A four week break for frost and festivities saw the Centurions start sluggishly against well-drilled opposition. Within twenty minutes three converted tries had been conceded as they were exposed to the speedy Gateshead three-quarter line who looked as though they might run up a cricket score. Indeed, it required heroic defensive work from Martyn Hutton, Jake Sloan and Spencer Tolley to keep Tynedale in the game.

A major change then occurred as the front five of Ed Weir, Robbie Binks, Owen Shield, Ian Charlton and Jason Armstrong began to gain the upper-hand in every phase except the line out. Indeed, it was fitting that two tries came from controlled scrums. Oliver Hillary picked and drove powerfully with the effervescent Brogan Millar in close support to continue the drive and touch down. Hillary picked again, showed his quick feet to go close and, with Ethan McLeod in close support, the ball reached fly-half Henry White who ran a clever angle to dive over in the corner. White converted the first try to leave the score at the break 12-21.

With the forwards in control and some re-organising in the backs, it was the home team who began the second-half in the ascendant.

Sloan chased his own kick, superbly tackled the full-back, and the whole Tynedale pack descended on the loose ball with Scott Guyatt emerging smiling and claiming the try with Rory Dixon converting.

Jonny Pape and Owen Shield went on thundering runs to create good field position. Hillary was again the creator from a scrum as he drew defenders and fed Dixon who crossed in the corner. Andy Harvey and James Ferguson ran the ball out of defence to link with Ali Hopps and Pape who crashed upfield to within 15 metres. Dixon, appearing magically on his opposite wing, was tap-tackled just short but was able to off-load to the mercurial Dan Heppell who touched down in the corner.

With 15 minutes to go the game took another twist and the visitors, to their great credit staged a magnificent fight-back. Reverting to their running game they scored two tries, the second, in particular, was a quality long-range effort. With one converted, they re-established their lead, 29-33.

With time running out and everyone feeling the pace, including referee Brian Callander who left the field with a hamstring pull, the game was in the balance. A penalty was awarded by stand-in Micky Hall from the home first-team and he showed he was not to be trifled with as he marched the visitors back 10 metres for dissent. This improved position allowed Dixon to tap, burst through a disorganised defence and dive triumphantly over in the corner. This narrowest of victories was hard on a very useful Gateshead team but both teams contributed fully to an entertaining game.