Tynedale Grasshoppers a name that was synonymous with the Northumberland Junior Cup in the 90’s is back on the trophy.
Victory in the final at Ponteland came thanks to a display of fast flowing and open rugby rarely seen at this level. Alnwick it seemed had trawled the North Northumberland coast for the biggest and most experienced rugby players available and were able to boast a combined pack weight of over 150 stone. Tynedale in contrast had an average age of only 22 and were seriously lacking in size throughout the team.
It was however the Tynedale pack that made the initial impact after only three minutes, when a series of recycled phases led to Andrew Neal taking the ball deep into Alnwick territory and recycling for Ross Gray to score. Gray added to this with a wonderful chip through a mere four minutes later to give Tyne a 12 - 0 lead only seven minutes in.
This woke the Alnwick forwards up and for the next 20 minutes they enjoyed total control, crashing ball after ball in up front only being stopped by the mammoth tackling of the Prices and the dogged resistance of Riddell putting in tackle after tackle. Eventually the pressure told and the lines broke as Hills touched down for Alnwick to complete a forwards’ move.
Alnwick may well have viewed this as a lifeline but the re-start found its way to Day within his own 22 and he turned on the gas, leaving Alnwick players in his wake to score an 80 metre try. Disheartened Alnwick reeled and Tynedale stepped up a gear, passing the ball sublimely with Horncastle not allowing the ball into contact and Gray and Sedgewick turning the Alnwick defence every time Tyne got the ball.
Again the ball came out to Gray, who kicked ahead, putting the full back under pressure. He was closed down in turn by Paolo who through the ferocity of his tackle caused a spillage of the ball. Riddell was fastest to react and supported by Baty he was able to score under the posts.
Now the Hoppers were truly dominating and three minutes later Rutherford crashed a ball in tight. It was recycled and Horncastle played in Price who again made good yards. This opened up a wide gap and again Tyne distributed with ease out to Baynes. He made his way through to the 22 and played back inside to Crosby who beat the last man with an unselfish pass to Sedgewick who finished a great team try.
Tynedale settled in for the half time break but a rare mistake gave possession back to Alnwick forwards. Under the sweltering sun maybe the break was in Tynedale’s minds as they buckled under the sheer weight of the Alnwick forwards who ultimately scored. With the heat taking its toll Captain Neal made two changes at half time and continued this policy throughout the second half, using all six substitutes. This proved to be a key factor in stopping any Alnwick resurgence as their reluctance to use subs left 15 very tired pairs of legs on the field at the finish.
The second half began much as the first had gone. Tynedale continued to invite Alnwick forward and contained them with some ferocious tackling. The Hoppers counter attacked with pace and skill not allowing Alnwick a chance to defend. It was from a fast counter attack that Tyne stretched their lead to 31 points with the try of the match. First Price broke clear, before passing inside for Baty to take up the play. He popped the ball up for Rutherford who was ably supported by Stewart, who went to ground under a tackle. Horncastle moved the ball on immediately to Davison who played Sykes back inside. Sykes nearing the line was about to be halted when he passed back to Howe who looked likely to score after side-stepping the fullback but he unselfishly played the ball back to Sykes who was in the perfect position to register the the try of the match.
The try had come from a total of 12 passes without a tackle from the opposition!
A disconsolate Alnwick battled on under the blazing sun and were able to add two late tries to earn respectability through Pool and Grey. However, the outcome was confirmed when in true Hoppers style substitutes Tyler and Barlow broke the gap and Tyler popped the ball up inside the last man to Stewart, who broke through a desperate tackle on the half way line to complete the rout with a 60 yard try.
The celebrations lasted well into the night and the name of Tynedale Grasshoppers sits proudly back on the cup where it belongs. In collecting the cup, Neal thanked his players for a memorable season which has seen the Hoppers rack up a record of 30 wins and only seven defeats and which ended on such a high note with possibly the best performance in the history of the Hoppers.
Special mention should also go to John Fletcher who has won the player of the year award for the Hoppers but due to breaking his hand in the semi-finals was unable to play.
Other award winners were Robert Sedgewick for leading try scorer and James Robinson for most valuable player.