshoppers 22 v Tynedale 10 (Half Time: 22-3)
Tynedale lost the vital top-of-the-table clash against in-form Preston Grasshoppers and with Blaydon gaining 5 points at Macclesfield the chase for promotion is now 'exciting' to say the least.
Tyne started badly and despite a strong second half performance were always chasing the game. Tyne made too many mistakes in the first half, missing vital tackles and also spurning a couple of good opportunities and left themselves too much to do in the second half.
The match coudn't have started more badly for Tyne, failing to handle the Hoppers kick off and then being hauled back at the scrum resulting in a Hoppers try after only 2 minutes, which was converted.
The home side extended their lead after 22 minutes with a penalty and 3 minutes later scored their second try when a Tyne attack broke down and Hoppers scored from the resulting breakaway with missed tackles being a feature.
Tyne eventually got on the scoreboard after 27 minutes when Phil Belgian kicked a penalty to make the score 15-3.
Aftre 32 minutes Hoppers scored a try very similar to their second when a Tynedale attack again broke down.
Things had to get better in the second period and they did with Tyne playing almost the entire half in the Hoppers half . A strong cross-wind made handling difficult but Tyne did get back into the match after 17 minutes when Cameron Johnston scored, Belgian converting. Tyne pressed further and had a couple of scoring decisions going against them but on the day Tyne didn't take their opportunities and made too many mistakes to trouble a strong Hoppers side.
REPLACEMENTS: H Smales, D Herdman, r Vickers, P Scott
SCORERS: C Johnston - try, P Belgian - conv,pen
Tynedale 43 v Hull Ionians 7 (Half Time: 5-7)
Tynedale overcame Hull with a strong second half performance to maintain their position at the top of National Three(North).
Playing into a strong wind in the first half Tyne had the better of the early exchanges and opened the scoring after 16 minutes when Jake White created the opportunity for William Massey to score under the posts. Tynedale, however, missed the conversion and spurned several other opportunities to kick at goal in the absence of skipper Phil Belgian.
Hull began to put play of their own together and showed they meant business as they stretched the Tynedale defence on several occasions and were rewarded when their winger sped over wide out. The difficult conversion was successful to send Hull in at the interval with a slender two points advantage.
Tyne came out for the second period looking like a team on a mission as they lifted the pace of their game to good efffect. Hull defended well for the opening period of the second half but after 7 minutes Tyne scored what seemed the inevitable try after some excellent forward drives set up the situation for an incisive break by Gavin Beasley who offloaded to Jake White for the try - Massey converting.
At this stage the visitors defence was still keen but Tyne's second try came after 11 minutes when a fine Beasley kick was well chased by Cameron Johnston allowing Jack Harrison the opportunity to tap the ball on and score the resulting try.
Five minutes later the bonus point try was scored by Andrew Murray who stretched over following several incisive surges from the home forwards.
At this stage the visitors heads went down for the first time in the match and Paul Scott showed his power in speeding over for the try. Massey came in on a great angle to score the next try after 28 minutes and the scoring was rounded off when Cameron Johnston touched down following a clever chip from Massey.
REPLACEMENTS: B McNeil, R Harding, R Vickers, P Scott
SCORERS: W Massey - 2 tries, 4 convs, J White - try, J Harrison - try, A Murray - try, P Scott - try, C Johnston - try
Cleckheaton 7 v Tynedale 36 (Half Time: 0-24)
Tynedale won at Cleckheaton for the first time - scoring 5 tries in the process and extending their lead at the top of National Three(North).
On a heavy pitch Tynedale opened the scoring after 14 minutes with Andrew Murray getting the touchdown following a well executed catch and drive. Phil Belgian converted and 4 minutes later kicked a 40 metre penalty to give Tyne a good foothold in the match.
Tyne were now well on top and Jamie Murray scored after 22 minutes following some excellent play by the forwards. Before half time Ben Duncan scored Tynedale's third try after a fine run - Belgian kicking his third conversion to make the scoreline 24-0 at the interval.
The third quarter of the match saw Tynedale on the back foot for periods and Cleckheaton were rewarded with a converted try after 12 minutes.
Tyne, however, re-established their superiority and after 20 minutes of the half Will Massey scored and this was followed almost immediately with a try from Cameron Johnston which was also converted.
Tyne missed several clear cut chances to add to their points tally but will be well satisfied with another away victory .
REPLACEMENTS: M Woodhouse, D Herdman, A Charlton, M Fieldhouse
SCORERS: J Murray - try, A Murray - try, B Duncan - try, C Johnston - try, W Massey - try, P Belgian 4 conv, 1 pen
Tynedale 102 v Orrell 0 (Half Time: 59-0)
Tynedale recorded their biggest win ever with an exhillerating 80 minutes of power, speed and skill in almost perfect conditions against a beleaguered Orrell - a quick dip into the records suggests that Tynedale's 82-0 win over Macclesfield in the promotion season of 1999-2000 may be their previous biggest victory (with John Fletcher grabbing 3 tries and Epi Taione scoring four tries).
