The Centurions began the season with a tough fixture against a strong and unbeaten Shields side. An understandable rusty start saw two early converted tries conceded as the team defended poorly all over the field in the first quarter. Gradually, players began to communicate, remember the basics, and the final hour hour saw an even, exciting contest develop.

The back three, Spencer Tolley, Graeme Hutton and Andy Stembridge all ran strongly but were held short. The experienced centre pairing of Martyn Hutton and Ali Hopps crashed forward, fly-half Allan Hyslop probed cleverly and, despite good support play from Rhys Loughead, Brogan Millar and Will Roberts, the home defence held on under severe pressure. Joe Mills did drive over from a tap penalty but a desperate defender got an arm under the ball when a try seemed certain. The front row of Michael Ramsay, Robbie Binks and Ed Weir were gaining the upper-hand in tight and loose play but the failure to convert chances was severely punished as the talented home backs broke away twice to score long range tries leaving the score at the break 26-0.

Tynedale were lucky enough to have an extremely strong bench and the fresh legs of James Brown, Phil Scandle and Hugh Holland-Creaven caused panic as they rampaged around the park. Hope was rekindled when Josh Schollick and Stembridge carried the ball out of defence. Quick-silver man of the match Sam Harrison picked up on the half-way line and he jinked and swerved his way over for a fine try. The home side responded well to punish a mistake in the middle of the pitch allowing their flying winger to score in the corner despite a valiant covering tackle from Harrison.

The last half hour saw the Centurions dominate and excellent support play from the athletic Kael Horton and Jeff Wheallans saw them both touch down and give a fighting chance going into the last ten minutes. Debutant Chris Blackburn showed a couple of nice touches near the end however, the home team defended stoutly and they recorded a deserved win based on their bright start and clininical finishing. The Centurians have plenty to be proud of as they produced a decent performance after their slow start in the seasonal opener.