THE deadly boot of Ash Smith got Tynedale’s away day adventures back on course at Hinckley on Saturday.

The centre contributed a solid 14 points from the tee to ensure Tynedale avenged the defeat they suffered at Hinckley’s hands at Corbridge back in November,

While conditions were equally as muddy, windy and unpleasant as the previous weekend’s mudbath defeat at Wharfedale, Tynedale adapted better, and finished much stronger than their Leicestershire hosts.

Once again, number eight Scott Powell put in a commanding performance at the back of the scrum, with the front row bolstered by the debut of the sizeable Neal Farthing at tight head prop to add some bulk to the proceedings.

For the most part, the forward battle was an even one, with lock Graeme Dunn once again leading by example in an all-action and inspiring performance.

Tynedale were again without the experienced Jack Harrison, and the exciting James Spencer, but replacements Jonny Mock and Jack Outson both responded to the challenge exceptionally well in the most testing of conditions.

Tynedale welcomed back scrum half and captain Matty Outson from his exotic travels, and he soon established the strong link with fly half Dan Taylor which has been such a feature of the good form which has seen them well established at seventh in the table.

As well as the weather, Tynedale had to contend with a pitch with a significant slope, which cut up badly after several days of rain, but it only took them two minutes to take the lead - and that was after Hinckley had already missed a penalty attempt.

A penalty in the Hickley half was kicked to touch, and from the line-out catch and drive, centre Will Miller crossed for what was to be Tynedale’s only try of the afternoon, converted by Smith.

The Hinckley forwards then started to flex their muscles , penning Tynedale in their own 22, and winning a series of penalties, all of which they chose to take as penalty scrums.

The tactic finally paid off on 17 minutes, when clean ball and a couple of quick passes sent winger Callum Dacey in for an unconverted try.

Hinckley edged ahead with a 25th minute penalty from Connor Bullivant, but Tynedale were beginning to assert themselves, dominating territory, and forcing a series of penalties in Hinckley's half, with Smith successful with one from the 22 on the stroke of half time to give Tynedale a 10-8 interval lead.

Hinckley came roaring out of the dressing room full of fight for the second period and were ahead after two minutes when Dacey grabbed his second try following a powerful run. Bullivant;s conversion made it 15-10.

Despite many frustrating handling errors, Tynedale dominated possession and territory as Tynedale kept their heads as the strength sapping conditions took their toll on Hinckley, who started conceding a lot of penalties.

Smith narrowed the gap with once such kick on 57 minutes, before landing a wind-assisted beauty from halfway 10 minutes later to give Tynedale a one point lead.

And with four minutes left, Smith struck again to wrap up the points.

Tynedale are at home to strugglers Scunthorpe tomorrow, and fans should note that the game kicks off at 2pm, rather than the 3pm previously indicated, so that visitors to Corbridge can watch the Calcutta Cup match between England and Scotland in the clubhouse afterwards.