Otley 12, Tynedale 13

AFTER 17 consecutive away defeats, Tynedale Rugby Club 1st XV's travel sickness finally came to an end on Saturday.

But it was a close run thing, as they defeated strongly fancied Otley by a single point on a mudbath of a pitch. 

Tynedale spent much of the game under the cosh, but their superb defence held firm.

It was a day to remember for centre Ash Smith, who scored all Tynedale’s points with a try, a conversion and two penalties.

Tynedale were barely out of their own half in the first period, but turned round 3-0 up thanks to Smith's 27th minute penalty when the Yorkshiremen were offside.

Otley took the lead with a converted try from a rolling maul four minutes into the second half, but on 51 minutes, a spilled ball in midfield was picked up by Smith, who darted in under the posts for a try he converted himself to make it 10-7.

Tynedale then withstood terrific pressure before Otley were offside again on 69 minutes and Smith’s deadly boot made it 13-7 in the gathering gloom.

Seven minutes later, lock Jack Scott Paul got Otley‘s second try, but it was unconverted, to keep Tynedale’s noses in front.

There was even time for Smith to miss another penalty four minutes into stoppage time, but they had already done enough to register their first win away from home since October last year. 

For a full match report see this week's Hexham Courant