Tyne scored in all 16 tries (9 in the first half) - most of which were created and scored with an impressive display of rugby skill and precision as the ball flew around Tynedale Park as it's never been seen before.
REPLACEMENTS: J White, J Williams, A Charlton, G Smith
SCORERS: W Massey -3 tries, C Johnston - 2 tries, G Beasley - 3 tries, R Vickers - try, J Harrison - try, P Scott - try, R Samson - try, J Williams - try, B Duncan - try, A Murray - 2 tries, P Belgian - 11 conv
Macclesfield 17 v Tynedale 23 (Half Time: 11-15)
Tynedale had to work hard to secure an excellent away victory at Macclesfield and as a consequence move to the top of the league with Blaydon losing at Leicester Lions.
On a beautiful winter's day the first half rugby was very scrappy with Tynedale committing basic errors both in attack and defence. With the scrum under pressure for periods in the first half the team had to work hard for their 15-11 halftime advantage.
Macclefield took the lead on 14 minutes with a penalty but Tyne replied 3 minutes later with a try, Jamie Murray finishing in style following some good threequarter play. Tyne's lead was increased 4 minutes later with a Phil Belgian penalty to make the score 8-3.
Both sides had further opportunities but it was Macclesfield's turn to score next with their only try after 26 minutes to bring the scores level. Tynedale then re-established their lead with a Jake White try under the posts which Belgian converted but Macclesfield narrowed the margin on the stroke of half time with a penalty to set up an "interesting" second half.
Tyne's general performance improved in the second period and they extended their lead with a Belgian penalty after only 4 minutes. Macclesfield were not going to lie down however and they converted two penalties to cut Tyne's lead to a single point.
On the hour mark Ben Duncan forced his way over in the corner, taking several defenders with him, to extend the lead to six points. A rather nervy last 20 minutes saw Tyne hold out for the victory.
REPLACEMENTS: J Harrison, D Herdman, R Vickers, P Scott
SCORERS: J Murray - try, J White - try, B Duncan - try, P Belgian - conv, 2 pen
Tynedale 20 v Morley 18 (Half Time: 5-18)
A jaded looking Tynedale side scraped a victory in a wind dominated match and as a consequence moved level on points with Blaydon at the top of National Three (North),
Unfortunately the match was marred by an horrific injury to Tynedale centre Mark Laycock who suffered a compound fracture of the leg and a dislocated ankle. Marco underwent surgery on Saturday evening and again on Sunday - we all wish him well.
After the previous week's Leeds match this below par performance was perhaps not surprising although credit must go also to Morley who looked a far better side than their last visit to Corbridge several weeks ago.
Playing with a strong wind in the first half Morley quickly took the initiative although their cause was helped by some unconvincing tackling from Tyne and Tyne's inability to capitalise on their chances.. Morley scored their opening try after only 2 minutes and added a penalty 7 minutes later.
Tyne got back into the game on 11 minutes with a Cameron Johnston try but Morley scored a converted try on 19 minutes and kicked a penalty on 35 minutes to make it 18-5 to the visitors at the interval.
Phil Belgian narrowed the gap with a penalty after 5 minutes of the second half and when Paul Scott scored a try after 19 minutes things looked more hopeful with the margin down to 5 points.
The vital score came on 72 minutes with Ben Duncan crossing for the try and Belgian kicking the winning conversion.
REPLACEMENTS: J White, G MacGilchrist, R Neville, R Harding
SCORERS: C Johnston - try, P Scott -try, B Duncan - try, P Belgian - conv,pen
Tynedale 3 v Leeds Tykes 36 (Half Time: 3-19)
EDF Energy National Trophy - Round 4
Tynedale battled well but couldn't match the current National One leaders as the full-time professional Leeds Tykes ran out comfortable winners.
Before a crowd of around 1000 Tynedale started well, despite playing into a strong wind, and put together several useful phases before Leeds were penalised and Phil Belgian converted the penalty with only 2 minutes on the clock.
Tyne continued to show that they were not going to lie down and played with confidence both in attack and defence. With 14 minutes gone the Tykes kicked a penalty into the corner and from the subsequent line-out drive they moved the ball into midfield and crossed for the opening try which was converted.
Tyne continued to deny the opposition and the elements for the next 15 minutes despite struggling against Leeds's impressive lineout and having to work hard to win controlled scrum ball. The close decisions all seemed to be going Leeds's way and after 31 minutes they doubled their score with a scrappy score from a kick through following some loose Tynedale play.
