TYNEDALE Rugby Club’s first XV were given a stern test as they faced higher ranked opponents in their first pre-season fixture.

Heading to National League One outfit Darlington Mowden Park, they performed well to get three tries on the board.

But Darlington had an edge on their guests and their six scores saw them finish as victors by 40 points to 21.

Played in four 20-minute sessions, Darlington were up and running just before the end of the first break, Warren Seals crossing and Ollie Walker converting.

Tyne had come close to breaking the deadlock in the opening minutes, but Jake Rogers missed his penalty attempt.

Another converted try, this time from Euan McKirdy, put the hosts 14 points to the good, but Tynedale stormed back and teenager Will Roberts scored after a clever overlap, with Rogers successfully converting. Mowden flexed their muscles and two quick tries in the third session, from Alfie Barron and Shaun McCartney, opened up a 21 point lead, which was reduced by seven when Matty Outson’s try was converted.

Max Davies and Joe Craggs added tries for Darlington to take the score to 40-14, but Tynedale finished on a high as David Batey scored from a line-out, converted by Rogers, saw the game end 40-21 to the home side.

Tynedale will travel to old foes Blaydon next Friday evening as one final warm-up match before the big kick off on September 7. Their scheduled game with Billingham this Friday has been cancelled.

Tynedale start their National League Two North season by welcoming Luctonians to Corbridge, for a 3pm start. They will be then be on their travels to Hull (14) and Sedgley Park (28), with a home game with Otley (21) sandwiched in between.