The final score line scarcely reflects the efforts that Ponteland put into this closely fought County Cup tie played in slanting rain.

Their well-drilled forwards put continuous early pressure on the Tynedale line. Only stout defence from the back three of Adam Shane, Ryan Laverty and James Grant held them at bay until, a dominant scrum produced good ball to Andy Harvey deep in his own half. His blind side break saw him feed the ball to Calum Morrell who outstripped the visitors defence for an excellent 60 metre try.

This pattern of play continued with the back row of George Hendry, Callum Foxcroft and Rob Earnshaw called upon to defend valiantly as the visitors pressed hard. Luckily, the combined efforts of Lewis Spark, Adam Binks, Ed Weir and Jason Armstrong, working their socks off, combined to turn over ball at crucial times. From one of these breakdowns, Mark Smales managed to release Morrell who again showed superb skills to beat any defence for his brace of tries. The outstanding Jamie Dixon, who organised an inexperienced side superbly, added both conversions to give a 14-0 advantage at the break.

Ponteland continued to press in the second half. Ethan McLeod, Sam Stephenson and Gus White went close in rare forays into the visitors half before Oliver Shrimpton raced back to prevent a certain try. Close to the end, following several yellow cards for both sides reflecting the physical nature of the game, Jacob Brown and Rory Craney produced great ball for Morrell who was held just short before Keith Johnson appeared in support to touch down.

An entertaining game ended in a convincing victory for the Centurions but the game had been in doubt until that late try and another Dixon conversion.