This top of the table clash produced a fiercely contested game with unbeaten Shields able to consolidate their position as leaders but, the result was in doubt right up to the final whistle.

Tynedale took an early lead following a scrum where their front row of Michael Ramsay, Brogan Millar, Lewis Spark and later Robbie Binks always held the upper hand. Scrum-half Jake Sloan chose to break left with Seb Jansen making ground, the ball moved smoothly until the final pass to Alex Anson needed to be recovered by the flying winger who was still able to outpace three defenders and score wide out.

As expected, the leaders came back strongly and appeared to take control adding three tries of their own. The first came from their hard-running centre, the second from a short line-out throw and drive before they were strangely awarded a 5 metre scrum after their own kick went over the dead ball line. Their useful back row were able to pick and, despite excellent tackles from James Crosby and Kael Horton on their own line, eventually force their way over.

The resilient home side refused to lie down and a quickly taken penalty saw Spark drive forward supported by locks Ian Charlton and Jason Armstrong. The resulting rucked ball saw the ever-alert Rory Dixon spot the smallest of gaps and dart over. Allan Hyslop added the conversion to leave the half-time score, 12-19.

From the restart came possibly the decisive score for South Shields. A long kickoff was fielded close to their own line, the follow up was ragged and their powerful half-backs and centres were able to brush off several tackle attempts and touch down under the posts.

The Centurions were stung into action and to their great credit came back strongly. Dixon almost forced his way over in the corner after a powerful carry and won a penalty. Winger Tamai Taeao tapped and danced infield but was held short near the posts. Sam Richardson was able feed Henry Barnes on the crash from 10 metres and the number 8 was unstoppable as he dived low to the line with Hyslop adding the points. Unfortunately, another defensive lapse allowed the visitors break from deep to restore their lead.

The game then changed shape as Tynedale desperately tried to fight back. Ethan McLeod drove forward releasing a determined Will Roberts on one of several charges upfield as his running style allowed him to make good ground even when tackled. Martyn Hutton showed similar power to break tackles and find Dixon on a familiar dash to the corner. About to be forced into touch, a slick back-hand flip was cleverly anticipated by Taeao who burrowed over from close range.

Chris Woodburn set up another attack and Binks, Ramsay, Armstrong and Roberts all went close only to stopped illegally. As the penalty count rose higher, the referee ran out of patience and awarded a penalty try. With 5 minutes remaining Tynedale again battered the line but the league leaders defended stoutly and were happy to boot a penalty dead to claim a narrow victory in a tough tussle between these two well-matched sides.