The result of this exciting game hung in the balance until the final whistle as these well-matched teams tried to play expansive rugby at all times despite some outstanding tough-tackling. The defensive effort of the Centurions was led by captain Jake Sloan but, three seasonal debutants, Ed Coffey, Josh Dunlop and Steven Raine were prominent throughout. Indeed, the strong-running Raine was unlucky not to score twice as he was held just short.

Tynedale opened the scoring when powerful centre Jamie Dixon made a fine break, linked with Ryan Laverty and Mark Smales who slipped the ball nicely and the supporting Sloan dived over from short-range.

The bigger, experienced Consett pack had a slight edge and were able to produce a steady supply of good ball and their pacy back line created two well-worked tries to lead 5-14 at the break.

The loss of the influential Lewis Sparke with a shoulder injury at half-time was a blow but the home-side, with the advantage of a slight breeze, held an early territorial advantage. Hooker Oliver Shrimpton was linking well with Callum Foxcroft and Smales in the line out and scrum-half Sam Richardson provided a quick service to his three-quarter line.

Tricky full-back Donald Stembridge made good ground, found Jamie Dixon who burst clear and raced over from 40 metres. Spencer Tolley was unlucky as he finished well but play was brought back for a slight knock-on. Shortly afterwards, good cover by Coffey and Dunlop allowed Ian Charlton to win back possession, make ground and feed replacement prop Connor Guest who scampered in for a try to put the Centurions ahead.

A galvanised Consett now upped the tempo and the game began to swing in their favour. However, it was two mistakes in defence, a poor kick without follow-up and a dropped pass, that led to two unconverted tries putting the visitors two scores ahead with only five minutes to play.

To their credit the Centurions hit back as Ryan Laverty made good ground releasing Jamie Dixon to add his second excellent try. Interestingly, the missing kicking tee arrived at this late stage of the game. This allowed Rory Dixon to add the conversion easily and question what might have been if this simple piece of equipment had been available earlier.

A feature of the game was the refereeing of Tynedale replacement, stalwart and committee-man, Andy Purvis, who took over the whistle at short notice in the absence of any suitable candidate. He did a fine job despite some good-natured heckling from his erstwhile team mates.