Match report from "The Rugby Paper":-

THE 400 mile round trip to Northumberland ended in triumph for Oundle, when they overcame Tynedale to ease into the Division One play off final.

A badly misfiring line out saw Tynedale struggle for any meaningful possession, and they gave away too many penalties.

Oundle got off to the perfect start, a 20-metre rolling maul ending with Jac Arthur being driven over for Ben Young to convert

Tynedale hit back almost immediately from a quick tap penalty which saw Joe Hanning crash over, Cam Grant levelling from the tee,

And while Oundle dominated territory and possession for the remainder of the half, it was Tynedale who led at the break through two well struck Grant penalties.

The powerful Anthony Maka’s converted try eased Oundle back in front early in the second half, but a rare visit to the Oundle 22 brought good pressure which saw Tynedale regain the lead on 56 minutes via Charlie Turnbull, Grant converting for 20-14.

Relentless Oundle pressure on the line saw Freddie Reynolds grab a converted try on 62 minutes to go back in front, before a Young penalty widened the gap.

In the dying minutes, Samson Ma’asi wrapped things up from a powerful scrum

Chris Leslie's Report:-

Oundle strangled the life out of the hosts primary source of possession from the outset and executed a simple but highly effective plan of kick, catch and drive. It was enough to send a glass-eye to sleep, but it was effective in the rain.

In front of a superb home crowd, the largest of season, the visitors struck early to lead 0–7 after three minutes, but Tynedale responded well. Leslie broke into Oundle's half and then later grubbered a kick just outside the visitors 22. Joe Hanning crossed on seven minutes, with Cam Grant converting to level at 7–7.
Tynedale constantly fielded towering kicks by Young, and deft, almost casual box kicks from his half-back partner. Leslie covered each of them well. Grant then added two terrific penalties on 22 and 37 minutes as Tynedale edged into a remarkable 13–7 half-time lead. Rattray was magnificent in defence, as were the rest of the home team, during the first 40 minutes.

Oundle emerged with renewed vigour. Assisted by momentarily lapses by Tynedale, they took control after the break, scoring to move 13 - 14 ahead by 44 minutes. Tynedale responded again with a terrific linebreak by Beaty, then Charlie Turnbull crossed on 56 minutes, Grant’s conversion restoring a 20 - 14 advantage.

Richards becoming increasingly more involved carried well, and the visitors had a few lapses when under pressure.
However, the game then slipped away. Oundle’s territorial game and huge advantage at the lineout gradually rung-out Tynedale’s supply of possession. Scores (again from catch and drives) on 62 and 68 minutes turned the contest around at 20 - 24.

With about eight minutes remaining, Tynedale declined a straightforward penalty opportunity that would have narrowed the deficit to a single point at 23 - 24. The lineout struggled throughout and the gamble did not pay off. Oundle added a final catch and drive score on full time to seal a deserved 20 - 29 victory.
To be fair, Tynedale were up against several Championship players who minimised mistakes throughout. Even so, Tynedale never gave an inch.

The offside line was perhaps generously interpreted by the referee at times, but Oundle deserved the smothering win.
Tynedale were outplayed on the day by well-organised Oundle plan, in wet conditions.

Great season and all good things have to come to an end, until next season. Nice to see some old faces and keen skills, such as Iain Harris still possessing the ability of offloading his beer, bought by his brother Ranald and Nut. Happy days.