Last updated 09:30, Friday, 22 August 2008

TYNEDALE Colts, sponsored by Arnold Clark, travelled to Peebles for a 10s tournament and made a promising start to the new season.

Holidays, cricket and injuries had reduced the squad quite considerably but the players that were able to travel made sure of successful day.

After a long and scenic trip and only 20 minutes to change and prepare Tynedale faced Berwick in the opening fixture.

When Tom Robb led the team containing only two backs out to start the campaign. even the ever optimistic John Clark looked worried.

But it was Tynedale who showed the early pace and passion and after a good early drive, it was Adam Telfer who opened the scoring with a strong run from 20 metres out.

Berwick bounced straight back to level the scores when a good kick caught out the Tyne defence.

After two disallowed efforts, the Colts were back in front with Kit Sorenson driving over, paying no heed to the defenders or the slightly hard ground over the try line.

Tynedale now took control of the game, with Andy Evans possibly the slowest fly half ever, and Martin Hutton on his debut scoring good tries to finish off the game.

Another quick turnaround saw Tynedale losing to Gala on a much bigger pitch that was more suited to the fast running backs of the Gala side.

Game three was against a very confident Kelso side, and injuries were starting to mount.

With only 12 fit players, everyone knew it was going to be difficult to progress out of the group but it was Tyne who put the early pressure on.

Callum Gaffney and Richard Dunn led the way and when Martin Hutton got a bit of space and had only two men to beat he took the chance with scorching pace.

This stung Kelso into action, and they soon levelled the scores, despite some good defensive work from young Rory Dixon, stepping well into the shoes if not tracksuit pants of his brother.

Once again the Dalesmen lifted their game and after some strong running in the centre by Brogan Millar, another player on debut, Andy Evans put his side in the lead.

Charlie Maddison kept Kelso pinned on the try line and after another disallowed try, Dave Batey barged over to finish the scoring.

In the semi final against a big Jed Thistle squad, the Colts struggled with the speed of the Jed backs and were soon 15-0 down.

The Tyne boys do not know how to give up, and Dave Batey went over just before the interval.

After the break, massive pressure was applied to the Jed line but twice they broke out and ran the length of the pitch to score.

Tynedale pushed again and were rewarded with another fine try by Andy Evans.

Losing in the semi final was no disgrace and the effort and commitment of the whole squad bodes well for the rest of the season.