Ryton Crusaders 22 Tynedale Centurions 12

Ryton were able to field a much more representative side than in the reverse fixture three weeks earlier and thus able to exact revenge for that defeat in a closely contested game on a breezy afternoon.

The Centurions had conditions in their favour in the first half and an Arin Pekdemir try was disallowed for crossing as he picked up at the back of a scrum. Flying winger Jack Denham appeared to have broken free when brought to earth by a soccer inspired tackle and powerful bursts from Jason Armstrong and Jonty Binovec were held just short. However, chances were few and far between with defences on top.

The home side shrewdly opted to use Charlie Colbeck to convert their two in-range penalties whilst Tynedale tried to seek position in the corners but found the Ryton jumpers dominating the line out to leave the score 6-0 at the break.

The decisive moment in the game came directly from the restart when it was caught by Kieran Bell who evaded the first up tacklers before racing down field. Full back Dan Heppell made a last ditch tackle but Ben Maitland arrived in support to touch down unopposed.

A change of tactic saw fly-half Jake Sloan kick the ball behind the Ryton defence and the scavenging Kael Horton, Will Jonas and Robbie Binks dived in to retrieve and recycle. Sloan reappeared to pick and drive over allowing Spencer Tolley to land a difficult conversion.

Lively scrum half Sam Richardson provided good service releasing centres Seb Jansen and Martyn Hutton to crash forward but they were unable to breakthrough a well-organised Ryton defence. The Centurions tried to up the pace but mistakes were made and Ryton coolly took advantage of indiscipline. With Ben Maitland taking over the kicking duties to land three penalties in addition to the conversion they were able to stretch their lead.

Hope was restored when Ian Charlton and Callum Foxcroft carried well close to the line and bustling prop David Hewison showed some nifty footwork to dance over the line with fifteen minutes remaining. Despite much huffing and puffing there was only a half chance created for Graeme Hutton as the home side comfortably remained in control.

Merry Christmas James and all at the Courant. Our next game will be on January 6th.