After suffering two heavy defeats in a row, the Centurions at last found themselves in a competitive game that could have gone either way.

Playing with the wind Tynedale had territorial advantage for most of the first half. After losing an attacking line out, prop Adam Telfer reacted quickly to dive on the loose ball and score.

One of several strong runs by James Crosby saw Andrew Murray in support to crash over before Telfer had to leave the field with a calf injury. His loss meant Tynedale now had three hookers in the front row and, despite refusing to capitulate, they came under severe pressure from the tough visitor's pack. This led to two tries, the first following a penalty from a scrummage offence and the other a push over try from 15 metres. In between, Brogan Millar ran strongly to link with the dangerous Crosby, a nice lay off reached Adam Binks who crossed wide out.

The score at half-time was 15-10 and it looked as though the home side might regret not taking several chances created by the lively Dan Heppell, Adam Barnett, Sam Richardson and Robbie Binks.

Indeed, Rockcliffe were able to take the lead with a long-range score featuring several missed tackles and another when Ethan McLeod and Rhys Loughead had driven to half-way and looked to provide good ball. Assuming the ball was won the Centurions turned over possession to a strong counter-ruck and were flat-footed as the second converted try was conceded.

Although making mistakes at vital times, Tynedale never gave up and, after a series of penalties, the influential fly-half Murray eventually reached over for a deserved second try.

At 20-24 the home side saw a chance of victory and from the kick off Crosby drove to halfway and once again appeared to produce secure ball. Mysteriously, the opposition number 8 got hands on the ball, ran in a straight line through a startled defence who were lined up to attack. The conversion was added to this try to take Rockcliffe clear.

Not for giving up, Spencer Tolley and Andy Purvis ran purposefully to link with Mark Smales and Jake Sloan. James Bell switched play smartly to Tom Kirkup who ran strongly through several defenders for a fine try. Unfortunately, the whistle blew after the failed conversion leaving the Centurions to reflect on what might have been.