Last updated 11:43, Friday, 22 August 2008

TYNEDALE shook off the sloth of summer with an invigorating pre-season friendly against Scottish premier league champions Boroughmuir on Saturday.

Tynedale Rugby Club

No-one was entirely sure of the score at the end of a game split into four periods of differing length, but the first team squad got a good workout.

For once, it was Tynedale who were found wanting for fitness in the final session, and there was some rather feeble tackling.

However, many regulars were unavailable, and competition will be fierce for places as Tynedale set sail into the unknown waters of National League Division Two.

Tynedale were struggling at scrum half too, for Micky Young has left the club to seek his fortunes with bitter rivals and fellow Division Two side Blaydon.

Scottish international Ross Samson was on sevens duty, and stand-in Jack Smales was also unavailable, having broken a bone in his foot, also playing sevens.

Young Jonny Fieldhouse stood in admirably, but his inexperience at this level occasionally showed.

However, there were many plus points too, with some fine tries, and a chance to look at some new faces.

Former Durham City favourite Ben Showler came into the second row, and there were debuts too for ex-Morpeth winger Peter Cole, one of the try-scoring heroes of Northumberland’s County Shield victory over Cornwall at Twickenham in May, and former Northern centre Fraser Shaw.

Also creating quite an impression were the flowing locks of full back James Hoyle, the former Newcastle Falcon.

They all started the game, and during one of the frequent mass changeovers, there were also appearances for Colin Scullion, Dave Reekie and Matthew Horrocks on the wing.

Tynedale started exceptionally well, with Hoyle making real inroads into Boroughmuir territory, before being stopped six yards out.

Soon after, Ben Duncan scorched down the wing, before the ball reached Andrew Murray, who made further ground.

As he was finally halted, he managed to flick the ball out wide, where Grant Beasley did supremely well not to knock on, snatching the ball off his bootlaces to go over for a try wide out.

Brother Gavin was unable to convert, but Tynedale were off and running.

After 12 minutes, good work by prop Rupert Harden created the space for Hoyle to force his way over from 10 yards, but again Beasley missed the kick.

Boroughmuir pulled as try back at after 21 minutes, but Tynedale comfortably won the first session 105.

The Scottish champions, whose game is based on searing pace, were equally emphatic winners of the second period.

Horrocks got to within 10 metres of the Scots’ try-line in the opening moments, but over the next 15 minutes, Tynedale with hit by a blitz of three tries, all from the electric pace of the same centre.

Tynedale had the last word, however, when a good forward drive earned a five metre scrum.

Andrew Murray picked up from the base, and stretched over to score, with Beasley’s shooting boots again deserting him.

Early in the third session, Murray got his second try, applying the finishing touch to a surging driving maul, and there were ironic cheers when Beasley converted,

Boroughmuir replied with a try from their outstanding winger, which was converted, but Tynedale were soon over again, with Dave Grattan getting the touchdown.

There was another good start to the final session, when the Tynedale forwards put together an excellent handling movement which took them into the Scots’ 22.

Beasley picked up from the breakdown, and whipped out a flat pass to prop Peter Southern, who scuttled in for an all-too-rare score, which was converted by Murray.

Back came Boroughmuir with another score, and as Tynedale tired, mistakes started to creep in.

Cole was taught a harsh lesson that you get away with the things you try in the lower leagues at this level.

He collected the ball from a quick throw, and attempted to run it from deep.

He was caught in possession, the ball was stripped off him and moments later, the Scots were touching down for a converted try.

Boroughmuir added a further try in the closing stages, taking their tally to eight

Tynedale tackle Scottish opposition again at Tynedale Park tomorrow, when Melrose are the visitors in a game which kicks off at 3pm.