Tynedale 23 v Hawick 30
Tynedale lost their final game of the Millennium when old rivals Hawick staged a strong second half comeback to take the spoils, Tynedale looked the more likely side in the first period and took the lead when Jamie Murray finished off good play by Epeli Taione and Alan Moses. Hawick were always dangerous and their speedy left winger cossed after they had earlier kicked a penalty. Tynedale still however seemed in charge and Moses kicked two penalties before Scot Ferguson finished off a superb break by Taione to make it 16-8 at half time.
Tynedale rang the changes at half time but struggled to get into the game for most of the second half - winning only limited possession and giving away far too many penalties. Hawick scored three tries with their fly half looking particularly dangerous. Tynedale raised their game in the last 15 minutes and Ian Donkin scored after considerable pressure. With Tynedale now in the ascendency another score looked likely but Hawick hung on.
TEAM: J Shotton(P Rigby), S Ferguson, E Taione, J Fletcher, A Moses, J Robertson, I Donkin, R Parker, E Parker(A Charlton), P Winter(P Southern), K Johnson(M Lee), C Short, A Robson(C Johnston), J Murray, S Otuvaka Reps: P Rigby, C Johnston, P Southern, A Charlton, M Lee Scorers: Murray - try, Ferguson-try, Donkin-try, Moses-2 pen, 1 conv
Tynedale 27 v Bradford & Bingley 9
Tynedale completed the first half of their league campaign with a 100% league record when they overcame Bradford & Bingley in difficult conditions at Tynedale Park. Tynedale started strongly but spurned several scoring opportunities with Alan Moses having a complete off day with the boot. Although Tynedale had the vast territorial advantage in the first half it was Bradford who took the lead after 11 minutes with a penalty.
Tynedale came straight back and Richard Cramb won the race to touch down his own astute kick. Although Tynedale continued to press it was the 'B's who regained the lead after ill discipline allowed them an easier penalty which they duly accepted. It seemed at this stage that Bradford had to score first to give Tyne that extra impetus as immediately Tynedale were awarded a penalty try after the Tynedale pack had gone for the pushover. The half time score was 12 - 6 to Tynedale with heavy snow now beginning to fall and conditions worsening.
Tynedale got off the mark early in the second half when Cramb dropped a goal after a period of pressure. The game then swung back to Bradford and they converted a penalty to make the score 15-9. At this stage Tynedale - with complete dominance at the set scrums - had ample opportunities to sew the game up but spurned each one. Tyne 's failure to score seemed to spur the B's and for the next 15 minutes they dominated possession and territory but without really threatening to score. Tynedale raised their game in the last ten minutes and sealed the victory with two late pushover tries for Simon Clayton-Hibbot to underline their vast scrummaging superiority.
TEAM: G Mason, S Ferguson, E Taione (J Fletcher), G Fleming, A Moses, R Cramb, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher (R Parker), E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, R Taylor, A Robson, J Murray, S Otuvaka (M Lee) Reps: J Fletcher, R Parker, M Lee Scorers: R Cramb - drop goal, try, Moses - conv, Clayton-Hibbott - 2 tries, conv, Penalty Try
Macclesfield 0 v Tynedale 14
Tynedale gained their first ever victory at Macclesfield to maintain their 100% league record for the season. In poor conditionsTynedale held the initiative for most of the first half with Richard Cramb opening the scoring with a drop goal.
Two penalties from Alan Moses were further reward for Tynedale's first half control. In the second half Tynedale had to weather periods of Macclesfield pressure but regained control in the last 20 minutes after Simon Clayton-Hibbott had scored a pushover try. Tynedale dominated the last quarter and were unlucky not to add to their score with their forwards well on top.
TEAM: G Mason, S Ferguson, E Taione, G Fleming, A Moses, R Cramb, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher, E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, R Taylor, S Bowen, J Murray, S Otuvaka Reps: J Fletcher, R Parker, M Lee Scorers: Cramb - Drop Goal, Moses - 2 pens, Clayton-Hibbott - try
Alnwick 15 v Tynedale 20
Tynedale dominated territorial wise and possession wise for long phases of this match but were relieved to clinch victory in the dying minutes after finding themselves 0-15 down at half time.
Alan Moses missed two early penalties before Alnwick converted their second attempt to take an early lead. Alnwick always competed strongly and were helped when two incidents of loose threequarter play presented them with two tries.
Tynedale's concentation was better in the second period and both wingers Moses and Craig Johnston ran in winger tries following good passages of play. With time ticking out Simon Clayton-Hibbott scored a pushover try to bring the scores level. Alnwick old boy Moses then completed a pleasing afternoon by converting the try to put Tyne in the lead for the first time and then in the last minute of the match clinching victory with a rare drop goal!
