Tynedale 22 v Fylde 7 (Half Time: 15-0)
Match Sponsor: The John Lewis Partnership (inc Waitrose)
Tynedale overcame the league's form side Fylde to maintain their excellent 100% home league record and ensure that 'Celebration Day' could go off in style.
It is worthwhile mentioning that the Tynedale lineup for the final match of what has been a truly marvellous season was a typical Tynedale league squad and contained no fewer than 12 players who have come through the Tynedale youth system. It is unlikely that any other club in National League rugby can boast such a statistic and something of which the Tynedale club is very proud.
Tyne played with a strong, biting easterly wind in the first half and got off to a perfect start. Several early forward drives had Fylde on the back foot and when the ball was released to the backs Ben Duncan came in off his wing to score virtually unopposed - Phil Belgian converted for a 7-0 lead with only 2 minutes on the clock.
Tyne continued to dominate the early exchanges and were rewarded after 5 minutes with a successful Belgian penalty. Tynedale's aggressive play on the gain line was effective throughout the match in both defence and attack and Gavin Beasley almost jinked his way over for a second try.
After 20 minutes Fylde began to show their own attacking threats and had a strong 15 minutes period during which they spurned several good try scoring opportunities. Fylde's main threats came from two pacey wingers and a lively scrum half but they did appear to lack creative ideas and ambition elsewhere.
Having weathered Fylde's storm Tyne came back strongly in the 10 minutes before half time with a strong Stuart Walker drive almost creating a Beasley try. Tyne then scored the important 2nd try in the 8th minute of first half stoppage time when Matthew Fieldhouse crossed wide out following a forceful Belgian break through midfield and some slick hands.
Tyne generally bossed the second half despite not having it all their own way in the scrums and lineouts. Fylde only threatened briefly but after 18 minutes of the half the speedy Fylde winger got on the end of a deft chip through for a converted try following some slack tackling wide out.
The Fylde score rather than set up a grandstand finish only seemed to spur Tynedale on as the home side took a firmer grip on the match. The score that sealed the victory came after 25 minutes when Jake White supported another strong Belgian break through midfield and stretched over for the try.
The remainder of the match was reasonably low key and then the party began as the club celebrated a truly remarkable season. A thank you to the Fylde players who overcame their own disappointment at the end of the match and stayed out in the biting cold wind to applaud the extended Tynedale presentations - well done lads.
But most of all well done to Tom Borthwick and all the playing staff who have all been just great - THANK YOU.
TEAM: J Smales, J White (James Rastall), Jack Harrison, P Belgian, B Duncan, Gavin Beasley, R Samson, P Southern (D Jupp), A Charlton, R Harden , S Walker, B Marshall (G Dunn), M Fieldhouse (G MacGilchrist), A Murray , G Rastall
REPLACEMENTS: James Rastall, D Jupp, G Dunn, G MacGilchrsit
SCORERS: B Duncan - try, M Fieldhouse - try, J White - try, P Belgian - 2 conv,pen
Tynedale 37 v Preston Grasshoppers 7 (Half Time: 25-0)
Tynedale largely dominated a stop-start match to win comfortably in awkward, greasy conditions at Tynedale Park.
Tyne played with the cold breeze at their backs in the first half and largely controlled events throughout. The ever impressive Tim Swinson opened the scoring after only 3 minutes when he powered over from close in following a sweeping handling movement from half way with Tom Vickers and Grant Rastall prominent.
Tyne continued to attack and Rob Miller extended the lead with two penalties after 6 and 10 minutes.
Hoppers couldn't break Tyne's stranglehold on the match and never threatened as an attacking force throughout the first half as their limited possession was turned over with relative ease.
It was Tyne's fierce tackling which brought the next two tries as first Jack Harrison and then Grant Rastall seized on loose, forced passes to run in interception tries from near half way - making the score 25-0 at the interval.
The second half was a rather disappointing affair with the wintery showers, a spate of mistakes and regular stoppages combining to take any momentum or continuity out of the game.
Jonnie Williams crossed from a line-out drive after 15 minutes of the half and Rob Miller sped over after 29 minutes following a scintillating Mark Laycock break from deep inside his own half.
Hoppers came more into the match as an attacking force in the last 10 minutes and scored a consolation try with only 2 minutes of normal time remaining.
TEAM: R Miller, W Massey (Jamie Harrison), Jack Harrison, M Laycock, B Duncan, Gavin Beasley, J Smales, J Williams (P Southern), R Vickers (A Charlton), R Harden , S Walker, B Marshall (M Fieldhouse), T Swinson, A Murray , G Rastall
REPLACEMENTS: Jamie Harrison, P Southern, A Charlton, M Fieldhouse
SCORERS: T Swinson - try, R Miller - try, 3 conv, 2 pens, Jack Harrison - try, G Rastall - try, J Williams - try
Beverley 7 v Tynedale 33 (Half Time: 0-26)
Tyne won their final away league fixture of the season with a convincing win over Beverley in a match played out in attrocious weather conditions.
Despite the poor conditions Tynedale's back were able to demonstrate some fast flowing rugby in the opening half - scoring four tries without reply. Tyne went into an early lead when Mark Laycock latched onto a deft kick through - Gavin Beasley converting.
Beverley then showed their defensive strength under pressure but after 20 minutes Jake White pounced on a mistake to score unopposed - Beasley again converting. Within minutes the home defence cracked again when some slick three quarter play was finished by Laycock for his second try of the match.
Shortly before the interval Ross Samson marked his return to the side with a fine individual try to make the half time score 26-0.
Conditions worsened in the second period but Tyne were quickly on the board again when White scored his second try. Beverley showed impressive character as the match progressed, defending strongly and winning their share of possession. A late consolation try was just reward for their efforts.
