AN understrength Ryton came up against a rampant Tynedale Centurions on Saturday.

But the 69-17 scoreline did not reflect the visitors’ determined contribution to an exciting and open game.

It was Ryton who took an early lead with a converted try, but the Tynedale threequarters, marshalled by the influential Adam Todhunter at fly-half, always looked likely to score. The forwards had a tougher battle and honours were more or less even up front.

Rob Earnshaw made a powerful break after 10 minutes and linked well with full back Adam Shane to outstrip the defence for a try before a delightful chip to the wing by Todhunter saw Sean Abrams accept the gift and scoot home.

Prop forwards Lewis Spark and Owen Shield then combined to drive deep into Ryton territory and Ollie Murrell provided the link to Rory Dixon who powered over from 20 metres.

Ryton kept themselves in the game with a nice try of their own after a powerful surge by their forwards.

A further period of Tynedale dominance followed, with Ryan Laverty crossing wide out right after good work from Mark Smales. A quickly taken tap penalty by Todhunter saw him stroll through the defence to touch down.

A good catch and drive by Jason Armstrong saw the ball whipped wide by Ian Charlton to find the pacey full back Shane who sprinted over from half way. Another fine 50-metre sprint by Abrams saw him score a second try.

A dogged Ryton dug deep to respond with a third try of their own just after half time, but any glimmer of hope was extinguished as the Centurions’ backs responded again with real pace and power. Callum Morrell capped a fine performance by landing two tries of his own.

George Hendry fed Todhunter from a scrum and a nicely timed pass set him up for a first then, a fine individual break secured his second.

Full back Shane was then the creator of two outstanding tries scored by Jake Sloan and Todhunter from long range. With the game won, Rory Craney and Owen Loughhead showed great commitment to produce ball that led to veteran Andy Purves following up, then showing neat footwork to dribble the ball and touch down.

With the final play of the game, Dixon became the fifth Tynedale back to bag a brace of tries.