A much-changed Tynedale side were always going to struggle against tough, well-organised opposition. Caught cold, they were two converted tries down within 10 minutes as their new line up appeared hesitant due to players being moved out of position and several new combinations thrown together.

They were just about able to hang on after the early shocks and received a boost when Jake Sloan launched a fine kick that found touch on the home-team's five-metre line. The ever alert fly-half Seb Jansen charged down his opposite numbers attempted clearance and reacted quickly to touch down.

The remainder of the half was much more even as the front five of Rory Craney, Angus Whitelaw, Michael Ramsay, Jonny Pape and Ian Charlton worked hard in the tight and the loose to match their much heavier opponents and provide some decent ball. Jeff Wheallans and Martyn Hutton tackled well in the centres and ran powerfully as chances began to come their way.

Unfortunately, Ashington scored a try following a scrum on the stroke of half-time to leave them ahead 19-5.

Despite this set-back and the loss of the influential Wheallans, the Centurions began the second period in determined fashion. Phil Scandle, Hugh Holland-Creaven and Rob Earnshaw all went close with the ball held up over the line on a couple of occasions. They were rewarded as Sloan darted blind from a scrum and fed Spencer Tolley who stepped inside for a nice score.

This pressure and score prompted Ashington to begin to use their large and talented bench. The introduction of fresh legs saw them consolidate the game with two further converted tries, one from a long hack downfield and the other from a tap penalty.

Outstanding tackles from Josh Scollick, Alex Birkenshaw and Callum Foxcroft prevented further scores and allowed a final hurrah as Jansen kicked over defenders. Tolley made an outstanding follow-up tackle and Jansen was there to pick up the loose ball and dot down with Sloan adding the points. Had the game ended there at 33-17 it would possibly have been a fair reflection of a well-fought game but, two converted tries with the last plays of the game gave the score-line a lop-sided look that a brave Centurions performance did not deserve.