TEAM: W Massey, M Laycock, J Harrison, J White, B Duncan, Gavin Beasley, R Samson, P Southern (D Jupp), A Charlton, R Harden , S Walker (Beasley G), G Dunn, M Fieldhouse (D Gratton), A Murray , G Rastall (R Pender)
REPLACEMENTS: D Jupp, D Gratton, Grant Beasley, R Pender
SCORERS: M Laycock - 2 tries, J White - 2 tries, R Samson - try, G Beasley - 4 convs
Tynedale 21 v Hull Ionians 20 (Half Time: 14-6)
Tyne hung on to the narrowest of winning margins to maintain their unbeaten home record against a big, uncompromising Hull side.
Hull took an early lead with a penalty after only 5 minutes but Tyne hit back 10 minutes later when Jack Smales went over for his first try after a storming run from Ben Duncan had created the opportunity.
Within 3 minutes Tyne scored their second try when Smales split the visitor's defence with a typical speedy, swerving run before delivering the scoring pass to Duncan - Phil Belgain kicked his second conversion for a 14-6 advantage.
Hull were not overwhelmed by the two quick scores and kicked their second penalty on 25 minutes which left the scoreline 14-6 at the break.
Hull dominated possession in the second period against a home pack missing several of it's key, more physical of members.
The visitors scored their first try after 10 minutes following some strong forward play, a successful conversion cutting Tyne's lead to 14-13.
With 8 minutes remaining Smales shot over for his second try which Belgian converted to restore the 8 point gap. Hull, however, came straight back and scored a converted try of their own almost straight from the restart.
Tyne hung on over the closing minutes for an uncomfortable victory.
REPLACEMENTS: D Herdman, W Massey, Grant Beasley, T Lavelle
SCORERS: J Smales - 2 tries, B Duncan - try, P Belgian 3 convs
Morley 12 v Tynedale 12 (Half Time: 0-12)
Tyne started well against struggling Morley, who were desparate for a win to help in their battle against relegation. Despite poor conditions the ball was moved around well, only the final finish being missing on several occasions.
The first score did eventually go Tynedale's way when Jack Smales crossed for a try, Gavin Beasley converting. This was added to shortly afterwards when strong forward play resulted in a Matthew Fieldhouse try wide out.
Tyne failed to capitalise on their first half superiority and Morley would have been relatively happy with a 0-12 deficit .
The weather and the conditions worsened considerably in the second period and the big Morley pack began to assert themselves to good effect.
Morley forced their way back into the match with a converted try to bring the score back to 7-12.
With the last play of the match Morley crossed for a try to level the scores but then conspired to miss a relatively straightforward conversion attempt which would have given them a further 2 vital points in their fight against relegation.
REPLACEMENTS: D Jupp, G Dunn, D Gratton, R Pender
SCORERS:
Tynedale 32 v Rugby Lions 5 (Half Time: 22-0)
On a memorable day in the history of Tynedale Rugby Club the First XV turned on the style to gain the bonus point win which ensures they are champions of National Three (North) with still 5 games left to play. The only side to beat them this season to date, Rugby Lions, were simply blown away as Tom Borthwick's men homed in on the five point victory target.
Playing with a near gale-force wind at their back Tyne were quickly on the offensive and were rewarded with a Phil Belgian penalty after only 4 minutes. With Tyne's handling making light of the tricky conditions it wasn't long before the opening try arrived, Peter Southern scoring from close range with 10 minutes on the clock.
Tyne continued to ask questions of a well organised Lions defence and the second try came on 22 minutes when Rob Miller darted over wide out - Belgian kicking a tricky conversion for a healthy 15-0 lead.
Three minutes later Jack Smales sped over for the third try following good work from Grant Rastall but any thoughts of a landslide were dispelled by a resolute Lions side who saw out the remainder of the half with Tyne holding a healthy 22 point advantage.
The second half was played in similar fashion to the first with Tyne dominating possession and territory and Lions, who struggled to keep the ball for any length of time, not really posing any sort of threat.
The bonus point try was not long in coming - Micky Young nipping over after some forceful forward play with only 11 second half minutes played.
Eight minutes later the match was completely in Tyne's hands when Young scored his second after further dynamic forward play followed by slick hands presented the opportunity.
With three minutes left of normal time Lions did get a consolation try as Tyne's concentration slipped for one of the few times in the match. Upset by the Lions try Tyne came back straight from the kick off with two minutes of excellent inter-play which unfortunately came to nought with the final pass going astray. The ref blew his whistle and the celebrations began!
REPLACEMENTS: M Laycock, D Jupp, A Charlton, M Fieldhouse
SCORERS: P Southern - try, R Miller - try, J Smales - try, M Young - 2 tries, P Belgian - 2 conv,pen
Macclesfield 13 v Tynedale 19 (Half Time: 5-19)
Tyne closed in on the league championship with a shaky victory over lowly Macclesfield who had Tyne hanging on in the second half.
Tyne started well but it was Macclesfield who opened the scoring after only 5 minutes when a couple of strong forward drives paved the way for a try wide out.
Tyne reacted positively and were rewarded after 9 minutes when Rob Vickers scored from a well-worked lineout catch and drive - Phil Belgian converting to give Tyne a slender lead.
Tyne were now playing their best rugby of the match and Vickers scored his second try on 20 minutes - again converted by Belgian for a 14-5 lead. On 33 minutes Peter Southern scored an unconverted try to give Tyne a 19-5 half-time lead.
Any thoughts that the match was as good as won were quickly dispelled in the second half as the home side took the initiative and had the upperhand in many areas. They were rewarded with a try after 18 minutes and a penalty after 27 minutes but Tyne's defence held out for a nervous victory.