On the stroke of half time the Tykes scored their 3rd try after Tyne had failed to keep possession in the opposition half. - making it 3 -19 at the interval.
Unfortunately for Tynedale the wintery gale dropped significantly at the start of the second period and poor concentration and some weak tackling allowed Leeds to cross after only two minutes of the second period. Five minutes later Leeds scored again from a driving maul and after 20 minutes they scored their sixth try following some slick handling.
Tynedale held out quite comfortably for the final 20 minutes but struggled to threaten the Leeds goal line. Tynedale can be reasonably pleased with their overall performance and their young players will have all benefited from the experience.
Click Here to view the report of match from the Leeds Tykes web site.
REPLACEMENTS: M Woodhouse, C Johnston, R Harden, R Vickers, B Milburn, G MacGilchrist, M Fieldhouse
SCORERS: P Belgian - pen
Darlington 12 v Tynedale 19 (Half Time: 0-16)
In a match dominated by a howling gale Tynedale had to battle hard to come out victors against a Darlington side who are always difficult opponents, particularly on their own patch.
Tyne played with the wind in the first half and got off to an excellent start with Phil Belgian slotting a penalty after only 2 minutes. Tynedale continued to dominate territorially although handling was proving difficult in the conditions and Belgian and Mark Laycock both were wide with drop goal attempts.
Belgian struck a fine penalty after only 10 minutes and at this stage it looked as if Tynedale were heading towards a healthy half time advantage. Darlington, however, began to make advances with strong driving play and Tynedale twice successfully defended 5 metre lineouts although Tynedale's own lineouts were far from reliable.
As half time approached Tyne got the all important breakthrough when Belgian linked with the strong running Ben Duncan who sped over under the posts. Belgian converted and with the final kick of the half slotted his third penalty to give Tynedale a more healthy looking 16 point advantage.
The wind continued to be the dominating force and Darlington attacked more frequently in the early stages of the second half and were rewarded aftre 10 minutes when their winger cut inside for an unconverted try.
Darlington did have further chances but generally as the half wore on Tynedale began to look more dominant and Paul Scott almost scored following a strong driving maul. After 33 minutes Darlington broke away and scored their second try which was converted to narrow the score to 12-16.
Tynedale, however, held out reasonably comfortable and indeed added to their score when Belgian converted a penalty into the teeth of the gale. In the final quarter Ben Duncan and Graeme Smith both were close to scoring as Tynedale dominated the closing stages.
REPLACEMENTS: M Woodhouse, D Herdman, G MacGilchrist, S Ridley
SCORERS: B Duncan - try, P Belgian - conv, 4 pens
Tynedale 28 v Fylde 6 (Half Time: 12-3)
Tynedale completed a clean sweep of victories in successive matches over the three sides above them in National Three (North) and as a result now stand in 2nd place!!
Fylde had the advantage of a stiff breeze in the opening half but despite periods of territorial advantage seldom looked likely to score in a keenly contested match. A penalty after only 6 minutes gave Fylde the early lead they were looking for but they then missed with two further efforts and their attacks generally lacked pace, imagination and incision and despite losing Peter Southern to the sin bin the Tyne defence held firm throughout the first half.
Tyne began to look dangerous as the half progressed and with half time approaching a quickly taken tap penalty from Ross Samson gave Hamish Smales the chance to show his electric pace as he streaked away from half way to score under the posts - Phil Belgian converting.
Fylde's tale of woe was not complete however as they then had two players yellow carded and Tyne took full advantage with Aaron Charlton scoring from a well engineered catch and drive to make the scoreline 12-3 at the turn around.
Tyne effectively wrapped the match up in the early minutes of the second half when Jamie Murray crossed wide out following further quick thinking from a tap penalty. Fylde's efforts to get back into the match were restricted to a single penalty and after 50 minutes Jamie Murray scored his second try wide out, demonstrating his agility and athleticism in the process.
Belgian then stretched Tyne's lead with a penalty and an impressive drop goal to make the score 28-6 with quarter of the match still to play.
With the contest over Fylde dominated posession throughout the final 20 minutes but rarely looked likely to score with Tyne's well organised defence coping comfortably with everything the visitors had to offer.
REPLACEMENTS: R Herdman, D Herdman, M Woodhouse, M Fieldhouse
SCORERS: H Smales - try, A Charlton - try, J Murray - 2 tries, P Belgian - conv, pen, drop goal
Blaydon 10 v Tynedale 24 (Half Time: 10-12)
Tynedale opened up the top of the league with a bonus point victory over table toppers Blaydon and gained some form of revenge for their early season howler at Tynedale. In a tension packed match the rugby was not always pretty but Tyne did more than enough to control and then better a big home side.