TEAM: S Ferguson, C Johnston, E Taione, J Fletcher, A Moses, J White, S Clayton-Hibbott, R Parker, E Parker, M Fletcher K Johnson, R Taylor, M Lee, J Murray, S Otuvaka. Reps: P Rigby, P Winter, P Hudson Scorers: Johnston - try, Moses - try, drop goal,conv, Clayton-Hibbott - try
Tynedale 42 v Middlesbrough 10
Tynedale gave a better but inconsistent performance to defeat a dissappointing Boro outfit. Tynedale opened the scoring within a minute when Ross Taylor won a good lineout ball from which the forwards drove well to allow Soa Otuvaka to get the touchdown. Straight from the kick off however lack of concentration allowed Boro the chance to kick a penalty to narrow the margin.
Tynedale were now playing some good flowing rugby and fine play by Gary Fleming gave Geoff Mason the chance to sprint under the posts after only eight minutes. Boro did get back into the game at times but the game was effectively sealed when good play by Epeli Taione and Mason gave Scott Fergson the opportunity to cross - 22-3 at half time.
In the second half some of the Tynedale play was untidy although they continued to dominate proceedings. Taione scored from a Mason kick ahead whilst on the stroke of time Simon Clayton-Hibbott scored from a pushover scrum. Boro scored a consolation try when a long loose pass was intercepted.
TEAM: G Mason, S Ferguson(C Johnston), E Taione, G Fleming, A Moses, R Cramb, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher(R Parker), E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, R Taylor, S Bowen, J Murray, S Otuvaka (M Lee). Reps: C Johnston, R Parker, M Lee Scorers: Otuvaka-try, Mason-try, Ferguson-try, Taione-try, Clayton-Hibbott-try, Moses-4conv, 3pen
Stockton 0 v Tynedale 14
Tynedale maintained their unbeaten league record with a comfortable victory at Stockton although never reaching the level of performance expected. With several injuries and unavailablilities the starting line up saw captain Simon Clayton-Hibbott starting at stand off.
Tynedale had to defend an early Stockton surge but after that Stockton rarely threatened although Tynedale themselved hardly threatened a deluge. Tynedale opened the scoring through Ian Donkin from a pushover after 20 minutes which Clayton-Hibbott converted. Tynedale added a second when Epi Taione took out several defenders to give Geoff Mason the scoring pass right on the stroke of half time.
The second half remained scoreless although Tynedale had the vast territorial advantage and Clayton-Hibbott missed two penalties from in front of the posts.
TEAM: G Mason, S Ferguson, E Taione, G Fleming, CJohnston, S Clayton-Hibbott, I Donkin(K Claughton), M Fletcher, E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, R Taylor, S Bowen(M Lee), J Murray, S Otuvaka (M Lee). Reps: K Claughton, P Southern, M Lee Scorers: Donkin - try, Mason - try, Clayton-Hibbott - 2 conv
Least said about this match the better - mistake ridden played in gloomy conditions before a sparse crowd.
Tynedale dominated for long phases and Morpeth never looked like repeating their victories of the two previous meetings between the clubs. After defending in their own 22 for the opening quarter Morpeth took the lead with a penalty. This briefly spurred Tynedale and a decent handling movement resulted in Scott Ferguson scoring a try to make it 5-3 at half time. A forgettable second half saw Alan Moses kick three penalties to one for Morpeth.
TEAM: P Rigby (A Crompton/A Grey), S Ferguson, E Taione, G Fleming, A Moses, J White, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher, E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, P Hudson, S Otuvaka, M Lee, A Murray. Reps: A Crompton, A Grey Scorers: Ferguson-try, Moses - 3 pens.
Tynedale 33 v Wigton 25 (league match)
Tynedale maintained their unbeaten league record in an exciting topsy-turvy encounter at Corbridge when they finished strongly after local rivals Wigton had led with only six minutes left.
Tynedale dominated most of the first half but only had a slender 15-12 lead to show for it as the Wigton scrum-half Bethwaite punished silly Tynedale mistakes by kicking all four of his penalty opportunities - two from the half way line. After Alan Moses had missed an early penalty opportunity Wigton took a tenth minute lead with the first of Betheaite's long range efforts. Tyne hit back strongly and scored two tries in the space of two minutes, both by Epeli Taione, who finished off some smart play by Tynedale. With Wigton seldom entering Tynedale's half it looked as if a surprisingly comfortable win may be on the cards. This was not to be however as Bethwaite kicked three consecutive penalties to tie the scores. Moses kicked a penalty for Tynedale shortly before the interval to give them their slender lead.
