Hosts Tynedale used Druid Park’s brilliant 3G pitch to ensure the game went ahead, and they outscored their North Second Team League opponents by seven tries to five to record the excellent 44-31 triumph.

The challenge provided by the strong Humbersiders is what exactly the level of competition the Raiders are needing to progress, and they showed their capabilities particularly in the set piece.

Alongside the similarly impressive Guy Rundle in the centre, Will Miller had an outstanding game, both in attack and defence, and he made an instant impression as he dotted over for two tries, one converted by Ben Hutton, to give Tyne a 12-0 lead.

Hull hit back with a converted try of their own, but the lead was stretched to 10 when Hutton went over for a try after being fed by Rory Cramb.

Again Hull countered, with Hutton‘s successful penalty taking Tynedale into half time leading 22-14.

The second half was just as exciting as, almost immediately, Hull reduced the arrears to just three points with a third try.

But Tynedale continued to play their expansive rugby and it resulted in a further four tries, Jamie Dixon, Dan Lowdon, Keith Johnson and Finlay Magowan all crossing the whitewash.

There were two more tries for Ionians but it was Tyne who were celebrating the points after a pulsating 80 minutes.

While all in blue and white played their part in the excellent victory, stand out displays came from Miller and the returning Joe Northwood who played his first game since injuring himself against Boroughmuir in August.

The result sent them top of the new pilot league for the North’s top second teams at this early stage, Blaydon Georgians again drawing as they shared 16 points with hosts Wharfedale II.