Blaydon opened the scoring with a try but Tyne refused to be dominated and their extra sharpness across the whole team was rewarded with tries from Ross Samson and Ben Duncan. During the first half Blaydon did not help their cause having to play two periods with 14 men after losing players to the sin bin. Blaydon came right back into the match on the stroke of half time with a strong catch and drive try .
The second half saw Tynedale's defence hold everything Blaydon had to offer and finished the match strongly with a second try for Samson and a bonus point try for Hamish Smales.
REPLACEMENTS: R Herdman, D Herdman, G MacGilchrist,S Breerton
SCORERS: R Samson - 2 tries, B Duncan - try, H Smales - try, W Massey - 2 conv
Tynedale 34 v Rugby Lions 17 (Half Time: 7-10)
Tynedale overcame 2nd placed Rugby Lions in a top of the table clash at Tynedale Park despite narrowly trailing at the interval.
Tyne played into a stiff breeze in the opening half and in the opening quarter the teams looked evenly matched with neither side gaining any noticeable advantage. Tyne threatened occasionaly to break through and a well organised Lions team had their periods of pressure.
The first scoring opportunity fell to Lions who missed with a drop goal after 14 minutes but the visitors took the lead on 22 minutes with a try from a well worked 5-metre lineout move. That score was quickly levelled when returning skipper Phil Belgian outflanked the visiting defence to slip the ball inside to Jamie Murray for Tyne's opening try.
On the stroke of half time Rugby kicked a penalty to gain a naarow half time advantage.
Tyne were soon in the ascendency in the second half and Paul Scott was hauled down when a try seemed likely. Tyne did level the scores after 14 minutes when Belgian kicked a penalty after a Tyne attack had been cynically checked. A second penalty minutes later eased Tyne into the lead for the first time and it was Tynedale who now looked stronger in all departments.
The inevitable second try came on 22 minutes after Jamie Murray and Grant Rastall, who with Andrew Murray formed an excellent back row, had broken through the visitors defence providing the opportunity for Ben Duncan to score - Belgian again converting.
After 29 minutes strong pressure on the visiting fly half presented Hamish Smales with his first try and it was Hamish who scored the bonus point fourth try when he picked up a loose ball deep inside his own half to scorch away almost unopposed.
Rugby perhaps had their best chances in the closing minutes and were rewarded when they scored from a quickly taken tap penalty.
REPLACEMENTS: R Holroyd, M Fieldhouse, G MacGilchrist, D Herdman
SCORERS: H Smales - 2 tries, B Duncan - try, J Murray - try, P Belgian - 4 convs,2pens
Tynedale 37 v West Park St Helens 6 (Half Time: 5-3)
Tynedale progressd into the 4th round of the EDF Energy National Trophy with a comfortable victory over West Park St Helens.
Tyne played into a cold stiff wind in the first half but only rarely did the visitors threaten the Tyne line. It was in fact Tynedale, playing with the majority of possession, who always looked the more likely scorers but their slick handling resulted in only a single first half score as the visitors tackled well and Tyne made incorrect judgements on several occasions when a score looked likly.
The match remained scoreless until the 27th minute when Hamish Smales crossed for a try after good work from Jamie Murray and Peter Souithern. West Park eventually got onto the scoreboard in first half stoppage time when they converted their third penalty opportunity.
The second half was again all Tynedale but this time the scoreboard was kept moving. Mike Woodhouse scored the first try after 5 minutes when he darted over after some incisive play from Robin Holroyd. West Park then hit back with their second penalty but two penalties from William Massey in the next five minutes gave a 18-6 scoreline.
On 21 minutes a well executed move from the back of the scrum gave resulted in Massey speeding over and this was quickly followed by an excellent try for Jamie Murray after Massey, Woodhouse and Jack Harrison had made major contributions.
The final score came with 5 minutes remaining when some fine play from the impressive Paul Scott resulted in Mike Woodhouse diving over for his second try.
REPLACEMENTS: B Milburn, S Ridley, S Breerton, R Herdman
SCORERS: H Smales - try, M Woodhouse - 2 tries, J Murray - try, W Massey - try,3 convs, 2 pens
Darlington MP 37 v Tynedale 29 (Half Time: 10-18)
Tynedale's eight match winning run came to an end in a high scoring match in which both sides scored five tries. With several backs away at the 'Dubai Sevens' Tyne again made several changes behind the scrum.
Playing into the elements in the opening half Tynedale at times played some impressive rugby but unfortunately the good was interspersed with the bad as the the home side were given what can best be described as 'soft' scores.
Tynedale scored first when Simon Allen finished off some impressive play after 21 minutes and although DMP came back with a penalty it was Tynedale who led 5-3 after 25 minutes.
A further first half penalty and two tries, the second on the stroke of half time, gave the hosts a 18-10 interval advantage with Matthew Fieldhouse scoring Tyne's second try.
