Tynedale Raiders 54 Wharfedale Foresters 12

RAIDERS MATCH REPORT:

YNE League
Tynedale Park, Corbridge
16th September 2023

Tynedale Park stood in silence at 3pm on Saturday, as our guests across three pitches helped us to remember John Suddes, who passed away on 4th September, aged 93. John served Tynedale RFC with distinction for several decades and was awarded the prestigious accolade of Honorary Life Membership in 1987. We thank our friends from Wharfedale RUFC and Gala RFC, along with our match officials and all those present, for an impeccably observed moment of reflection and respect.

The rugby got going on the 2nd XV pitch with a bang, quite literally, as Raiders' hooker Louis Frankland executed an explosive tackle to set the tone for the afternoon. With just four minutes on the clock, rapid winger Ben Riley lit up the touchline for his first try of the afternoon, and fly-half Cam Grant added the extras to set an early 7-0 lead.

Foresters defended valiantly and made Tynedale work hard to create their opportunities, however the strength of Tyne's pack combined with some slick ball across the backs allowed the blue & whites to cross the line four more times before the break. Tries from no. 8 Ben Blackburn, centre Joe Johnson, a second from the impressive Riley, and full-back Nico Sykes, along with six more points from the boot of Grant, saw Raiders end the half with a healthy 33-0 lead.

Foresters regrouped and came out of the blocks flying in the second period. This should have been no surprise to Raiders, who know that Foresters are perennially powerful and dangerous. Nevertheless, the Yorkshiremen owned the first 15 minutes of the half, crossing the whitewash quickly to get on the board with their first 5 points, before being awarded a penalty try when Raiders' last-ditch defence illegally prevented them from repeating the feat. The resurgent Foresters were back in the game at 33-12.

Raiders regained control with a rampaging carry from prop Ben Haigh, defying the odds to reach the line for Raiders' 6th try of the day. The relentless Riley soon thereafter ran in his hat-trick try to cap his own man-of-the-match performance, and centre Rory Cramb brought Raiders' try-count up to eight, for the second time in three games, shortly before the final whistle. The ever-reliable Grant securing all the add-ons, to wrap up the scoring in a resounding Raiders victory. Full-time: 54-12.

Tries:
Riley (3), Blackburn, Johnston, Sykes, Haigh, Cramb

Conversions:
Grant (7)

Team:
15) N. Sykes, 14) B. Riley, 13) J. Johnston, 12) R. Cramb, 11) R. Dixon, 10) C. Grant, 9) N. da Silva
1) T. Donnelly, 2) L. Frankland, 3) B. Haigh, 4) R. Dunn, 5) C. Richards, 6) J. Brown (C), 7) H Wainwright, 8) B. Blackburn
16) B. Dunn, 17) H. Aitkenhead, 18) B. Bell

Ian Hiles, Raiders Manager