Bethwaite was quickly off the mark in the second half to bring the scores back level only for Tynedale pressure resulting in Taione getting his third try after only six minutes. Bethwaite punished further indiscretion by Tynedale before Wigton's own Tongan winger, Tupou, ran in for a fine interval try with Bethwaite converting from the touchline - 25-20 to Wigton with 20minutes remaining. At this stage Wigton were playing their best rugby of the match and had a chance to go further ahead when Bethwaite passed the wrong way with a man running free. Tynedale however slowly took a firmer control and Moses had three penalty opportunities of which he kicked two. The second, which put Tynedale back in the lead, came with only six minutes remaining and was from the halfway line.
With Wigton now chasing the game they fumbled the ball on half way allowing Cramb the chance to intercept and sprint home to seal a heartstopping victory.
TEAM: G Mason, S Ferguson, E Taione, J Fletcher (I Donkin), A Moses, R Cramb, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher, E Parker, P Winter (R Parker), K Johnson, R Taylor, S Bowen, J Murray, S Otuvaka (M Lee). Reps: I Donkin, R Parker, M Lee Scorers: Taione - 3 tries, Cramb - try, Moses - 3 pen, 2 conv.
Tynedale 56 v Westoe 20 (friendly)
Tynedale led after only two minutes with an Alan Moses penalty before Epi Taione scored a converted try two minutes later. Westoe held out well and scored a penalty of their own quickly followed by a converted try to bring the scores level after 25 minutes.
Tynedale raised things a gear and Taione scored his second try before Keith Johnson scored another. Westoe kicked a further penalty to make the half time score 22-13. The second half was all Tynedale with Soa Otuvaka crashing over for four tries, John Fletcher getting his first score of the season and Scott Ferguson scoring another. Westoe scored a late consolation try . A noteable replacement wes veteran prop Chris (Kong) Dixon who first played for the first team in 1975.
TEAM: P Rigby, S Ferguson, E Taione (S Hogg), J Fletcher, A Moses, S Clayton-Hibbott, A Brown, P Southern, E Parker (M Fletcher), P Winter (C Dixon), K Johnson, F Mitchell, S Bowen, J Murray (M Lee), S Otuvaka. Reps: S Hogg, C Dixon, M Fletcher Scorers: Taione - 2 tries, Otuvaka - 4 tries, Johnson - try, J Fletcher - try, Ferguson - try, Moses - pen, 4 conv
Blaydon 10 v Tynedale 32 (League Match)
Tynedale won with surprising ease at Blaydon and maintained their unbeaten league record. Tynedale never looked like losing this match after Alan Moses sprinted the length of the field to score after only two minutes after good play by Geoff Mason and Keith Johnson.
Epi Taione was spreading pacic in the blaydon defence whenever he was near the ball and it was no surprise when he cruised in for a try from distance after only ten minutes to make the score 12-0. A penalty from Moses increased Tyne's lead before Taione crashed through several Blaydon defenders to score his second - 22-0 at half time.
The second half was extremely scrappy and mistake ridden. Moses kicked an early penalty before the referee awarded Tynedale a penalty try from a scrum situation. With 25 minutes still to go a landslide looked a possibility but Tynedale's play never really came together and it was Blaydon who got a late consolation try on one of their few trips into the Tynedale half when Clarkson dived over the top of a maul to score.
TEAM: G Mason, S Ferguson, E Taione, J Fletcher, A Moses, R Cramb(A Brown), S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher (R Parker), E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, R Taylor, S Bowen, J Murray (M Lee), S Otuvaka. Reps: A Brown, R Parker, M Lee Scorers: Taione -2 tries, Moses-try,2 pen, 2 conv, penalty try
Hull Ionians 14 v Tynedale 19 (League Match)
Tynedale were hard earned deserved victors in this early season top-of-the-table clash. Tynedale had the best of starts and stormed to a 13-0 lead after exerting all the early pressure - Alan Moses kicking two and missing two penalties all in the space of ten minutes before Soa Otuvaka drove his way over for Tyne's only try after several others had gone close, Moses converting. Hull hit back before half time with a try by Redmond after a good threequarter movement and a penalty to make the half time score 13-8.
The second half was even with both sides having limited opportunities in what was at times a scrappy match played in a hostile atmosphere with the ignorant comments of several drink inspired spectators not adding to the occasion.