Ross Samson scored after 6 minutes of the second period with Andrew Murray converting but DMP then bossed the next 15 minutes, scoring two further tries to extend their lead. Tyne then came back into the match and were rewarded with tries from Ross Samson, after 26 minutes and a second Fieldhouse converted try after 33 minutes. The critical score, however, came in the dying minutes with the score at 29-30 and Tyne pressing hard for the winner when a chip ahead close to the DMP line was intercepted by a defender who was able to sprint away unopposed for a score under the posts.
REPLACEMENTS: P Scott, G MacGilchrist, D Herdman, J Fieldhouse
SCORERS: S Allen-try, M Fieldhouse - 2 tries, R Samson - 2 tries, W Massey - conv, A Murray - conv
Leicester Lions 8 v Tynedale 16 (Half Time: 0-8)
Tynedale continues their winning run with a solid if unspectacular victory in difficult waterlogged conditions.
Playing into the wind in the first half Tyne were quickly off the mark with William Massey converting a penalty after only 5 minutes. Tyne continued to hold the upperhand and scored a try after 22 minutes through Hamish Smales but they failed to capitalise on their territorial advantage and went in at half time with a slender 8-0 lead.
After the interval the home side quickly hit back with a penalty after only 2 minutes and worse was to follow when the home side broke away from deep inside their own half for an unconverted try to bring the scores level with 30 minutes to play.
Tynedale always seemed to hold the advantage however and within 5 minutes were back in the lead when Rob Vickers finished off some strong forward play. Massey's second penalty regained the 8 point advantage but despite their general dominance Tyne were unable to add to their points tally.
REPLACEMENTS: D Herdman, G Rastall, A Charlton, B Marshall
SCORERS: H Smales - try, R Vickers - try, W Massey - 2 pens
Rugby Lions 12 v Tynedale 23 (Half Time: 9-13)
2nd Round of EDF National Cup
A much changed Tynedale side, with only six of last week's starting team in the line-up, recorded a fine victory in the 2nd round of the EDF Energy National Trophy against table topping Rugby Lions, who themselves were without several regulars.
Tyne gained the perfect start when Jamie Murray broke from halfway to put Jack Harrison in for the try after only 5 minutes - Will Massey converting. Playing with a wind advantage and a slope Rugby came back with two quick penalties to narrow the margin to a single point.
Tyne responded and their pressure was rewarded with two Massey penalties before Lions kicked a penalty of their own to make the score 13-9 to Tynedale at the interval.
Lions started the second period strongly and again narrowed Tynedale's lead to a single point with a penalty after only 8 minutes. Tyne then took a stronger grip on the game and Rupert Neville celebrated his return to the side with a try wide out following some fine threequarter play after 50 minutes
Five minutes later the match was sealed when Hamish Smales put Massey in at the corner.
REPLACEMENTS: J Fieldhouse, S Breerton, S Ridley, G MacGilchrist, A Ions
SCORERS: J Harrison - try, W Massey - try, R Neville - try, W Massey - conv,2 pen
Tynedale 34 v Preston Grasshoppers 8 (Half Time: 22-8)
Tynedale continued their recent fine run of form to score a convincing win over recent league leaders Preston and consequently jumped above them into third position.
Hoppers won the toss and elected to play into a strong wind and Tynedale quickly got off the mark when Phil Belgian converted a 40 metre penalty after only 3 minutes. Unfortunately for Phil, and Tynedale, he suffered a recurrence of his hamstring injury after only 7 minutes and had to be replaced.
Tyne attacked repeatedly in the opening period and were eventually rewarded when the visiting defence ran out of numbers and Jack Smales scored the opening try. Within a couple of minutes Preston replied with a try scored with what was thought to be ominous ease when they sliced through the middle of the home defence with their first real possession of the match - as it turned out this was probably Hoppers' only threatening move of the entire match!
Tyne restored their advantage after 25 minutes when Aaron Charlton finished off a strong line-out drive and on 35 minutes Smales showed his pace to finish in excellent style - Will Massey converting both to establish a reasonable 22-5 lead.
Close to the interval Hoppers kicked a penalty to make the scoreline 22-8 and many wondered whether a 14 point advantage was sufficient considering the influence of the wind and whether Tyne would live to regret several missed first half opportunities plus two disallowed 'scores'.
The second period however saw Tynedale produce some excellent all round rugby and Hoppers only mangaged two brief sorties into the home 22. Tyne dominated all phases of the match and scored their bonus point try after 10 minutes when Paul Scott took advantage of some smart work by Mark Laycock and Will Massey to cross for a converted try.
It was Tyne who always looked the more likely scorers and it was Grant Rastall who sealed the victory with 5 minutes to go with a second line-out drive score.
