In perfect conditions, the Centurions returned refreshed to league action and served up a feast of open running rugby.

They got off to the best possible start when the mobile front row of Ed Weir, Robbie Binks and Michael Ramsay made good ground down the left flank committing defenders. Ever-alert scrum half Andy Harvey switched play and a sweet handling move saw right winger Ryan Laverty cross in the opposite corner.

Influential fly-half Dan Kerr began a purple patch as Jason Armstrong and Brogan Millar set up two attacking rucks. From the second he spotted gaps, neatly chipped and followed up to gather and score under the posts.

Andrew Murray made good ground from his own half and cleverly found Kerr who this time showed soft hands to feed Rory Dixon. The powerful centre showed his elusive qualities to dive over in the left corner before turning provider and returning the favour, allowing Kerr to score his second.

An under pressure Shields defence scrambled the ball away for Seb Jansen to field the clearing kick, make good ground and link with Kael Horton and Ian Charlton. Dixon then crashed onto the ball and left defenders in his wake as he completed his brace of tries.

Despite the early battering Shields showed great resilience and just before the break were rewarded with a converted try. Two conversions by Kerr left the score 29-7.

The fresh legs of a large bench of replacements meant a re-shuffle and it took a while, plus a yellow card for the seasiders, before Tynedale could rediscover their rhythm in the second half. Kerr, with assistance from forwards Ethan McLeod and Joe Mills, took the ball close. Quickly rucked ball was thrown untidily back and youngster Alex Anson showed great skill and pace to gather and race home for a fine try.

Dan Heppell had chances down the right wing and might have been received a scoring pass after a strong run from Steven Raine. Instead, the centre cut inside into traffic but a neat pass saw Kerr burst over to cap an excellent display with a hat-trick.

Ross Gray had converted the previous try and might have had one of his own as he made good ground up the middle. The move was continued by Jansen, Raine and Josh Schollick before skipper Martyn Hutton arrived on the scene to blow a hole through defenders for a deserved try.

Once again, Shields showed spirit and determination and it required a brave tackle by Fabio Encarnacao to prevent their biggest forward from scoring. Shortly afterwards their efforts were rewarded with a second close range try.

This comeback was short-lived as Andy Neal and Michael Smith showed up to drive the ball from halfway. Slick passing eventually saw Jansen glide over in the corner to complete a comprehensive victory over gallant opponents.

Tynedale RFC

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