STARTING their pre-season programme a week later than expected didn’t throw Tynedale off their stride.

Fitness levels were high and their defensive strength bolstered as they kick started their preparations for the new season with a 17-5 victory over a hard working Hawick side on their return to Corbridge.

They were frustrated when their friendly with Stirling County was cancelled the week before, Scott Lawson’s men desperate to show if their intense effort in training had put off by the time they crossed onto the pitch.

Tynedale had the majority of play in terms of possession in the opening half but found themselves trailing to a breakaway try, which was unconverted to give the Bordermen a 5-0 advantage.

But the teams went into the break level as Tyne stormed back and Will Miller touched down for 5-5.

Again the hosts dominated after the restart and put Hawick under intense pressure, but to their credit they defended well to prevent their hosts running away with things.

Yet their resolve was breached as Tynedale refused to give up, tries for new boy Aidan Maloney and Oli Walker, one of which was converted by Ash Smith, earned the victory.

Lawson, who scored two tries for Newcastle Falcons in their 34-12 victory over Doncaster at the weekend, said: “Because of the heavy rain, it was a really bad day to play your first pre-season game and it was a bit disappointing as you want to put everything you have worked at onto the pitch, but it wasn’t to be.

“However, I am sure we will play a considerable amount of our league games in these conditions and the lads handled themselves very well. The fitness levels were very high and it was pleasing to see the physicality and application which was put in by the players.

“It was a good weekend for Tynedale as we had 20 players in both the first and second team squads, and we’ve got a lot of what you would call first team regulars coming back from holiday so we’re only going to get stronger.”

The victory followed a first run-out for some of the team in midweek as a mixture of first and second team players played at Morpeth.

A trip to near neighbours Blaydon, who play in National League One, is up next for Tynedale on Saturday before they start their League Two (North) campaign with an away day at Leicester Lions the following week.

Lawson said: “Playing your rivals from the division above is a big, physical test where players will have to raise their game, and I am sure the boys will go there with plenty of spirit.”