This was a much needed game after four weeks of inactivity for both sides and it only just went ahead after a late pitch inspection. In the event, a feast of attacking rugby was served up as both sides ran the ball at every opportunity with the result in the balance until two tries in the final three minutes clinched a home victory.

The visitors started brightly and had three unanswered tries in the first quarter as first, they intercepted a wayward pass then, punished defensive indiscipline, scoring two well-worked tries from quickly taken penalties.

This early shock startled the Centurions and they showed great resolve to claw their way back into the match. Andy Stembridge, Josh Schollick and Alex Anson ran well down the flanks but Novos defended stoutly. Ian Charlton tidied up in midfield and fed a rampaging Ed Weir who laid the ball back nicely to quick thinking Andy Harvey. The scrum half spotted a wonderful run from James Crosby who galloped over the line. This powerful surge led to an unfortunate footwear malfunction forcing him to leave the field in a vain search for another pair of large boots.

A quickly taken tap penalty by Harvey saw centre Seb Jansen glide forward from his own half. Support arrived in the form of the ebullient Brogan Millar who showed power and a neat side step to touch down from 20 metres. Rhys Loughead and Millar both crashed forward creating the gaps that allowed skipper Martyn Hutton to dive over and bring the scores close at the break, 17 - 19.

The start of the second period saw Tynedale take full advantage of a large bench of replacements and these fresh legs saw them gain the upper hand in the first quarter. Winger Anson showed excellent hands to catch a crossfield Allan Hyslop kick, make ground and provide good field position for his forwards. Jeff Wheallans and Oliver Hillary linked well to feed Millar and the mobile prop touched down for his second try.

Josh Adams gathered a high kick at full back and ran strongly to half way. The hard-working Will Jonas slipped a pass to David Hewison who demontrated great pace as he set off on a jinking run. Support appeared in the form of Robbie Binks who cleverly switched the point of attack allowing space for the industrious Kael Horton to race home for a fine try.

The ever dangerous Novos centre received the ball near his own line and raced away, brushing aside would be tacklers, to score an individual try in an attempt to stem the tide. However, Tynedale were in the middle of a purple patch. Loughead broke from a scrum, drove forward and released Oliver Hillary to score before Millar grabbed a well-deserved hat-trick following good foraging work from Dan Tate and Chris Woodburn.

The game now looked to be settled but then Novos, refusing to lie down, went on the attack. Their efforts were rewarded with two well taken tries bringing the score back to 45 - 38. At this point the result was uncertain and for ten minutes as both sides went at it hammer and tongs.

However, it was the home side that had the final say with their two late tries. Callum Foxcroft was at the centre of a forward drive allowing live-wire replacement number 9, Sam Harrison, to race over. Spencer Tolley was then involved to create position for Jason Armstrong who was able to stretch out a telescopic arm to reach the line when he appeared to be held short in the last play of the game. Hyslop had added six conversions to give the impression of a comfortable win that was anything but. The scoreline did not reflect the efforts of our Newcastle neighbours who contributed hugely in a well fought contest.