An early morning inspection was required after Storm Babet but luckily the go ahead was given and the efforts of the ground staff were rewarded with a perfect playing surface for this keenly contested game.

With no League points at stake both sides opted to run the ball at every opportunity. Spencer Tolley, Graeme Hutton and Kael Horton all went close before Rhys Loughead put in a huge hit on a free running fullback, shaking the ball loose for Dan Heppell to gather and scoot home.

This lead was increased after a bullocking run from Brogan Millar was continued by Jonny Pape. Held short, forwards Rory Craney, Robbie Binks and Ian Charlton were first to the ruck and Martyn Hutton forced his way over from short range. Dan Kerr added the conversion for an early lead.

The visitors were stung into action and Kerr, Heppell and Steven Raine needed to show their defensive abilities to hold them out for a while. However, with backs and forwards combining well, the twin-town side had a 20 minute period of dominance and managed three well-constructed and converted tries.

The powerful Loughead reduced the arrears from forty metres brushing aside all defenders on his way to the corner for a fine solo try. A further try following a scrum restored the lead to 17-26 at the break.

The Centurions were able to take control for the early part of the second half. Although incurring several injuries they were lucky enough to have a powerful bench of forwards in Ed Weir, David Hewison, Callum Foxcroft, Alex Birkenshaw and Joe Mills all returning to action and providing fresh legs.

Scrum half Andy Harvey was all over his opposite number at a scrum and showed footballing skill to dribble over and touch down. The forwards drove close to the line and Jason Armstrong was unstoppable from close range. Good handling from Allan Hyslop and Joe Common released the irrepressible Loughead and he scored his second excellent try converted by Kerr.

A lapse in concentration allowed Peterlee back into the game with a try before Josh Scollick and Shaun Taylor chased a clever Kerr kick. They tackled the covering full-back and winger well and the forwards arrived with Armstrong able to add a second close range try. Simon Pattison, Birkenshaw and Foxcroft might have increased this lead but the visitors defence held and they were able to break away for a richly deserved try that reduced the Tynedale lead with the last play of the game.