A DERBY day demolition of Blaydon has left Tynedale sitting proudly on top of National League Division Two (North).

The 33-12 victory at Crow Trees took Tynedale's try tally for the season to 13, with just four conceded, and they have taken maximum points in both games played.

After a gap of three years, Tynedale’s favourite fixture was back on the calendar when they made the short trip east to tackle their old rivals.

Blaydon suffered the ignominy of relegation from National League Division One last term, and like Tynedale before them, lost a significant number of experienced players to retirement and transfers.

They are in the process of rebuilding, but all considerations are set aside in derby games, where anything can happen and usually does.

While these were those in the crowd who jokingly opined that the grass on the first team pitch did not appear to have been cut since Tynedale’s last visit, this was not a game to be taken lightly.

Blaydon may have shipped more than 50 points in their opening day defeat at the hands of Hinckley, but had also run in four tries.

For their part, Tynedale were delighted with their 52-21 opening day win over Chester, and had the luxury of naming an unchanged starting XV.

And while they never quite hit the heights of the Chester win, they were worthy winners on a pleasant day in the Swalwell sunshine.

The game was only five minutes old when Tynedale took the lead, following a good drive from a line-out close to the Blaydon line. The ball was released from the tail of the line, and right wing Rob Parker danced in for fly half Ash Smith to convert.

On 13 minutes, it was the turn of opposite wing Guy Pike to cross the whitewash, showing good pace to cash in on Blaydon losing possession in midfield with a delightful swerving rum. Smith again obliged with the extras.

Hopes of an easy day at the office were dashed when Blaydon started to hit back, their speedy backs posing problems for Tynedale in defence.

Their persistence paid off on the half hour when, after a sparkling break from full back James Cooney, flanker Rob Lenderyou rumbled into the Tynedale 22. Blaydon piled in, and good work by the forwards brought a deserved try for fellow back rower Matty Charlton.

Hooker Matt Thompson converted and Blaydon were right back in it at 14-7.

Tynedale stepped up a gear and, with Smith limping from a leg injury, it was Parker who drilled a penalty to the corner. Possession was secured, and flanker Joe Mills came powering through on a good line to crash in for another converted try which made it 21-7 at the break.

Tynedale were penalised in front of their own posts early in the second half, but eschewed the easy kick at goal in favour of going for a line out. The gamble paid off as sustained forward pressure ended with the ebullient Thompson squeezing over for a try.

He attempted to convert his own score but the ball fell off the tee on his approach, and the attempt went comically wide.

However, Blaydon had their tails up and, with a little more concentration and cool headedness, could have caused problems for Tynedale. They produced some slick and inventive handling, but the cutting edge was not there.

Tyne weathered the storm and managed to regain the initiative, and, on the hour, some breathtaking passing ended with centre Will Miller sliding in for the four try bonus point, again improved by Smith. Shortly afterwards, the centre limped off injured.

The remainder of the half was scrappy until, in the dying moments, Tynedale skipper Matty Outson waved his wand, and more slick passing sent replacement hooker Jamie Blamire thundering through for the fifth try.

The kick failed, but the bragging rights were Tynedale’s.

Next up for the Corbridge side is a home game with Huddersfield, a team who have lost both their opening games, on Saturday. The game will kick off at 3pm.