Against all the odds Tynedale managed to field a strong side against a well organised and efficient Northern second team, thanks to the monumental efforts of the team manager Martyn Hastie, who even tried to recruit members of his Leek club on their annual outing. Unfortunately the seed fell on stony ground and they preferred to go back to digging next years trenches as opposed to joining the Centurions lads in their hour of need.
The home side scored three early tries with two conversions following good movement and handling and ruthless finishing to show the Tynedale side that it was going to be a tough afternoon, The visitors raised their game and began to gain the upper hand in the forward battle with Callum Foxcroft,Rory Craney Ian Charlton and George Hendry in particular showing determination and commitment to break down the play of the home side and deny them any clean possession.
With the Tynedale front row of Ed Weir, Ollie Shrimpton and Lewis Spark dominating the scrums and number eight Jeff Weelans securing clean ball from the back of the pack, the half back pairing of Joe Dickinson and Jake Sloan were able to make good use of growing share of possession, with Ahmed Ahmed making some impressive runs down the left wing. Before the break Northern made their teamwork and understanding work to their advantage and three tries in the final five minutes of the half, all converted, killed the game off as a contest.
After the break Tynedale began to play with belief and were rewarded when young centre Jack Allen through the Northern defence to reduce the arrears. good defensive work by Martin Steel and Ethan McCloud, kept the Northern side out and a break down the left saw Josh Williamson touch down for a second Tynedale try.
The home side scored two tries and converted one to seal the game, but the Tynedale team had lifted their game to their credit and, at times, had the impressive Northern side frustrated and refused to give up the contest and were the superior side for much of the second half, the two Tynedale props, youngsters Weir and Spark, were deservedly awarded joint man of the match for their tireless contribution and effort throughout the game.