This was a must win, top the table clash in the County Aln League. The victory saw the Centurions extend their lead although, the visitors still have games in hand.

With so much at stake a sound defensive performance was needed from the kick off. Step forward Will Jonas, Martyn Hutton, Andy Harvey and Seb Jansen who made exemplary first-up tackles to halt much bigger opponents in their tracks. Excellent foraging from Ian Charlton, Ed Weir, Robbie Binks and Spencer Tolley at the resulting breakdowns saw Tynedale gain possession, position and the upper hand in a hard fought opening quarter.

The deadlock was broken following a line out in Ashington territory. Fly-half Andrew Murray made one of several telling half-breaks and linked with back row Max Henderson who powered forward. Held just short, non-stop Kael Horton magically appeared on his shoulder to cross for the opening try. Shortly afterwards, the quick-thinking Murray took a tap penalty and appeared to stroll through a stunned defence who were still discussing the award with themselves, their opponents and the referee.

Just before the break came an excellent try for the home side as Henderson received a kick in his own half and ploughed forward. Forwards Brogan Millar and Jason Armstrong showed great hands and determination to keep the ball alive before Horton popped up again to receive the final pass and race over. Allan Hyslop slotted over the conversion to lead at the break 17-0.

As expected, Ashington started the second period in determined fashion using their much bigger forwards, keeping the ball tight and rolling up the field. They deservedly scored a converted try through their scrum half following a 5 metre scrum. It required a juddering tackle from the slight Sam Richardson on a huge opponent and a desperate last ditch effort by Graeme Hutton on his opposite winger to prevent the visitors closing the gap.

After this initial barrage, the large number of replacements began to find some cohesion and rhythm. James Ferguson and Dan Heppell showed their genuine pace with fine runs. In the forwards, Rhys Loughead burst forward on several occasions and Joe Mills and Ethan McLeod were held up close to the line.

Near the end the home side secured the win when Michael Smith showed great skill to turn over the ball. Richardson cleverly found Murray who worked a lovely switch allowing Jake Sloan to produce a flamboyant dive over the line to set the seal on this important victory.