REPLACEMENTS: M Laycock, D Jupp, A Charlton, G Dunn
SCORERS: R Vickers - 2 tries, P Southern - try, P Belgian - 2 conv
1stXV 34 v West Park 3 (Half Time: 10-3)
Tynedale ended up with another bonus point victory despite struggling to play with any real cohesion in a stop/start disjointed match. West Park, whose ambitions seemed limited, repeatedly fell foul of the referee and as well as having two players yellow carded had a player given a straight red with 10 minutes of the match remaining.
Park took an early lead with a penalty after only 4 minutes but Tyne hit straight back and Phil Belgian levelled with a penalty 8 minutes later. Despite dominating for the remainder of the half further scoring was restricted to a Stuart Walker try after 36 minutes which Belgian converted for a 10-3 interval lead.
The second half was played in a similar vein to the first and all the scoring came in the final quarter of the match. Jack Smales crossed for two tries after 26 minutes and 34 minutes of the half and Robert Miller marked his break from England U20 duty with a try on 36 minutes. Gavin Beasley sealed the victory with a try in the final minute of normal time.
REPLACEMENTS: J White, P Southern, A Charlton, G Rastall
SCORERS: S Walker - try, J Smales - 2 tries, R Miller - try, G Beasley - try, P Belgian - 3 conv, pen
Leicester Lions 18 v 1stXV 34 (Half Time: 10-5)
Tynedale pulled off a convincing 5 point victory over second placed Leicester Lions to create a 20 point gap at the top of National 3 North.
On a lovelly spring-like day it was 'deja vu' in the opening minutes of the match when the Lions full back intercepted in his own 22 and ran through to score a converted try.
Tyne came back at Lions and were quickly rewarded when a deft kick from Gavin Beasley led to a Mark Laycock try wide out.
Tyne's play was unconvincing at times in the opening half and mistakes were in abundance. Tyne's discipline also began to suffer resulting in yellow cards for Ben Duncan and Tim Swinson. Despite their numeric advantage the Lions could only kick a penalty during this period and Tyne were relatively happy to turn around 5-10 down.
In the second half Tyne began to assert themselves and were rewarded when Swinson powered in under the posts from 40 metres - Phil Belgian converting fror a 12-10 lead.
During this period Tyne were dominant and good forward play resulted in a try for Andrew Murray which Belgian converted for a 19-10 lead. Belgian then kicked a penalty to extend the lead further.
Lions then kicked a penalty of their own but critically failed with other penalty attempts allowing Tyne to retain a two score advantage.
In the last 10 minutes Tyne wrapped up the match with two tries in quick succession from Swinson and Graeme MacGilchrist and Lions scored a try of their own to leave the final score 34-18.
REPLACEMENTS: J White, J Williams, M Fieldhouse, G MacGilchrist
SCORERS: M Laycock - try, T Swinson - 2 tries, A Murray - try, G MacGilchrist - try
1stXV 38 v Bradford & Bingley 9 (Half Time: 5-9)
Tynedale ended up comfortable winners over a rather disappointing B's side on a wet, windswept day at Tynedale Park.
Bradford elected to play with a strong wind in the first half but failed to put Tyne under any real pressure and only visited the home 22 metres area on a couple of occasions. In fact Tynedale, who dominated possession, were the team who always looked the more likely scorers with several slick handling moves only failing at the final hurdle.
It was the visitor, however, who took the lead after 11 minutes with a successful penalty kick after Tyne had been penalised at the scrum. The B's were in fact only kept in the game in the opening half by a string of penalties and free kicks awarded against Tyne for various technical offences.
Tyne hit back on 14 minutes when Mark Laycock initiated an attack with a jinking run, the ball was quickly recycled and slick hands put Matthew Fieldhouse over in the corner.
Tyne continued to spurn several half chances and were made to pay with the B's kicking penalties on 3 and 39 minutes to take an unlikely 9-5 half time lead.
Tynedale continued to dominate in the second period but this time there was no escape for the visitors with Tyne scoring a further five tries.
Tyne took the lead after 9 minutes of the half when Andrew Murray forced his way over from a No 8 pick up after a period of sustained pressure - Phil Belgian converting for a 12-9 scoreline.
Seven minutes later Fieldhouse scored his second try from a lineout drive - Belgian again converting.
A similar try was scored on 25 minutes with replacement Jonnie Williams scoring with his first involvement in the match.
Ben Duncan got the backs on the scoresheet when he crashed his way over after 36 minutes and Laycock scored the final try when he kicked through from half way and took full advantage of some 'awkward' bounces.
REPLACEMENTS: J White, G MacGilchrist, J Williams, D Jupp
SCORERS: M Fieldhouse - 2 tries, A Murray - try, J Williams - try, B Duncan - try, M Laycock - try, P Belgian - 4 convs
Darlington MP 14 v Tynedale 35 (Half Time: 7-14)
The big derby showdown proved a bit of an anti-climax as Tynedale dominated for most of the match and looked comfortable victors from a relatively early stage.
Sadly, the match was marred by a sickening double fracture of the leg sustained by Mowden's young second row Ciaran McNicholas. The injury occurred shortly before the interval and the match was held up for 35 minutes as Ciaran was carefully lifted into an ambualnce and taken to Darlington Memorial Hospital. Ciaran underwent an operation on Sunday 20th January and he is now recovering in Ward 11 - all at Tynedale wish him well and sincerely hope he makes a full and speedy recovery.
Tynedale started the match brightly but failed to capitalise on several good opportunities before Andrew Murray showed the way when he went over unopposed from a pick-up with 20 minutes on the clock. Phil Belgian converted - as he did all five tries.
Almost immediately, however, Mowden hit back and scored a try on their first real assault on Tynedale territory - converting to level the scores.
Tynedale continued to have the upperhand and it wasn't long before their seven point lead was restored with Jack Harrison crossing after some enterprising threequarter play.
The match was effectively over as a contest when Tyne scored two excellent tries within the opening six minutes of the second half - some skillfull, free-flowing rugby resulting in tries for Gavin Beasley and Rob Miller. Belgian converted both to make the scoreline 28-7.
