In an exciting encounter it was fitting that, with the last play of the game, Tynedale blasted the ball off the pitch instead having a final attack. Whatever the reason, whether communication break-down or, many players and spectators having different views on the correct score, it was easy to see why the Centurions mistakenly believed they held the lead in a hard-fought game of see-sawing fortunes.

The home-side took an early lead when stand in scrum-half Donald Stembridge and fly-half Tom Robson combined beautifully from a scrum and the former raced away from half-way to score with Robson kicking the conversion.

Blaydon responded well and had a spell in charge when they were quicker to the breakdown, stealing ball that had been well set-up by Michael Ramsay, Ian Charlton and Callum Foxcroft. Despite stout defence by centres Martyn Hutton, Josh Scollick and Spencer Tolley, the visitors lively scrum-half and hard-running centres took full advantage to score three tries.

Youngsters Jeff Wheallans, Toby Jowett and Jack Harvey then led the fightback as they stepped up the pace, put in some crunching tackles and got the Centurions on the front foot.

Promising number 8 Harry Asquith picked at the back of a scrum, committed defenders and released Stembridge who darted over, Robson added the points. Then the pace of Dan Heppell, chasing a lost cause into the corner, was rewarded as his pressure forced the ball loose and he dotted down to regain the lead. However, this did not last long as the powerful Spartans centre burst through to restore their advantage at half-time, 19-24.

The end-to-end play continued after the break and the scores were level following a massive surge from forwards Jamie Hiles, Rob Earnshaw and Jonny Pape. Robbie Binks and Will Jonas secured possession allowing Stembridge to claim his hat-trick.

Blaydon then produced a move of quality with a converted try but play went up the other end and a penalty allowed James Sample to demonstrate his excellent line out technique. Robson showed great awareness to switch the line of attack and score in the right-hand corner.

An unusual scrum win against the head saw Blaydon extend their lead to two scores. The game was not over as the Centurions never-say-die attitude saw Hiles, Earnshaw, James Clark and Asquith drive upfield allowing the outstanding Stembridge to beat a crowded defence to touch down under the posts for his fourth try. Robson converted close to the final whistle.

Then came the confusion as the opportunity to run the ball from a scrum near half-way was declined and Blaydon were declared the winners of keenly contested local derby.