This County Cup final proved a step too far for the gallant Centurions against an Alnwick team who showed loads of ability in all positions. They were able take advantage of any mistakes and finish clinically.

The pattern was set early when their pacey centre burst through to create a try for a supporting back row forward. Running from deep, he then followed up with his own score, passing through almost untouched. Trying to run out of defence, Tynedale lost possession, conceded penalties, and the Lions were three tries up as they went over in the left corner despite a brave tackle from Josh Schollick.

The front row of Joabe Biautubu, Robbie Binks and Ed Weir wrestled well to gain possession near half-way and allow Ian Charlton and Kael Horton to make progress. Scrum-half Andy Harvey linked with Rory Dixon who stormed over and converted his own try. Desperate to reduce the defecit, an ambitious long pass in defence went loose and the Lions restored their lead.

Tynedale were at last beginning to settle and Alex Anson would have been clear if a pass had gone to hand. Martyn Hutton made a series of powerful half-breaks in the centre. Josh Adams, Cameron Crawford and Henry Barnes all made runs in support but, the Alnwick defence stood firm close to their own line on each occasion.

An unlucky yellow card saw the Centurions a man down and under pressure again. Following a scrum, the visiting fly-half produced a clever grubber kick that bounced kindly into his hands under the posts.

Far from throwing in the towel the home side redoubled their efforts. Will Roberts, who carried well all game, drove forward again, Hutton committed defenders, and released his centre partner Oliver Hillary. There was still much work to do as he jinked and side-stepped his way over the line. Dixon added the points. There was still time for Joe Mills to set up a ruck and field position that saw Seb Jansen move smoothly down his right wing to finish well. This left the score at the break, 19 - 31.

Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished as the Lions added three further tries. Two of these came as Tynedale were close to scoring. Brogan Millar was held just short and the ball cleared then, yet another ambitious long pass, saw an attacking move break down.

Once again, the Centurions refused to give in. Forwards Michael Ramsay and Jason Armstrong doggedly making ground allowed Harvey to set free Hillary. The centre took off on another run to score a carbon-copy of his first try. The contested award of a penalty try to Alnwick affected only the scoreline but not the result.

Pleasingly, the last move of the game saw Jake Sloan field a kick and, under pressure, retain possession. Dixon was able to continue, shake off defenders and force his way across the line before slotting the conversion. This left Alnwick as deserved cup winners but, Tynedale can be proud of their fighting performances in this game and, in the earlier rounds of the competition.

Martyn Hastie