Hull converted an early penalty to close the gap but with 62 minutes gone Moses kicked a penalty for Tynedale only for Hull to set up a grandstand finish when they dropped a goal to make the score 14-16 with 16 minutes remaining. At this stage Tynedale came under pressure for the first time in the match and had to defend strongly to survive. Hull missed a penalty before Tynedale broke clear and Moses kicked his fourth penalty with only two minutes left on the clock.
TEAM: G Mason, S Ferguson, G Fleming, J Fletcher, A Moses, R Cramb, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher (R Parker), E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, R Taylor, S Bowen, J Murray (M Lee), S Otuvaka. Reps: D Gaule, R Parker, M Lee Scorers: Otuvaka-try, Moses conv,4 pens
Tynedale 49 v Driffield 19 (League Match)
Tynedale ended up convincing victors after Driffield ran out of steam in the second half. Early pressure from Tynedale failed to add any points and Driffield always looked dangerous on their rare excursions into Tynedale's half. After applying pressure on the Driffield line Tynedale were awarded a penalty after 19 minutes which Moses converted and he added a second 6 minutes later. Driffield hit back strongly and exposed some weak Tynedale defence to score a converted try to taje the lead 7-6.
Tynedale lifted the all round pace of their game and scored two tries shortly before half time. Jamie Murray did well to finish the first and Scott Ferguson scored the second, both converted by moses to make the score 20-7 at half time.
Driffield started the second half strongly but Tynedale defended well and gradually took greater control on proceedings. Simon Clayton-Hibbott ran strongly for a try after 13 minutes and this was followed 5 minutes later with a penalty try after Driffield offended as a scrum crossed their line. The game was effectively over after 23 minutes of the second half when Richard Cramb sped over but weak defence again allowed the Driffield centre to run the length of the field to score. Replacement scrum-half Andy Brown ran well for Tynedale's final try but Driffield came back in the dying minutes to cross from a line out drive.
Moses kicked a last minute penalty to make the final score 49-19.
TEAM: G Mason, S Ferguson(A Crompton), G Fleming, J Fletcher, A Moses, R Cramb, S Clayton-Hibbott(A Brown), M Fletcher, E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, R Taylor, S Bowen, J Murray, S Otuvaka(M Lee). Reps: A Crompton, A Brown, M Lee Scorers: Murray-try, Ferguson-try, Clayton-Hibbott-try, Cramb-try, Brown-try, Penalty Try, Moses 3 pens, 5 conv
Northern 11 v Tynedale 15 (League Match)
Tynedale retained top spot in North1 after holding off a strong challenge by local rivals Northern to gain a slighly fortuous victory. Tynedale took an early lead when Alan Moses converted a penalty after missing an earlier attempt. Although Tynedale had territorial advantage it was Northern who cut open the Tynedale defence to score a well worked try by Wilson after 20 minutes. Tynedale still looked the more likely side at this stage and Moses regained the Tynedale lead with a further penalty to make the half time score 6-5 to Tyne - a scoreline which did not reflect Tynedale's superiority at this stage.
The second half started well for Tynedale with Moses kicking three further penalties in the first ten minutes to make the scoreline 15-8 with Northern getting a penalty of their own. What was appearing a comfortable win for Tynedale suddenly changed as Northern hit back at Tynedale and almost completely dominated the last 25 minutes with Tynedale unable to sustain any play of their own.
As Northern pressed Tynedale were fortunate to see at least three glorious Northern opportunities go abegging with dreadfull handling errors and in the end Northern had to be content with a late penalty. Tynedale had to defend strongly and were delighted to hear the finlal whistle.
TEAM: G Mason, S Ferguson, G Fleming, J Fletcher, A Moses, R Cramb, S Clayton-Hibbott, M Fletcher, E Parker, P Winter, K Johnson, R Taylor, S Bowen, J Murray, S Otuvaka. Reps: A Crompton, A Brown, F Mitchell Scorers: Moses 5 pens
Tynedale 37 v Winnington Park 11 (League Match)
Tynedale got off to a slow start and found themselves 6-0 down after only 10 minutes with Park capitalising on some sloppy home play. The first half was closely fought with Tynedale getting back into the game with a try by flanker Johnson before Moses kicked a penalty to give Tynedale a slender lead. Winnington Park shocked Tynedale with a try of their own 5 minutes before half time but Jamie Murray quickly restored Tynedale's lead when he scored, Moses converting - half time score 15-11 to Tynedale.
