The Centurions were able to maintain their lead in the Candy Aln League, taking maximum points against their tough local rivals. The win came at price however with first half injuries to key players Allan Hyslop, Jake Sloan and Will Jonas likely to keep them all out for several weeks.

With a strong wind behind them the Centurions started brightly and took an early lead as forwards Joe Mills, Ian Charlton and Callum Foxcroft linked and drove up to half way. From this platform Oliver Hillary received the ball and set off on one of his typical side-stepping runs to score an excellent try under the posts.

Spencer Tolley looked likely to add to the lead until play was called back for a slight forward pass. This mistake was rectified shortly afterwards when some aggressive tackling from Ethan McLeod allowed Robbie Binks and Brogan Millar to pile forward and release Hillary to add his second from shorter range.

A strong driving pack kept Ponteland in this game at all times and from the kick off they challenged, won the ball allowing Josh Davison to cross the line.

A quick response saw Ryan Laverty link with skipper Martyn Hutton whose muscular burst took him within 10 metres. Although well tackled, he was able to slip a short pass to the supporting Jason Armstrong whose equally powerful burst saw him score. Andy Harvey was able to convert all three tries in this period, a fact that was key in the final analysis.

The visitors "never say die" attitude saw them continue to attack. From a quickly taken penalty Tom Fisk showed quick feet to cross under the posts and Ben Stewart added the points leaving the score 21-12 at the break.

Tynedale made a host of changes at the break but that didn't seem to affect them too much when they got off to a flying start. Dan Tate, Michael Ramsey and Jonty Binovec combined to hold up their opposing forwards and steal possession. Quicksilver scrum-half Sam Richardson broke left, found Steven Raine who timed his pass nicely to Alex Anson and the youngster showed great pace to cross wide out.

At this point the game began to shift in favour of Ponteland as they used their strong pack and the conditions to gain a territorial advantage although, long range efforts from Dan Heppell and Graeme Hutton kept their defence on their toes.

Good work from Billy Kingman saw the ball taken up close and Steven Mugford was driven over the line to reduce the defecit.

Against the run of play, Josh Scollick broke up field. The tireless Owen Shield received the ball and he either cleverly kicked the ball through or, in the act of dropping the pass, lashed at the ball. In any event, it bounced beautifully to the pacey Seb Jansen who rounded defenders cleverly for a nice try.

This score was much needed as Pont now took charge and applied tremendous pressure. Prop forward Michael Smith showed good pace and control to crash over for a converted try. Near the end the same player released Tom Fisk who raced over from 30 metres. The conversion attempt just slipped wide of the post in an attempt that would have given brave opponents a deserved draw.

The Centurions were able see out the remaining couple of minutes to secure this hard earned and much needed win in an exciting contest, played in sporting manner and enjoyed by players, officials and supporters alike.