REPLACEMENTS: D Herdman, G Rastall, R Vickers, B Marshall
SCORERS: P Belgian - pen, J Smales - 2 tries, A Charlton - try, W Massey - 3 conv, P Scott - try, G Rastall - try
Hull Ionians 6 v Tynedale 35 (Half Time: 6-3)
Tynedale continued their rich vein of form with a comprehensive victory at Hull. Playing into the elements in the opening half Tynedale generally had control in the opening exchanges and it was 15 minutes before the home side threatened when they converted a penalty to go into a 3-0 lead.
Tyne came quickly back and Phil Belgian levelled the scores with a penalty. From the restart Tyne had to scramble defensively after Hull had intercepted but the passage of play led to the home side's second penalty.
The period before half time was easily Hull's best but they failed to add to their 6-3 lead - hitting the post with one penalty attempt.
The second half was all Tynedale with the home scrum being dismantled with embarrasing ease as Tyne slowly turned the screw. Two early Belgian penalties gave Tyne a slender lead as Hull defended valiantly. On 63 minutes a strong forward drive coupled with slick handling gave Robin Holroyd the chance to score the first try of the match wide out.
Hull rarely entered the Tyne half throughout the second half and the second try came on 73 minutes following four successive 5 metre scrums with Ross Samson crossing for the try. The floodgates were now open and Will Massey, with a typical individual try, and Jamie Murray, capitalising on an overlap, ran in two late ries to gain the bonus point and seal an impressive victory.
REPLACEMENTS: D Herdman, R Herdman, R Vickers, B Marshall
SCORERS: R Samson-try, R Holroyd-try, J Murray-try, W Massey-try, P Belgian-3 conv, 3 pen
Tynedale 41 v Morley 14 (Half Time: 29-0)
Tynedale turned on the style for the second successive week with a six try trouncing of Morley in the National Cup - only 4 weeks after Tyne had suffered a heavy defeat at Morley in the league fixture.
Playing with the wind in the opening half it was important that Tyne opened up a reasonable gap and they got off to the perfect start when Morley failed to deal with a Gavin Beasley kick and Ross Samson shot over from the resultant 5 metre scrum - Will Massey converting.
The fine start was soon to be improved on as Grant Rastall latched onto loose ball immediately from the kick off and linked with Rob Vickers and Mark Laycock who fed the supporting Andrew Murray for the second try with only 3 minutes played.
Tyne continued to dominate with Morley never entering the home half and Will Massey slotted a penalty after 12 minutes to extend the lead. Two minutes later Mark Laycock scored after Gavin Beasley cut through the visitors defence - Massey converting for a 22-0 lead.
Morley then had their only decent period of the match as they, for the only time, managed to put together some controlled passages of play. The Tynedale defence however held firm despite losing the livewire Grant Rastall to the sin bin for what was a really innocuous "dangerous" tackle. Playing with only 14 players Tyne were still able to finish the half in style with Ben Duncan coming in off his wing in dynamic fashion to complete a well executed move with an excellent try to make it 29-0 at the interval.
The second period was only 3 minutes old when any ideas of a Morley comeback were extinguished with Scott Breerton scoring from a clever Andrew Murray pass after Gavin Beasley had taken play close to the Morley line with a seering 60 metre break.
The match then became very untidy with Tynedale giving away a wide array of penalties which were really a dissappointing Morley side's only means of advance in this particular game. The referee was having a 'stormer' and sin binned Ben Duncan for what seemed a 50-50 decision although he didn't tell anybody what it was for so nobody knows. Worse was to follow however when the unfortunate Grant Rastall was red carded for what looked like a very 'deserving' stamping incident.
Despite being down to 13 men Tyne still managed to defend against most Morley had to offer but the pressure eventually told and Morley scored a converted try on 22 minutes.
In the dying minutes the teams exchanged tries with Duncan running in a fine individual try from half way, demonstrating good strength, balance and pace.
This was a good win against a Morley side who will be dissappointed with their performance on the day. It was however disappointing and 'unreal' that in a match played in good sporting fashion before a decent crowd, with neither side raising a fist in anger, that we had to see yellow and red cards.
REPLACEMENTS: M Woodhouse, D Herdman, S Ridley, G MacGilchrist, R Herdman
SCORERS: R Samson-try, A Murray-try, M Laycock-try, B Duncan-2 tries, S Breerton-try, W Massey-4 conv, pen
Tynedale 53 v Cleckheaton 12 (Half Time: 26-7)
Tynedale gave perhaps their best performance to date this season with a seven try demolition of Cleckheaton.
Ironically Tynedale started badly and Cleckheaton crossed under the posts after only 4 minutes to take a seven point advantage. Tyne quickly responded and Jamie Murray continued his excellent run of form with tries on 9 and 12 minutes, both converted by Phil Belgian whose kicking was tremendous throughout.
