HIGH-FLYING Hinckley became the first side to do the double over Tynedale this season after yet another thrill a minute game down in Leicestershire.

As in the game at Corbridge back in October, the game was decided by a late penalty from the boot of Hinckley full back Joe Wilson, but in truth, it could have gone either way, as both sides went at it hammer and tongs for the full 80 minutes.

The game was competitive throughout, with both sides full of spirit, the advantage switching like the wind.

Tynedale’s injury list continues to grow, with prop Dan Lowden becoming the latest front row casualty when he had to go off in the first minute, injured at the kick off. That brought on Colin Scullion for a rare first team outing, and he acquitted himself so well he was adjudged man of the match by his team-mates.

Despite the result, Tynedale left Leicester Road with two bonus points, and with the praise of Hinckley’s director of rugby, former England hooker George Chuter, ringing in their ears . Chuter said in the programme: “ Tynedale s a proper old-fashioned rugby club. The fact that they have been a strong presence in National Divisions One and Two for so long despite being in a predominantly football area, is a credit to the players and administrators at the club.

“Every other week there is a long road trip for the team, and the fact that they are around the top of the league speaks volumes about the attitude and approach of the players and coaches.”

It was Tynedale who were first to show, storming into the lead with a handling move which began in their own 22, and ended with winger Oli Walker touching down for a try converted by Ash Smith, following a missed penalty on six minutes .

Hinckley hit back almost straight from the restart, with Wilson touching down for an unconverted try, but Tynedale were soon stretching away again as centre Will Miller powered over for a try, again converted by Smith.

The pendulum then swung Hinckley’s way, as left wing Sam Driver sprinted over from long range for a try converted by Wilson, and on the half hour, Tynedale prop Richie Elliott was sin-binned for a technical offence.

Hinckley used their extra man to good effect, with centre Mitchell Lamb going over to put Hinckley ahead for the first time at 19-14 following Wilson’s conversion.

Tynedale bounced back from the half time deficit with flanker Joe Mills forcing his way over following a series of pick and goes, Smith’s conversion putting Tynedale back in front at 21-19.

Back came Hinckley with Wilson’s second try, which he converted himself, but Tynedale refused to lie down, a neat passage of play ending with flanker Nick Cairns securing the bonus point try for Tynedale taking the score to 26-all with 52 minutes gone.

Both sides had their chances to clinch it, and Tynedale breathed a sigh of relief when an eminently kickable Wilson penalty came back off the post just before the hour mark.

However, Wilson’s nerve held when he another chance from the tee on 77 minutes, and his successful kick gave Hinckley victory.

Tynedale make up one of their games in hand on the rest of the league tomorrow, when their controversially postponed clash with Stourbridge is rescheduled.

The referee and Tynedale were prepared for the match on December 9 to go ahead on a partially frostbound pitch, but despite having travelled up from the Black Country, the visitors declined to play.

Feelings could be running high when the game kicks off at 2pm.