The Centurians produced their best team performance of the season against strong, well organised opposition, in this keenly contested Candy Cup semi-final.

The half-time scoreline of 5-5 is a compliment the defensive tenacity of both sides as the packs tore into each other and the skilful, pacy backs on view ran the ball at every opportunity.

First blood went to Corbridge when fly-half Reuben Oliver put a penalty into the corner. The resulting maul was held up short but props Owen Shield and Rhys Loughead picked up and drove towards the line before skipper Jamie Murray made a telling impact and touched down from close range.

Both teams had opportunities in this exciting encounter. A rare appearance from full back Callum Young saw him to great effect in defence and attack. One long run saw him link with Luke Murtough and Zak Pearce but the final pass to Simon Candy, who had arrived from nowhere in support, was juggled forward in the process of scoring. The second row pairing of Pete Forrester and Jason Armstrong both made good breaks to be hauled down a couple of metres from the line. Wingers Jake Sloan and Robbie Nixon tackled well and both made breaks that saw them collared when about to score and the tireless Mark Smailes and Ed Craney linked well to be held up over the whitewash.

However, the young Medicals team produced a fine attacking move of their own and the very quick left winger ran in from halfway to set up an equally absorbing second period.

An early Medicals forward drive was rewarded with an unconverted try to give them the lead before the momentum swung back to the home side. Andy Harvey and Oliver made ground before the ball was moved to Pearce who burst through to touch down under the posts and Oliver added the conversion. He added the points to another Murray try as a five metre scrum was driven over the line.

The game appeared to be settled when Mark Price carried defenders over the line after good yards had been made by Rory Craney and Charlie Harvey with Oliver again converting. From the kick-off Rory Dixon received the ball and made a nice break, the move was carried on by Graham Crosby and Steven Raine who fed the speedster Paddy Hay who was caught wide out on the other side of he field. The visitors won the breakdown and with bags of support scored another well worked try.

In a frenetic last ten minutes Medicals tried everything to close the gap but the Centurians' defence held firm to secure a well-deserved victory.