Tyne continued to move the ball around in slick fashion and were rewarded with further tries from Jack Harrison after 23 minutes and Mark Laycock after 30 minutes - giving a comfortable 26-7 half time advantage.
The second half continued as the first left off with the impressive Ben Duncan scoring tries on 46 and 50 minutes before William Massey got in on the act with a try after 52 minutes.
There then followed a period of play which was out of context with the rest of the match as Cleckheaton were able to exert some pressure on Tynedale - who lost both Scott Breerton and Graeme Smith to the sin bin. Gallant 13 man Tynedale held out for a while but eventually Cleckheaton pressure told and they forced their way over for a consolation try after 78 minutes.
With Tynedale restored to 15 men they finished the match in the ascendency - Belgian kicking two penalties in stoppage time including one monstrous effort from a couple of metres inside his own half to seal an excellent victory and a fine display.
REPLACEMENTS: M Woodhouse, A Ions, R Vickers, G Rastall
SCORERS: J Murray-2 tries, M Laycock-try, J Harrison - try, B Duncan - 2 tries, W Massey - try, P Belgian-7 convs, 2 pens
Orrell 13 v Tynedale 17 (Half Time: 3-17)
Tynedale won a close match against botton club Orrell who may surprise a few teams this season with their recent overseas recruits bolstering their side.
Tyne started well with some purposeful attacks and after 13 minutes Jamie Murray scored his third try in the past 3 matches which was converted by returning skipper Phil Belgian.
Tyne were well on top at this stage, particularly in the scrums, and Belgian kicked a penalty on 18 minutes before converting Aaron Charlton's first try for 10 years.
On the stroke of half time Orrell hit back with a penalty to make the half time scoreline 17-3.
Orrell came right back into the match in the second half and scored unconverted tries after 53 and 70 minutes but Tynedale held on for a rather shaky victory.
REPLACEMENTS: R Herdman, B Milburn, R Vickers, P Scott
SCORERS: J Murray-try, A Charlton-try, P Belgian 2 conv,pen
Tynedale 23 v Macclesfield 20 (Half Time: 18-5)
Tynedale gained a much needed victory having to survive a nervous last few minutes in a match they should have had wrapped up at half time.
Tyne played with a strong wind in the opening half and largely dominated proceedings . Although scoring three tries however an 18-5 interval lead was unlikely to be secure and the scoreline was not helped be a woeful display of goalkicking with three conversions and a couple of reasonable penalty chances going wide.
Tyne took an early lead after 5 minutes with Jamie Murray crossing close to the posts and Will Massey added to the score shortly afterwards with Tynedale's one successful kick. After 28 minutes some weak tackling allowed Macclesfield to score a try from far out to bring the score back to 8-5.
As usual the opposition score inspired Tynedale and good work from Mark Laycock gave Ben Marshall the chance to score a try. This was quickly followed by Will Massey finishing off a deft handling move to make the score 18-5. With a strong wind to face in the second half Tyne's lead however was far from secure.
Macclesfield narrowed the gap after 13 minutes with a penalty but Tyne extended their lead again shortly afterwards when Mike Woodhouse finished off a well worked try.
In the final quarter Macclesfield applyed all the pressure but generally lacked the necessary guile to break through. . They still, however, forced their way over for two late mauled tries with the second coming 4 minutes into injury time. Tyne held out in the dying minutes for a deserved but narrow victory.
REPLACEMENTS: R Herdman, B Milburn, S Ridley, P Scott
SCORERS: J Murray-try, B Marshall-try, W Massey-try,pen M Woodhose-try
Morley 30 v Tynedale 12 (Half Time: 10-7)
A dissappointing away trip for Tynedale who were always chasing the game against a big Morley outfit. The first 37 minutes of the opening half was scoreless with Tynedale missing a couple of try scoring opportunities as well as two relatively easy penalty chances.
With only 3 minutes of the first half left it was Morley who took the lead when they made Tyne pay for their misses with a converted try . Tyne quickly responded with Jack Harrison finishing off an enterprising handling move, Will Massey converting to level the scores only for Morley to convert a long range penalty on the stroke of half time to take a narrow three point lead.
The second period was a largely forgetable half for Tyne with Morley extending their lead with a couple of penalties on 54 and 57 minutes. Tyne again came back with a well worked try from Jamie Murray after 62 minutes which was not converted to make the score 16-12.
Five minutes later however the home side took the match away from Tyne with their second converted try and they scored their third converted try in the dying minutes to win by a rather flattering 18 point margin.