After 11 minutes of the second half Mowden hit back and were awarded a try after a rare excursion into the Tyne 22 - the ref deeming that the Tyne scrum had offended and prevented a Park try!
Tyne however sealed a fine performance and an excellent result when Harrison scoring his second try with only 18 minutes of the second half played..
REPLACEMENTS: M Laycock, G MacGilchrist, J Williams, Grant Beasley
SCORERS: A Murray - try, J Harrison - 2 tries, R Miller - try, G Beasley - try, P belgian - 5 conv
Tynedale 10 v Manchester 22 (Half Time: 3-7) - (after extra time)
EDF Energy National Trophy - 4th round
Tynedale went down in extra time to National Two third placed side Manchester in what was a finely balanced match with both sides missing chances to finish the tie off in normal time.
The match was played in good conditions with hardly a breath of wind to spoil the occasion. Tyne started strongly but Manchester's forwards soon began to gain a hold on the match with their strong mauling game proving more than a handful for the home side who rested one or two key players.
Manchester missed a kickable penalty on 12 minutes but Tyne were never able to properly clear their lines amd after 16 minutes the Manchester driving maul crossed for the opening try although many doubted it's legality. The conversion was successful to make it a 7-0 advantage.
Tyne came back into the match with some enterprising running and handling from their backs with Jack Harrison and Ben Duncan to the fore and Jack Smales went close on a couple of occasions.
Manchester missed their second penalty on 25 minutes and were made to pay when Rob Miller kicked Tyne's first points with 30 minutes on the clock. As the interval approached Tyne's adventurous play was becoming ever threatening but the teams went in at half time with Manchester holding a 7-3 advantage.
Much of the second half was played in midfield with neither side able to gain dominance over their opponents. It was Tyne who took the lead with 15 minutes of the second half gone when Jack Harrison scored a try after the ball had been hacked through - Miller converting to give Tyne a 10-7 advantage.
Within 5 minutes the scores were tied however as Manchester converted their first penalty. It was Tynedale who, in the gathering gloom, now seemed the more likely winners with their various substitutions galvanising their efforts.
Miller had a difficult penalty chance on 27 minutes but the real drama was left until the last minute of normal time when Miller 'kicked for victory' but his penalty kick from a difficult position drifted just wide of the sticks and the match went into extra time.
The 10 minutes each way was perhaps somewhat of an anti-climax with Manchester capitalising on two Tynedale mistakes to score two tries within three minutes to seal the victory.
REPLACEMENTS: R Samson, D Jupp, R Harden, B Maddison, A Murray, J Williams
SCORERS: R Miller - pern, conv, J Harrison - try
Tynedale 29 v Caldy 6 (Half Time: 14-6)
Tynedale had to work hard against a strong, determined Caldy side to earn a bonus point victory - the fourth try coming in the final play of the match.
Tynedale played into a strong, cold, damp wind in the first half and after fending off early Caldy pressure scored a well worked try after only 4 minutes. Good hands and a strong Phil Belgian break up the middle of the field resulting in the ever-present Grant Rastall getting the touch down - Belgian making the difficult conversion to give Tyne an early 7-0 lead.
Caldy made good use of the elements to pin Tyne back in their own half and were rewarded with penalties after 9 and 19 minutes to pull the score back to 7-6.
Tyne's solid, well organised defence never really looked like being broken and the longer the half went on the more Tynedale threatened to break through the Caldy defence. After 30 minutes Tynedale scored their second excellent try with a strong run from Ben Duncan setting the move in motion followed by an excellent pick-up from Gavin Beasley who then looped around for the try. Belgian again was successful with a difficult conversion to make the score 14-6 at half time.
Tynedale kicked off with the elements in the second half and although dominating territorially throughout the third quarter had to settle for a 7th minute Belgian penalty - an uncompromising Caldy defence managing to repel anything Tyne could throw at them.
Just when the match seemed as if it was drifting away an inspired break from Ross Samson set up the situation from which Rupert Harden drove over for the third try.
Tyne then lifted the tempo looking for the bonus point try and were rewarded in the sixth minute of stoppage time when another strong Tim Swinson surge ended with an excellent individual break from Rob Miller , who scored under the posts.
REPLACEMENTS: D Herdman, J White, D Jupp, M Fieldhouse
SCORERS: G Rastall - try, Gavin Beasley - try, R Harden - try, R Miller - try, P Belgian - 3 conv,pen
Harrogate 3 v Tynedale 17 (Half Time: 3-12)
Tynedale secured their second successive away victory despite generally a below-par performance. On a dull, murky, drizzly day Tyne never dominated the opposition but restricted them to a single score.
Harrogate started well, pinning Tyne back and after 3 minutes were rewarded with a penalty which turned out to be their sole score.
From the restart Tyne played with intent and were rewarded when Rupert Harden crossed from a catch and drive with onlly 5 minutes on the clock.
After 11 minutes Tyne increased their lead when Mark Laycock won the race for the touchdown following Robert Miller's deft kick - Phil Belgian converting for a 12-3 lead.
Tyne's early lead suggested further scoring was inevitable but the play became rather disjointed and Tyne spurned a couple of resonable chances before the break to leave it 12-3 at the interval.
Harrogate began the second period on top and Tyne had to defend strongly to prevent a score. Once the storm was weathered Tyne looked comfortable without threatening and it was not until stoppage time that the third try was scored - Graeme MacGilchrist supporting Robert Miller for the touchdown.
REPLACEMENTS: D Herdman, M Young, S Walker, G MacGilchrist
SCORERS: M Laycock - try, R Harden - try, G MacGilchrist - try, P Belgian - conv
Preston Grasshoppers 15 v Tynedale 40 (Half Time: 3-23)
Tynedale produced a memorable performance to demolish third placed Preston Grasshoppers and gain some form of revenge for last season's critical reversal.
