TYNEDALE got off to a flying start in Cheshire as they looked to build on the previous week’s 20-15 victory at home to Hinckley.

And the confident side got off to a flying start away to Chester on Saturday, taking an early lead against an outfit just below them in the National League Division Two North table.

But after an eventful first half which saw Chester take a 17-12 lead into the interval, the hosts took the initiative in the second period to run out 36-17 winners.

Despite the disappointing reverse, Tynedale remain a healthy sixth in the league table, with 38 points from 13 games, four places and five points ahead of Chester, who have a game in hand.

It could have been so much different for the Corbridge-based side on Saturday. They took the lead after just nine minutes when centre Jonny Burden intercepted a pass, before racing through to touch down under the posts, with Jake Rodgers accurately converting from the tee.

On the 20 minute mark, the hosts scored through Harry Wilkinson, before William du Randt touched down six minutes later. The second try was converted by Shay Owen.

Tynedale were undeterred by the home side’s threat, and levelled the scores on 29 minutes, when speedy full back Jack Outson touched down to score an unconverted try.

However, George Baxter was handed a simple finish, after good hands from David Ford, as Chester regained their lead before half time.

The hosts exerted their authority after the restart, as Scott Robson scored off the back of a line-out driving maul after 46 minutes, and in doing so, securing a try-scoring bonus point. Owen added an impressive touchline conversion to give the hosts a 24-12 lead.

Owen proved his worth as a try scorer on the hour mark, touching down before converting his own try, and then number eight Ford dotted down just three minutes later.

With the game beyond them, Tynedale never gave up, and managed a late consolation try through Seamus Hutton in the closing stages.

Tynedale return to Corbridge on Saturday, but they face an even sterner challenge, with table toppers Caldy the visitors.

The Wirral side have amounted 56 league points so far this season, and their recent impressive form has included league wins over Preston Grasshoppers, Wharfedale, and Huddersfield.

Kick off at Tynedale Park is 2pm.