Following a heavy defeat in the reverse fixture, this was massive improvement by a Tynedale side that gave everything in a fiercely contested encounter.

Playing with a stiff breeze at their backs Alnwick used the conditions well to build up a 10-21 lead in the first half.

Jason Armstrong drove strongly over the half way line after ten minutes but a lack of support saw the ball stolen, whipped quickly to a pacey left winger who looked certain to score until he was flattened by a crunching tackle from Jake Sloan. Mark Smales was over the ball in a flash to steal possession from several opponents to prevent a certain try but, the reprieve was only temporary when a scrum was awarded and Alnwick scored a converted try from close range.

The Centurions hit back with some powerful surges by the impressive front row of Adam Telfer, Ed Craney and Phil Scandle that took play close to the line but Alnwick held firm and were able to use the wind to clear downfield. From one resulting line out, Joe Green burst through several attempted tackles, linked with Keith Johnson who drove to within ten metres and fed scrum half Rory Dixon who scampered over.

For the rest of the half the visitors maintained most of the territorial advantage and their talented backs were able to cross for two more converted tries.

Tynedale narrowed the deficit with a fine score by their excellent number 8 Rhys Loughead who crashed over wide out following good work from Dave Nicholls and Andy Neil who set up a ruck and Jamie Dixon broke right to create the try.

After the break, Tynedale dominated possession but were held out by a resolute defence. James Sample, Michael Brown and Karl Main all went close until Rory Dixon darted over for his second try with Micky Hall adding the conversion. Several desperate attacks were launched to find a winning score and right at the death Tom Shrimpton almost collected a astute kick but the ball rolled out of play to a signal the end of the game.