After a fine performance the previous week at home to Billingham, the Raiders welcomed Percy Park for another Candy League fixture. The Raiders rang some enforced changes due to injuries and well-earned 1st XV call-ups but were still able to turn out a strong squad.

This week, Tynedale played into the bitter January elements in the first half with a strong breeze and spells of heavy rain in their faces.
The Raiders start was an ominous sign for the visitors, as following a dominant scrum on half-way, the ball was worked wide for lively fullback Harry Remnant to race into the corner; 5-0 with only 3 minutes played. It is worth noting that conditions for place-kicking were extremely challenging and the fact that fly-half Cam Grant managed to land 2 successful kicks throughout the match was no small surprise.

The match then settled into a tussle with neither side really breaching the other's defence. This said, Percy Park spent a 10 minute period on the Tynedale line but were unable to come away with points.

On 30 minutes, Tynedale played their way up the field and some soft hands from No.8 Ed Cawthorn in contact freed the ball up for winger Alex Dryden to cross the whitewash.
10 minutes later, literally with the half-time whistle about to blow, the Raiders dominated a series of scrums and following some close drives Tom McCullough was the man to emerge with the ball over the line, 15-0 half-time.

It would have been easy for the Raiders to coast through the second half with the strong elements at their backs but they continued to play attractive by controlled rugby. Flanker Tom McCullough crashing over for his second score on 46 minutes following another series of close drives, this time Grant was successful with the conversion, 22-0.

The Raiders showed sound game management and continued to play deep into opposition territory and from a line out, evergreen prop Colin Scullion rumbled over at the back of a well set maul, 27-0.
The Raiders finest play of the game came on the hour mark when a series of excellent running lines and neat offloading freed up centre Rory Cramb to dive over, again converted by Grant for a 34-0 lead.

The scoring was wrapped up on 66 minutes when Adam Todhunter, having a fine game as stand-in scrum-half for the day, dummied his way over to score.
A final score of 39-0 probably didn’t do justice to Percy Park's efforts as they continued to be combative throughout. For Tynedale, their entire front row were extremely dominant in the set piece, energetically led by skipper Ed Craney. However despite not being a great day for the backs-play, Cam Grant took the man of the match honours for his overall game management.

The Raiders face a tough test next week away to Darlington Mowden Park as they look to strengthen their position at the top of the Candy League.