Tynedale were 'on-song' right from the start, at times producing some scintillating rugby which overwhelmed the hosts for long periods. Tyne pressed right from the kick off and only some careless handling prevented an early score. After 10 minutes some slick hands resulted in Mark Laycock crossing wide out for the opening score.
Tyne had the bit between their teeth and opted for penalties into the corner rather than kicks at goal with the tactic paying off after 18 minutes when Ross Samson darted over - Phil Belgian converting.
Three minutes later Hoppers opened their account with a penalty but Tyne still dominated with the forwards producing some first class ball and the backs looking razor sharp. Tyne's third try came on 35 minutes when Matthew Fieldhouse went through a gap in the lineout to score and Belgian converted a penalty on the stroke of half time to give Tyne a convincing 23-3 interval lead.
The only downer on an excellent half was another serious knee injury sustained by Ali Gray who could now miss the rest of the season having only returned this season from a lengthy layoff.
Any hopes of Hoppers getting back into the matchafter the break were killed off with tries from Fieldhouse and Tim Swinson in the opening 7 minutes of the second half to leave Tyne 33-3 ahead.
Hoppers then came into the match on 52 minutes with a well worked try and scored a second on 75 minutes with another good try to give the score some respectability. Tyne, however, had the last word when Samson scored his second try in the last minute of normal time to crown what was a fine all round team performance.
REPLACEMENTS: D Jupp, G Dunn, J White, G MacGilchrist
SCORERS: M Laycock - try, R Samson - 2 tries, M Fieldhouse - 2 tries, T Swinson - try, P Belgian - conv, 2 pen G Beasley - conv
Hull 8 v Tynedale 17 (Half Time: 8-0)
(EDF Energy National Trophy - 3rd Round)
Tynedale snatched victory in the dying minutes to deny Hull the chance to knock Tynedale out of the National Trophy for the second time in four seasons. The match was played in atrocious conditions with a cocktail of rain, sleet, wind and a freezing temperature making it no place for the feint hearted.
Hull had the slight advantage of the cross gale in the first half and opened the scoring after 16 minutes with a penalty. Tyne had two or three chances to open their account but were unable to finish. All things considered Tyne would have been relatively content with a 0-3 deficit but right on the stroke of half time a catch and drive from a five metre lineout resulted in a try which put a different complexion on matters - an 8 points lead in the conditions was a significant advantage.
Conditions worsened further in the second half but Tyne were generally able to assert themselves in most phases. In the 19th minute a fluent back move ended with Ali Grey going over in the corner - Gavin Beasley kicking the conversion to narrow the gap to a single point.
Tyne pressed harder but Hull defended well and in the dying minutes of normal time Gavin Beasley kicked a superb 45 metres penalty to take the lead for the first time. Hull's hearts were broken and a stoppage time try under the posts from Mark Laycock gave the impression of a relatively comfortable victory - which it certainly was not!
REPLACEMENTS: R Harden, T Lavelle, G Dunn, G Rastall, A Newnes, J Reekie
SCORERS: A Grey - try, M Laycock - try, G Beasley - 2 convs,pen
Tynedale 29 v Beverley 19 (Half Time: 24-9)
Tynedale comfortably overcame Beverley in a stop-start sort of game at Tynedale Park, scoring 5 tries in the process. On a raw, damp day Tyne looked impressive in short bursts but never sustained the level of play to which they aspire whilst Beverley battled gamely throughout without ever really looking likely to upset the league leaders - although the visitors somehow did win the second half!
Beverley opened the scoring after only 5 minutes with a penalty when Tyne's backs encroached at the lineout . Tyne quickly responded with a good try from Matthew Fieldhouse who picked a good line after penetrative play from Andrew Murray and Ross Samson.
Beverley were next to score after Tyne were penalised at a scum - an area which the referee rather harshly picked on Tynedale all game. Tyne however responded positively once again and a strong Graeme Dunn surge led to the ever alert Samson nipping over for a try - 14-6 with only 13 minutes gone!
After 22 minutes an exceptional run out of defence from Grant Rastall resulted in a Tyne 5-metre lineout which they capitalised on to great effect - Peter Southern claiming the try.
After this spurt of scoring the match became very scrappy and slow with numerous stoppages and a continual stream of penalties. Tyne did score a good try in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Southern showing classical rugby skills as he initiated a back move which Rob McDermott finished comfortably. Beverley still had time to convert their third penalty in the 47th minute of the first half to make it 24-9 at the interval.
After a mixed first half the second half can only be described as disappointing with the general tempo and continuity of the game dropping further. Beverley gave themselves hope of getting something out of the match with their fourth penalty after 11 minutes but the match was taken out of their reach with an excellent individual try from Rob Miller after 33 minutes when he sped over from half way.
Beverley did score a consolation try deep into stoppage time to reward their efforts.
REPLACEMENTS: P Belgian, D Jupp, G MacGilchrist, Grant Beasley
SCORERS: M Fieldhouse - try, R Samson - try, P Southern - try, R McDermott - try, R Miller - try, 2 conv
Hull Ionians 3 v Tynedale 8 (Half Time: 0-3)
Tynedale had to show their character and resolve to secure an excellent away victory against fourth placed Hull Ionians who had a 100% home record prior to the match.
The raw, wet conditions dominated the match with a strong crosswind making it very difficult for either side to play expansive rugby and both defences held the upper hand on the day.
Tyne had the crosswind slightly in their faces in the first half during which the hosts generally controlled proceedings with Tynedale being restricted to two or three attacks. Tyne's defence was solid throughout however and Hull's efforts were continually repelled.
Tyne did score with one of their few opportunities when Phil
Belgian converted a penalty after 30 minutes.
