IT was seven and out for Tynedale when they crashed to their first defeat of the season at a windswept South Leicester on Saturday.

While Tynedale outscored their hosts by three tries to one, they had no answer to South’s forward power, and the prodigious kicking expertise of fly half Rickie Aley, who made light of the conditions by landing five penalties and a drop goal.

Tynedale were even denied a losing bonus point by Aley’s boot, but no-one was too despondent as Tynedale’s runaway train finally came off the track after seven successive wins.

They still lie second in the Division Two (North) table, which is far higher than even the most optimistic Tynedale fan expected at the start of the season.

Director of rugby Scott Lawson said: “I am disappointed not to continue the winning run but we’ve played some good teams and we have performed very well.

“I don’t think anybody expected us to be in this situation at the start of season, so I’m still looking at it with a positive frame of mind.”

Ash Smith returned to the Tynedale three-quarter line after missing the low-scoring thriller against Sale, along with the free scoring winger Guy Pike, with the exciting Will Miller rested.

England U20 hooker Jamie Blamire also missed out as he was involved with Newcastle Falcons.

It was a game to remember for Tynedale flanker Nick Cairns, who played for South last season, but there were no divided loyalties as he scored two of Tynedale’s three tries.

The other try came from another returnee, Tom Bramwell, who spent last season with Blaydon.

Heavy rain was forecast but did not materialise, but there was a strong wind blowing across the field which South were able to use to good effect, doubtless familiar with the tricky conditions in the Midlands.

Aley gave a masterclass in kicking, bisecting the posts with unerring accuracy despite the swirling gusts.

The home forwards played to their strengths, always having the edge over Tynedale, and using their strength and guile to win a series of penalties which Avey capitalised on.

Tynedale started brightly, dominating territory and getting to within five metres of the South line, but they were unable to finish the move off.

South then launched a powerful counter attack which brought a try for flanker Barend Moolman, with Aley adding the extras.

Tynedale responded well and powerful running by Pike resulted in a forward drive which brought Cairns his first try, with Smith bringing the scores level from the tee on 21 minutes.

And it seemed like business as usual eight minutes later when full back James Spencer floated a lovely ball to Oli Walker, who made ground before timing his pass to perfection for Bramwell to score an unconverted try to put Tynedale 12-7 to the good.

Aley hit back with a penalty, but Tynedale still led 12-10 at the break.

The second half saw South playing through the pack. where they had a decisive edge, and Tynedale found themselves struggling to get out of their own half against the wind,

They began to leak penalties, and the deadly boot of Aley put them ahead on the hour, with a spell of two more penalties and a quite superb drop goal from 40 metres within eight minutes to open a 22-12 lead.

Tynedale thought they had salvaged a losing bonus point when Cairns forced his way over for his second try late on, but Aley struck again with the last kick of the game to ensure the visitors side travelled back to Corbridge empty handed.

Tynedale look to bounce back to winning ways on Saturday, but face another stiff test as they welcome Hinckley to Tynedale Park.

Their guests possess a heavyweight pack and are going well under new director of rugby, George Chuter.

Hinckley have won all five home games this season by scoring a minimum of 36 points in each match, but they have lost two of their three games on their travels after slipping up 21-6 at Sale and 45-29 against Sedgley Park.