The second half belonged to Tynedale and Winnington Park never threatened at all. Moses quickly extended Tynedale's lead with his second penalty before replacement Otuvaka scorched 40 metres down the touchline for a spectacular try. Jamie Murray added his second try before a beaten Winnington side conceded a late penalty try - final scoreline 37-11. Tynedale were forced to use all three replacements and Park had a forward sent off as the second half was marred by ugly incidents with John Fletcher being the target for a particularly brutal assault.
TEAM: S Ferguson, A Crompton, J White(G Fleming), J Fletcher(R Parker), A Moses, R Cramb, A Brown, M Fletcher, E Parker, P Winter, C Webb, R Taylor, A Robson(S Otuvaka), J Murray, K Johnson. Reps: G Fleming, R Parker, S Otuvaka Scorers: Johnson-try,Murray-2 tries, Otuvaka-try, Penalty Try, Moses-3 conv, 2 penalties.
Widnes 6 v Tynedale 34 (League Match)
Tynedale went into an early lead after only three minutes with a push over try by Jamie Murray and shortly afterwards Alan Moses kicked a penalty.
With Tynedale well on top against a mediocre Widnes side Richard Cramb kicked a fine 35 metre drop goal and with Tynedale dominating Scott Ferguson scored a try in the corner after good work by Andy Crompton shortly before half time.
In the second half Moses added another penalty before Chris Webb intercepted a loose pass on the Widnes 22 metre line to run in unopposed. Tynedale's new winger Andy Crompton then scored a fine winger's try in the corner before Moses kicked a final penalty.
TEAM: S Ferguson, A Crompton, J White, J Fletcher, A Moses, R Cramb, A Brown(I Donkin), M Fletcher, A Charlton, P Winter, C Webb, K Johnson, A Robson, J Murray, C Short. Reps: I Donkin, P Souther, R Taylor Scorers: Ferguson-Try, Webb-Try, Crompton-Try,Murray-Try, Cramb-Drop Goal, Moses-1 conv, 3 penalties
Bridlington 36 v 22 Tynedale (Tetley Bitter Cup - Prelim. Round)
Tynedale's hopes of another extended cup run in the lucrative Tetley Bitter Cup were ended when a rejuvinated Bridlington side deservedly won a high scroring match.
Tynedale gave themslelves a mountain to climb when they conceded a converted try in the first minute when the Bridlington fly half broke from quick lineout ball to expose flimsy tackling and put his number 6 over.
Tynedale did retaliate but their play was riddled with early season errors and to make matters worse they contrived to concede an abundance of early penalties. Although Moses did miss a relatively easy penalty chance Bridlington capitalised on a series of penalties to score their second try from a lineout drive after only nine minutes to make the score 12-0.
Tynedale's play began to improve with Brown making several promising breaks before Moses kicked a penalty after 18 minutes to get Tynedale on the board. Although Tynedale began to gain more possession and now had territorial advantage but they were unable to break through and errors continued. Moses kicked two more penalties but 'Brid' responded with a two penalties of their own and scored their third try when again Tynedale's wafer thin defence was exposed. 23-9 at half time.
Tynedale commited the same basic errors at the start of the second half and they conceded another penalty conversion with the half only three minutes old.
>At last Tynedale began to gain some control and authority although some of their decision making was very dodgy - insisting on attempting fancy threequarter moves on their own ten metre line from slow first phase ball when a well directed kick would surely have put 'Brid' under some form of pressure and given Tynedale the position and platform they needed. Just to prove a point Tynedale scored with ease from such a kick when Mitchell crossed from a lineout - Moses converting. With Tynedale now in the ascendency Moses kicked two more penalties to make the scoreline 26-22 with sixteen minutes on the clock. Even the 'Brid' faithfull now anticipated further scores and a Tynedale victory - but not to be. Tynedale conceded another penalty conversion after a further schoolboy error and effectively lost the game with ten minutes remaining when old boy Kieran Lawry intercepted an unnecessary long wild Tynedale pass to sprint upfield. Although Kieran was well tackled the 'Brid' enthusiasm/spirit was shown as two of their players were in close support to force the clinching try.
The main lesson from this match was perhaps to be taken from Bridlington - who showed how discipline, a sensible/simple/effective game plan and team spirit combined to transform last season's rag bag of a side into a force to be reckoned with.
TEAM: S Ferguson, A Moses, J White, J Fletcher, M Walton, R Cramb, A Brown, M Fletcher, E Parker(A Charlton), P Winter(R Parker), F Mitchell, K Johnson, A Robson, J Murray, C Short. Reps: P Rigby, J Coultas, I Donkin, R Parker, A Charlton Scorers: Mitchell-Try, Moses-conv, 5 penalties