The second half was controlled almost totally by Tynedale with their scrum getting well on top as the match progressed and the one and only vital try came after 22 minutes from Ali Gray, who crossed in the corner after Tyne had made a mess of the home side's scrum.
Tyne held on relatively comfortably for a hard worked victory with the hosts securing a losing bonus point with a penalty in stoppage time.
REPLACEMENTS: A Newns, D Herdman, M Fieldhouse, G Dunn
SCORERS: P Belgian - pen, A Gray - try
Tynedale 17 v Darlington MP 11 (Half Time: 14-11)
(EDF ENERGY National Trophy - 2nd Round)
Tynedale progressed into the third round of the EDF ENERGY National Trophy with a close victory over local rival Darlington Mowden Park in what was generally a scrappy, untidy encounter.
Park played with a strong breeze behind them in the opening half and took the lead after 12 minutes with a penalty. Almost all of the play at this stage was in Tynedale's half but neither team managed much in the way of continuity as handling errors dominated.
Park did score again after 19 minutes when the ball squirted out of a scrum close to the Tynedale line giving Park the chance to cross for a try in the corner.
Tynedale responded in a positive fashion to this set back and for the first time managed to play the game in the opposition's half. They were rewarded after 28 minutes when a lineout steal close to the Park line and some incisive running from Ali Gray resulted in Rob McDermott putting Jake White over for a try close to the posts for an excellent try- William Massey converting.
Tyne were now in the ascendancy and scored a second converted try on 40 minutes - Grant Beasley picking a great line to storm over following a short lineout.
Park converted a penalty with the last play of the half to make the score 14-11 to Tynedale at the interval.
The second half was a largely frustrating affair as handling errors continued to litter proceedings. As the half wore on Tyne dominated territorially and Park never really threatened to get back into the game. Mark Laycock scored the only points in the second half with a drop goal after 37 minutes.
REPLACEMENTS: J Reekie, D Jupp, T Lavelle, G Dunn, G Rastall
SCORERS: J White - try, Grant Beasley - try, W Massey - 2 convs, M Laycock - drop goal
Tynedale 38 v Morley 7 (Half Time: 31-0)
Tynedale got back to winning ways with a comfortable victory over Morley in a wind-affected match.
Playing with the strong wind behind them in the first half Tyne were quickly off the mark with a Phil Belgian penalty after only 2 minutes.
Tynedale continued to dominate possession and territory and after 11 minutes went further ahead with a second penalty - Morley infringing to halt a slick passage of play by the home side.
Morley struggled to get out of their own half and the inevitable first try came after 23 minutes when Rob McDermott's slight of hand sent the impressive Graeme MacGilchrist over for a try following several strong phases.
The last 10 minutes of the first half saw the match taken away from Morley with Tynedale scoring a further 20 unanswered points. Andrew Murray was driven over for the second try after a quick tap penalty caught out the Morley defence and William Massey sped over for a try after a fine break from Micky Young. Two further Belgian penalties gave Tyne an impressive 31-0 half time advantage.
Playing into the wind in the second half Tynedale continued to dominate possession but failed to capitalise on several try scoring opportunities. The important bonus point try was a penalty try 26 minutes into the half when a deliberate knock-on prevented a Jack Smales walk in.
Morley were rewarded for their efforts with a consolation try with the very last play of the match .
REPLACEMENTS: A Newns, D Herdman, M Fieldhouse, G Dunn
SCORERS: G MacGilchrist - try, A Murray - try, W Massey - try, penalty Try, P Belgian - 3 convs, 4 pens
Rugby Lions 22 v Tynedale 10 (Half Time: 13-5)
Tynedale lost their unbeaten record when they went down to an impressive, determined Rugby Lions who on the day out-performed an under par Tynedale side.
Tyne were very shabby in the opening half, their play being littered with mistakes, some forced and some not. Rugby took the lead after 8 minutes with a penalty and extended their lead further with a converted try after 14 minutes.
Tyne replied immediately with Ben Duncan going over in the corner for an unconverted try but Tyne's play showed little noticeable improvement and the Lions kicked their second penalty after 34 minutes to give them a deserved 13-5 interval advantage.
Tyne's cause was not helped by the yellow carding of a player in each half - their first yellow cards of the season!
Tyne improved markedly in the second period and Tim Swinson scored a try in the corner after only six minutes. Although territorrialy Tyne dominated they continually tried to force the plays and it was the home side who showed ruthless efficiency in capitalising on their few visits into the Tynedale half with penalties after 55, 65 and 77 minutes to seal their victory.
REPLACEMENTS: J Smales, D Herdman, T Lavelle, G MacGilchrist
SCORERS: B Duncan - try, T Swinson - try
Tynedale 40 v Macclesfield 10 (Half Time: 26-7)
Tynedale stuttered to a convincing victory over bottom side Macclesfield who showed enough to suggest that they are capable of climbing up the table.
Ben Duncan opened the scoring for Tynedale when he stormed over after the home side had won a trurnover and whipped it smartly across the field. Tyne struggled to put several phases together as mistakes mounted and the visitors demonstrated that they had not turned up just to make the numbers up.
After 26 minutes Rob Miller took the ball at pace and jinked over for a trade-mark try but Macclesfield showed their resilience and came back within two minutes to score an excellent try of their own following some slick handling.
The game turned completely in the 5 minutes before half time with two converted tries from Tynedale taking the match away from Macclesfield. Miller scored his second try following a strong driving maul and route one also provided the second with Andrew Murray feeding Micky Young.
Macclesfield started the second period brightly and missed a penalty after only 2 minutes. They continued to cause Tyne problems in the opening period of the second half and were rewarded with a successful penalty after 15 minutes.
