IT’S been a frustrating few weeks for Tynedale Raiders. The club’s second string have been unable to get a four-game losing streak out of their system due to a series of postponements.

But that all changed on Friday, when the Raiders travelled to face Percy Park Lions, and returned home with a resounding 27-10 victory.

The evening fixture, played under the floodlights, seemed to bring out the best in both teams, and a good gathering of spectators were in for a showing of fast flowing attack, as well as stern defence.

Percy Park looked the most likely to score in the early exchanges but a combination of clinical chop tackles and turnovers at the break down ensured parity early doors.

The Raiders were giving away an incredible amount of size and weight in the pack, but the combative front row of captain Ed Craney, Joe Northwood, and Phil Scandle, were able to punch above their weight through impressive technique and were awarded several penalties at scrum time.

New second row pairing Matt Burke and Jacob Brown played a part in this while also showing their prowess around the park.

Tyne had several chances of their own with the lively John Clarkson, returning at scrum half and debutant Kieran Wilyman looking dangerous with ball in hand, but first half pressure could not be converted into points. The Raiders would eventually concede on the stroke of half time after several pick and drives from the Percy Park pack saw them finally get over the try line.

The second half saw a resilient Tyne utilise their bench, with Micky Hall moving in to the back row, allowing the outstanding Callum Morrell to move on to the wing.

Quick front foot ball at the breakdown allowed Clarkson and fly half Josh Bate to release Wilyman and Adam Todhunter at will, and cracks were starting to appear in the Park defence.

The Raiders ran out convincing winners with a brace from Wilyman and a try from full back Tom Robson.

Having returned to wining ways, the Raiders travel to Harrogate on Saturday looking to build on a superb performance.