REPLACEMENTS: M Woodhouse, A Ions, S Ridley, R Herdman
SCORERS: J Harrison - try, J Murray - try, W Massey - conv,A Murray - pen
Tynedale 25 v Darlington 13 (Half Time: 19-13)
Tynedale opted to kick into the breeze in the opening half and soon found themselves 3 points down after Darlington conveted an early penalty. Tynedale came roaring back however and Phil Belgian made the break which allowed the supporting Stewart Johnson to pick up and force his way over after only 6 minutes. Unfortunately this proved to be Belgian's last part in the game as he limped off with hamstring problems.
Darlington then pressed Tyne back and only a simple handling error denied them what seemed a certain try before a series of forward drives cretaed the space for a try under the sticks to give the visitors a 10-5 lead with 17 minutes gone.
The Darlington score however again inspired Tynedale and 2 minutes later came what will be one of the tries of the season when Jack Smales countered from his own half and weaved his way through half the Darlington side with a devasting display of balance and speed to touch down for what was a very fine individual try (anything Hamish can do!!!).
The score seemed to take some of the wind out of Darlington and Tyne threatened on several occasions before Smales finished off some fine handling for his second try - Andrew Murray converting for q 19 - 10 lead. The visitors came back before the interval and converted their second penalty to bring them within a single score at the interval.
The second half was unfortunately a largely forgettable with as a series of injuries, referee/touch judge initiated 'timeouts' and mistakes taking any flow from the match.
Darlington never really threatened to break through Tynedale's defence as they repeatedly hit a solid wall and struggled to make any inroads into the Tynedale half of the field.
A penalty after 26 minutes effectively secured victory and Gavin Beasley's late drop goal helped to create a more realistic scoreline.
REPLACEMENTS: M Woodhouse, T Gradwell, P Southern, S Breerton
SCORERS: S Johnson - try, J Smales - 2 tries, A Murray - conv, pen, G Beasley - conv, drop goal
Fylde 14 v Tynedale 14 (Half Time: 8-14)
A patched up Tynedale side travelled down to Fylde and gave a very spirited performance and were good value for their draw with only an arithmetic error from the day's kicker, Will Massey, denying us victory with the very last kick of the match.
Fylde took an early 8 point advantage but with Tynedale's forwards competing strongly we forced our way back into the match and were rewarded before the interval with two converted tries from Stuart Johnson and Will Massey.
Fylde had us under periods of pressure in the second period but it was Tyne who created the majority of chances which unfortunately for us were not taken.
Fylde levelled with two penalties but with the final kick of the match Will Massey had a relatively straightforward opportunity to take victory with a penalty. As Will lined up his kick he asked the ref how long there was left. The ref told Will that this was the final play - Will then (wrongly thinking Tyne were 14-13 ahead) blasted the ball out of play (nowhere near the posts) to ensure that the ball didn't rebound from the posts allowing Fylde one last counter!!! I think this incident may be the source of a little bit dressing room banter for the foreseeable furture!
REPLACEMENTS: R Herdman, A Ions, M Fieldhouse, S Breerton
SCORERS: S Johnson - try, W Massey - try, 2 conv
Tynedale 18 v Blaydon 37 (Half Time: 6-22)
Local rivals Blaydon gained revenge for last season's result when they recorded a comfortable victory over a sadly under-performing Tynedale side.
The match was over as a contest by half time as Blaydon capitalised on their all round superiority on the day as Tyne failed to control the match in the forwards whilst their handling repeatedly let them down in the backs.
Blaydon took an early lead with a try and although Phil Belgian replied with a penalty it was Blaydon who posed the greater threat and in a stunning 20 minute period effectively wrapped up the match with three further tries a and a penalty.
Tyne's cause was not helped by injuries to Ben Duncan, Phil Belgian and Dan Herdman and it was certainly a day when nothing went right for the home side.
The second half was a better performance (it had to be) and Tyne did finish the match with two well worked tries for Cameron Johnston and Paul Scott as belatedly the handling began to stick.
SCORERS: C Johnston - try, P Scott - try, P Belgian - 2 pens,1 conv
West Park St Helens 25 v Tynedale 34 (Half Time: 11-20)
Tynedale started the new season with a valuable away win at league newcomers West Park although the performance was not to the standard expected.
Tyne took an early lead after only 2 minutes when Graeme Smith intercepted a loose pass and sped in from half way - Phil Belgian converting. A useful looking Park were soon right back in the match with two penalties before Belgian gave Tyne a 10-6 advantage with his first penalty.
Park, playing against the elements in the opening half, took the lead when their winger crossed but debutant Tyne back Mark Laycock scored a fine individual score close to the interval to make it 20-11.
The second period continued in an end-to-end fashion with Belgian increasing Tyne's lead before Park had a strong period scoring two converted tries.
Fortunately Tyne took control in the last 10 minutes with 3 penalties from Belgian and a try from Paul Scott to seal the win.