Rather than spur Macclesfield on to greater things however the score seemed to give Tyne the kick up the backside they needed and it was the home side who totally dominated the remainder of the match. Andrew Murray scored a try from another driving maul after 29 minutes and Douglas Jupp capitalised on a strong Murray No 8 pick up for a try in the dying minutes to seal Tynedale's eighth league victory and to strengthen their position at the top on National Three (North).
REPLACEMENTS:Grant Beasley, D Jupp, R Vickers, W Massey
SCORERS: B Duncan - try, R Miller - 2 tries, M Young - try, A Murray - try, D Jupp - try, P Belgian - 5 conv
West Park St Helens 14 v Tynedale 21 (Half Time: 14-0)
It was definitely a "game of two halves" as Tynedale eventually overcame a strong West Park side in what was always going to be a difficult match.
The home side generally bossed the match in the first half as Park pinned Tynedale back with some good tactical kicking and Tynedale were made to look a mediocre side.
Park's early pressure was rewarded with a penalty after 5 minutes and worse was to follow when the Tyne defence opened up allowing Park to score a try after 14 minutes.
A second penalty after 16 minutes and a drop goal after 32 minutes opened the gap further and the half time whistle couldn't come quick enough for Tyne who although spurning a couple of scoring opportunities had been generally outplayed.
The second half was a complete reversal and Rob Miller converted a penalty directly from the restart and Tyne's new found determination was rewarded 2 minutes later with a second penalty. After 10 minutes the writting seemed to be on the wall when Miller converted his third penalty from within his own half to make the scoreline 14-9.
The critical try came just 16 minutes into the second half when Ali Gray went over for a fine try after Andrew Murray and Jake White had combined well - the Miller conversion edging Tyne into the lead.
The narrow Tyne advantage was extended further when Miller crossed for a tryt after some fine handling . Although there was still 16 minutes of the match remaining there were no further scores as Tyne held out comfortable for victory.
REPLACEMENTS:Gavin Beasley, D Herdman, A Charlton, A Murray
SCORERS: R Miller - try, conv, 3 pens, A Gray - try
Tynedale 43 v Broadstreet 13 (Half Time: 14-10)
Tynedale moved into the 2nd round of the EDF National Trophy with what ended up as a comfortable victory over Midland 1 side Braodstreeet from Coventry.
Broadstreet showed their quality in the opening half hour as they went into a deserved 10-0 lead. A quick tap penalty resulted in a try wide out in the second minute of the match and this was added to with a penalty after 26 minutes.
Tyne eventually got onto the scoreboard after 29 minutes with Ben Duncan kicking through and Matthew Fieldhouse getting the touchdown - Robert Miller converting. Tyne began, at last, to put a few phases together and Jack Harrison finished off a Gavin Beasley break shortly before half time - Miller converting to give Tyne a slender 14-10 advantage.
Tynedale played with more cohesion in the 2nd period and Grant Beasley got a try after only 5 minutes. The sides then exchanged penalties before Harrison got his second try after 20 minutes supporting a good break by Miller.
Broadstreet now began to show signs of tiredness and further excellent tries from Gavin Beasley and Miller gave the scoreline a slightly flattering look.
REPLACEMENTS:W Massey, R Holroyd,T Lovelle, D Jupp, T Swinson
SCORERS: M Fieldhouse - try, R Miller - try, 5 conv, pen, J Harrison - 2 tries, Grant Beasley - try, Gavin Beasley - try
Tynedale 27 v Leicester Lions 26 (Half Time: 7-0)
Tynedale snatched a dramatic victory in this early season top of the table clash with two converted tries in the last three minutes of the match.
Tynedale fielded a patched up side against a well organised Leicester side - 14 of Tyne's 1stXV squad were injured or unavailable for this clash and several players were forced into action carrying injuries which normally would have prevented them from playing.
The first half was closely contested with Leicester doing well in the line outs whilst both sides were doing better on the opposition's ball at the scrums. Tyne's tackling was hard and precise on the gain line and as the half wore on Tyne gradually gained the ascendency.
Scoring opportunities were few and far between but it was Tynedale who opened the scoring on the stroke of half time when a period of forward pressure close to the visitor's line was rewared when the ball was moved slickly giving Jake White the chance to scamper over for the try - Phil Belgian converting.
Tyne began the second half strongly but on 6 minutes missed tackles deep in the visitors 22 gave Leicester a sniff of a chance to counter - something which they did with impressive efficiency to level the scores.
A Belgian penalty on 10 minutes quickly regained the lead but a second easier kick was missed 2 minutes later.
Tyne were now winning the opposition line outs and began to monopolise possession but found the Lions defence difficult to break through and a drop goal attempt went narrowily wide.
Tyne were made to pay for their missed opportunities when after 24 minutes Leicester attacked with intent from just inside their own half and a kick ahead bounced favourably giving them a narrow 12-10 lead.
The Lions defence appeared to be tiring in the final 15 minutes as Tyne began to move the ball around but disaster struck on 34 minutes when Tyne perhaps over-forced things and an attacking chip ahead was charged down and again the speedy Lions backs sped away for their third try - extending their lead to 19-10.
A Belgian penalty with 3 minutes of normal time left brought Tyne back into contention at 13-19 but then disater struck again when with men over a pass was intercepted and the Lions led 26-13 with only 2 minutes of normal time left.
Tyne continued to power forward and the Lions defenders were dead on their feet as Gavgin Beasley jinked through for a try 1 minute into added time - appreciating that time was almost up Belgian drop kicked the conversion to make the scoreline 20-26.
Remarkably in the 3rd and last minute of stoppage time Beasley split the visitor's defence again and Jake White was on hand to cross close to the posts - Belgian converting to snatch an unlikely but perhaps deserved victory.
REPLACEMENTS:S Allan, D Herdman,G Dunn, A Charlton
SCORERS: J White - 2 tries, G Beasley - try, P Belgian - 3 conv, 2 pen
Bradford & Bingley 10 v Tynedale 19 (Half Time: 7-8)
Tynedale picked up another valuable away win without ever really clicking into top gear.
