After another enforced break the previous week due to late opposition cry-off, Tynedale Raiders extended their winning run with a home victory over local rivals Blaydon Georgians. Despite being in the depths of December, the weather on the day was kind and the pitch remarkably good considering the recent rainfall, which helped both sides to play expansive running rugby.

Tynedale started the brighter and took the lead after only 4 minutes of play when a fine outside break from the threatening Rory Cramb led to some quick hands and a run into the corner for Seb Jansen. The score was ably converted from wide-out by influential fly-half Cam Grant who had a fine game both with boot and ball in hand.

As much of the game was to unfold, the scoring swung one way then the other, as Blaydon now exerted pressure in the Raiders half and with 10 minutes played scored a try of their own following a series of close quarter drives, 7-5.

Tynedale again went on the attack from the re-start, and Callum Morrell, looking very comfortable in the back row, showed great footwork to beat his man and feed the hard-working Ed Craney to dive in for try number 2, 12-5 to Tynedale with 15 minutes played.

The next few minutes were rather fractured with neither side able to build a meaningful period of possession, however on 25 minutes it was the Crow Trees outfit who struck next with another close quarters score, 12-10 after 25 minutes played.

Tynedale were dominant until almost half-time with two excellent team tries finished off by Dicky Dunn and a second for Jansen, both converted by Grant. However on the stroke of half-time Blaydon scored again to reduce the half-time deficit to 26-17.

With a full bench, Tynedale brought on fresh legs after the break and it was particularly pleasing to see Tom McCullough, James Clark and Rob Parker all return to action following work overseas, playing sabbatical and injury respectfully. After only 5 minutes of the second half, Tynedale extended their lead when quick feet by man of the match John Clarkson caught the defence napping. 10 minutes later Tynedale scored again when Harry Remnant was the recipient of a fine break by Grant, 36-17 with 55 minutes played.

Not to be outdone, Blaydon came back yet again to close the gap to 36-24. Harry Remnant then made good ground down the wing and fed centre Cramb to score, 43-24 with 20 minutes still to play.

Again Blaydon scored a good team try to close the gap once more, however Tynedale had the last word with perhaps the try of the game. Parker attacked from deep and exchanged passes with Remnant before putting Clarkson in for his second score with an inside pass.

The game finished 48-31 to Tynedale with the Raiders outscoring Blaydon 8 tries to 5. The two teams played excellent rugby in parts despite neither side being able to really impose a structure and multi-phase possession to the game.

The Raiders look forward to a Christmas fortnight off before they return to action on 4th January in a challenging home Candy League fixture to Billingham.