John 'Chalky' White's report
Played out in perfect spring conditions this semi final clash turned to heartbreak for the Tynedale side, with the lead changing hands several times it was the Ashington side that progressed to the final, scoring the decisive try with 5 minutes left on the clock.
The home side took the lead in the 5th minute when Callum Snowden scored in the right hand corner after good play by Dave Nicholls and Andy Harvey the ball was moved along the line for the back rower to go in unopposed. The visitors then took the lead with two unconverted tries and showed that the home defence were going to be tested by the strong, direct running Ashington side.
Eight minutes before half time the home side drew level through centre Ben Common when Olly Murrell and Jason Armstrong produced good ball for fly half Roko to make the break and the big centre finished off the move.
After half time, following breaks by Mark Smales, Chis Nicholls and Jake Sloan second row Olly Hillary showed his class by charging over to give Tynedale the lead. Winger Tom Shrimpton then chased a long crossfield kick to extend the Centurions advantage to ten points, beating his opposite number to collect the ball and touch down wide on the left.
When it looked as though Tynedale had gained the upper hand, some poor defence allowed the Colliers back into the game with a converted try. A second try by Tom Shrimpton, with Tyendale front row of Andy Neal, Ollie Shrimpton and Owen Shield, supported by Adam Binks, gave Tynedale an eight point lead.
Once again Ashington struck back, despite Paddy Hay and Ryan Laverty making good tackles the supporting Ashington players were on hand to score the try which was converted to bring them within one point of the lead. The home side then extended the lead with classy forward Joe Johnson crossing the line to score for the Centurions, Andy Harvey converted.
Unfortunately the visitors had not given the game up and struck back when poor defence allowed them to score an unconverted try to bring them back into the contest. With 5 minutes remaining Ashington scored the winning try with the tiring Tynedale side unable to prevent the strong running centre giving Ashington the winning converted try.
Once again a much changed Tynedale side lost out in a tight game going down at the end, producing good spells of play in periods, but with a lack of consistency and continuity letting them down in the end.