Ali Gray opened the scoring for Tynedale after only 12 minutes when he outflanked the B's defence from a scrum. Tynedale generally held the upper hand but scorned several scoring opportunities and shortly before the half hour mark some sloppy play and poor tackling enabled the home side to take a 7-5 lead.
Just before the interval Robert Miller kicked a penalty to give Tyne a slender 8-7 half time advantage.
The second period opened well for the home side and they converted a penalty after 8 minutes to regain the lead. Tynedale, however, were spurred on and Miller replied with his second penalty 6 minutes later. Ben Duncan then scored a try as the Tyne pressure mounted and Miller kicked his third penalty to seal the victory.
REPLACEMENTS:R Holroyd, D Herdman,G Irvin, A Charlton
SCORERS: A Gray - try, B Duncan - try, R Miller - 3 pens
Tynedale 19 v Darlington MP 8 (Half Time: 9-0)
Tynedale came out victors over local rivals Darlington MP in a hard fought, scrappy match which was marred by injuries to players on both sides.
Tyne started brightly forcing Mowden into their own 22 but despite several close in mauls and line out drives the home side were unable to score and lost flanker Graeme MacGilchrist with a hamstring injury after only 4 minutes.
Rob Miller opened the scoring with a penalty after 5 minutes and Tyne continued to press but despite several penalty awards were unable to extend their advantage.
The match was held up on 18 minutes when Ross Samson was carried off with a severe knee injury. Mowden then had a 10 minute period of pressure of their own but the Tyne defence held out relatively comfortably.
With the Tynedale lineout in excellent form the home side regained the initiative and Miller kicked two further penalties in the 10 minute period before half time.
The stop/start nature of the first half was largely continued in the second although Tynedale did manage maginally better continuity in the second period.
The sides exchanged early penalties in the second half and Tyne continued to boss the set phases although they struggled to clear the rucks and mauls. The highlight of a generally disappointing match came on 23 minutes when Mark Laycock and Jack Harrison exchanged passes to cut through the visitors defence from half way.
Mowden responded 5 minutes later with a try in the corner after Tyne had won yet another Mowden lineout only for to lose possession at the ensuing ruck.
The final 15 minutes was largelly uneventful.
REPLACEMENTS: M Young, D Herdman, M Fieldhouse, A Charlton
SCORERS: J Harrison - try, R Miller - conv, 4pens
Caldy 5 v Tynedale 35 (Half Time: 0-13)
Tynedale came away from the difficult trip to league newcomers Caldy with a valuable 5 point victory.
Tyne took an early lead with a Phil Belgian penalty but then lost backrowers Jamie Murray and Grant Rastall to injuries. The changes didn't appear to distract Tyne who went on to score a well worked try through Rob McDermott.
With half time approaching Belgian kicked his second penalty to give Tyne a useful 13 point advantage.
Caldy began the second half strongly and were rewarded with an early try but Tyne then resumed control and the result never really looked in danger.
Belgian scored a try after some excellent forward play and shortly afterwards kicked a monster penalty from within his own half .
Andrew Murray scored after further pressure on the Caldy line and with the home side looking dejected and tired Rob Miller ran in an excellent individual try from 40 metres.
REPLACEMENTS: M Young, D Herdman, M Fieldhouse, G MacGilchrist
SCORERS: R McDermott - try, P Belgian - try, 3 conv, 3 pen, A Murray - try, R Miller - try
Tynedale 41 v Harrogate 10 (Half Time: 21-0)
Tynedale swept aside a dissappointing Harrogate side playing periods of exciting rugby in the process. Despite missing eight key players the Tynedale side generally operated at a level which Harrogate rarely matched.
The match started in bright sunshine and Tyne's play was close to it's scintilating best in the opening 20 minutes - with converted tries coming from Rob Miller, Jamie Murray and Mark Laycock.
The scheduled water break after 20 minutes however seemed to break the match up and Tyne's edge was not quite as sharp although Harrogate were having to play without the ball and never really threatened.
The second period started more evenly as Harrogate came out well and they were rewarded with a try on 11 minutes after a period of pressure.
The Harrogate score however served to lift Tyne and 3 minutes later a converted try extended the lead. Rob Miller kicked a penalty on 25 minutes and then showed his class when he shot through a gap to score a try on 30 minutes.
The only real disappointment came when shoddy defensive work resulted in a try for the visitors with only 8 minutes to go.
REPLACEMENTS: M Young, D Herdman, M Fieldhouse, G MacGilchrist
SCORERS: R Miller - 2 tries, 2 pens,conv, J Murray - try, M Laycock - try, McDermott R - try, P Belgian - 4 conv.
Fylde 7 v Tynedale 25 (Half Time: 7-18)
Tynedale started the new season with a relatively comfortable away victory against one of the league's stronger sides.
Tyne rode their luck at times in the first half with the Fylde wingers posing problems but turned around with a healthy 18-7 lead before almost totally dominating the second period with Fyle only threatening in the closing minutes.
Tynedale opened the scoring with a penalty from Phil Belgian after 7 minutes and with Tyne applying the early pressure we scored the opening try with Jack Smales finishing off some impressive play after 20 minutes. Belgian then kicked his second penalty to open up a healthy 13-0 gap.
Fylde responded and several forward drives resulted in a try under the posts after 31 minutes. .
Vitally Tyne scored on the stroke of half time when Rupert Harden was driven over for the try.
Tynedale took the initiative in the second period and continually looked threatening but had to settle for the one try, with Andrew Murray stretching over after 60 minutes..
REPLACEMENTS: Jamie Harrison, D Herdman, A Charlton, G MacGilchrist
SCORERS: J Smales - try, R Harden - try, A Murray - try P Belgian - 2 conv, 2 pen