In the end there was just one point in it but Blaydon gave themselves a mountain to climb with a wretched start and a first half deficit of 16 unanswered points. To their credit they turned it round in the second period and but for conceding a string of penalties might have gone on to sneak a 4th ‘derby’ win in a row.

At the start however they were caught stone cold by a Tynedale side that ran with purpose from the kick-off and were 13 points clear after just 10 minutes courtesy of some excellent short sharp passing. Gavin Beasley got the ball rolling with a second minute penalty and then added the points when brother Grant scooted over in the corner.

Another lightning break saw full-back Jack Harrison stopped inches short but Hamish Swales in support was over in the corner, and Blaydon had scarcely laid a hand on the ball.

Things improved slightly for the visitors but after another Beasley penalty on 40 minutes the half ended with Blaydon not having set foot in the home 22.

Whatever was said during the break had an instant effect as the forwards set off in determined fashion and within 3 minutes of the restart four of them had charged the Tynedale line leading to an Andrew Baggett penalty and a score on the board.

Good work by Jason Smithson got them back upfield in quick time to again set siege to the home line, and after a dart by Jonny Burn had almost succeeded hooker Fran Entressengle burrowed over. Baggett put over the conversion and it was now 16-10 and everything to play for.

Sadly, Beasley was presented with 2 more straightforward penalties and then another for replacement Craig Willis, but once more Blaydon hit back when an up and under from Baggett was pounced on by Tom Jeffery who stormed into the 22 for James Hallam to touch down and Baggett convert.

Into injury time and still with an 8 point deficit Blaydon were set on having the last word and a now ragged Tynedale again failed to hold the visitors pack.

Chris Wearmouth gathered in at a short line-out, a rolling maul looked promising but was halted and when the ball was released Jeffery stormed over by the posts.

The successful conversion brought the game to an end and a Tynedale win but Blaydon had secured a well earned bonus point and the satisfaction of having outscored their opponents by three tries to two.

John Brennan

[match id=134]

Today a young squad of talented individuals cobbled together at the last minute in true development style played as a team in order to see off a determined Gateshead. So many of our players had not trained, to me fitness was a worry.

Having only 16 players against a squad of 20 plus on a hot day could have spelled trouble, but the lads pulled the cat out of the bag. An early score put the home team on the back foot and allowed Blaydon room to sort out our game plan.

Gateshead had a heavy pack, so on a hot day we knew they would tire quickly. Using the surgical boot of Charlie we were able to gain territory and play the game in Gateshead’s 22. As the game progressed our back line began to bombard Gateshead, punching holes in the home team’s defence supported by the forwards the points kept toting up, as the clock ticked on the forwards took control up front and destroyed the Gateshead pack in the scrums, but Gateshead to their credit responded with two text book scores, one from their back line and one from their forwards.

They were very unlucky not to score a third when a kick ahead bounced awkward in front of the covering Blaydon winger allowing the chasing Gateshead centre to break free with only the try line beckoning to be judged to have knocked on when the ball bounced up in front of him to collect. The final score 45-14. It was good to see some old faces returning to the fold and better to see the lads back playing great rugby.

Well Done!

Today we commence the new season by welcoming Loughborough Students who, after a slow start last season, finished in a commendable mid-table spot.   The two matches between the sides last year resulted in an away victory for each side and in the game at Loughborough, Andy Davies broke his leg but returned to play before the end of the season.

Both sides will no doubt have changes in personnel from last season and we wish all newcomers in both teams an enjoyable season in this highly competitive league.

New teams to the league are Doncaster Knights, who were relegated from the Championship and are most people’s favourites to go straight back up. Hull Ionians, who came with a late surge to take National 2 North and Worthing, winners of the play-off, and old friends Henley.

Apart from Donny, all the others may find the going hard and the main challengers for the league will emanate from the ‘money belt’ of England around the M25 both Rosslyn Park, Blackheath and Esher may have successful seasons and the strugglers – who knows – I will tell you next April!

Some of the first round games are interesting with Blackheath at Doncaster, Esher at Richmond and Rosslyn Park well strengthened, at Cinderford but Cinderford are always difficult to beat.

Neighbours Tynedale travel to newcomers Henley with a strengthened side from last season and providing they improve last season’s away record, they should return with a victory.

It would also be interesting to see how Worthing take to the long travels North when they go to Wharfedale – a crucial game for both sides who look as if they may well struggle during the season.

Most of our long travels, apart from Worthing and Esher, are before Christmas and any supporters wishing to travel please let me know and I will include you in the train ticket application.

Another visitor today is former player Alan Robson who played in the glory years in the 60’s along with Bartle, Gustard, Groom, Davidson and props Powell and Walker.   Alan currently lives in South Africa to where he emigrated many years ago and George Groom has circulated a few friends, Alan’s (he never had many!!) and they will be joining us for lunch.   Blaydon RFC hope you enjoy your visit and that it brings back many memories of your appearances on the wing!   Have a good trip and regards to Marian and your family.

Next week’s game is up the valley at Tynedale where no doubt we will know that we have been in a game – please make the trip to support us.

Finally, many thanks to our sponsors for their generous contributions without which we would struggle and I hope that by the end of the season, they feel that their investments will be worth while.

Also thanks today to our Match Ball Sponsor and the Match Sponsors – THE SUPPORTERS’ ASSOCIATION.

JIM HUX

Blaydon lost the Durham County Cup match at  Crowtrees yesterday against a strong West Hartlepool side; 17 – 27