The Centurions winning run of five games came to an abrupt halt against a strong and talented Morpeth side on a beautiful spring-like day, made for running rugby.

The early exchanges saw the pattern of the game established with both packs producing quick ball and inviting the talented backs on view to show their paces. Chris Kerr and Sam Harrison were linking well at half-back, making breaks and creating chances that saw Martyn Hutton and Ethan McLeod go close. However, it was the more clinical finishing of Morpeth that saw their centre and winger finish nice moves to establish an early lead.

Hooker Robbie Binks was linking well with Callum Foxcroft to provide a steady supply of clean line out ball. It was from this source Tynedale scored the try of the match as full back Donald Stembridge came into the line on half way. His high-stepping jinking run saw him beat at least six defenders to cross close to the posts.

The talented of backs of Morpeth responded in style and they scored a nice try out wide. With the score at 17-5 Tynedale were continuing to press with Rory Craney, Ed Weir and Ian Charlton driving close but an attacking kick struck a defender on the back and rebounded luckily into the hands of a grateful winger who raced the length of the field to score. A catch and drive at a line out by their well-drilled forwards resulted in a try just before half-time to make the score 29-5.

With confidence high in the home ranks and a talented replacement bench to call upon, the Centurions were forced to defend for long periods. Jake Sloan and the young talented back-row of James Crosby, Kael Horton and Hugh Holland-Creaven all produced try-saving tackles and generally worked their socks off around the park. Two tries on the hour and injuries to the influential Stembridge, Weir and Holland-Creaven made things even tougher for the visitors.

With few chances on offer, individual breaks by speed-machine Dan Heppell and Harrison made deep inroads but lacked support. Spencer Tolley and Sam Gill were held up short and the effervescent Phil Scandle made a huge hit in midfield, won a kick-chase and carried well before being dragged to ground.

It was the strong-running home backs who had the final say as they were able to create and finish another two late tries. The final score-line reflects this dominance but not the efforts put in by a determined Centurions side.