Match report by John Spark

Alnwick 3s travelled to Tynedale on Sat for a cup final they knew was going to be hard shift away. It followed an excellent semi-final win away at Wallsend and unusual Thurs training session midweek to refresh the legs and calls. Managers Snaith and Stoker huddled nervously as lads warmed up. Capt Smith did the toss, a quick photo and we were underway playing towards the club. Tynedale pounced on a bounced ball and Alnwick were defending hard. Smith, Armstrong, H Sutherland all making tackles with Rox-Cowell barking and organising at full back. A turnover saw Alnwick make yards and work upfield with effort from the pack. The experienced Potts at 10 making calls and releasing runners and keeping scrum half Renner directed. A break left to A Sutherland then centre partner Kopac coming off his left foot hit a gap and turned on the gas to streak away for a great first try neatly converted by Glanville. Smith called for calmness at Alnwick retained the restart and aging worked up field through alexander, H Sutherland Travers. The backs broke left, then a kiwi pod right, Tynedale turnover breaking right but a loose pass was pounced on by Kopac who again left defenders in his wake to score a second. 0-12. The Alnwick men were finding their rhythm at set piece as Alexander Sutherland Nelson all taking ball from Gough's throwing. A series of Alnwick penalties saw them gain territory, the backs broke left again wing Cummings cutting back inside and recycling. Forwards carried again Nelson and Armstrong. Renner cut back left to Potts with not much on who grubbered through the gap and collected for a great try. 0-17. 10m before half time and Tynedale started to bring on their experienced bench as the game was starting to run away. Thorburn left with injured back after some strong carries. Tyne worked hard to the edges and were rewarded with good try in corner, this stirred some belief as 5m later their strong running centre broke line again 14-17. The pack worked downfield again with great drive from Smith supported by Alexander who then got his standard yellow card. Renner fed Potts to right, Sutherland to Kopac who again raced away for a hattrick Glanville converted. Tyne came straight back to stay in fight scoring left field. But Alnwick finished the half best as Morrison Smith got into action replacing injured Sutherland scoring after catch and drive. Half time 19-31.

Smith and Snaith rallied the half time talk just asking lads for more of the same. Tynedale started well with some strong forward runs but a penalty to Alnwick saw RoxCowell kick safe. Ellis came into backrow bringing experience and some more granite which lifted the lads. Alnwick's backs handling had been simple and efficient as again neat passing saw Glanville get a gallop. the pack drove forward for H Sutherland to touch down on right. Tynedale bounced back as their centre Hillary broke clear to score second. Again with Tyne's danders up the back row Smith, Ellis and Morrison Smith had to work hard, Smith doing what he has done all season in a huge captains defensive effort. Ball and Warwick came off bench to get stuck in as again Alnwick moved simple ball for Kopac to get his 4th, a great effort. By now it was just defend/ tackle/ keep ball and Alnwick grafted well. Sutherland stole a 2nd try from a tap and go. Then RoxbrughCowell with line in sight and about to score and referee awarded a penalty try for a Tyne infringement. Gray and Devereaux came on to help finish game off as Tynedale valiantly worked back up field for a consolation try it was just not enough - there was only one team winning this today the Blue and gold one! A huge effort from all involved as the referee blew for full time Tynedale 31 Alnwick 53 as the lads and support raised their arms and cheered!! Fantastic!! As as Super Skip Gordy Smith lifted the cup and more memories were made... Thanks to the NRU and the refereeing team and Tyndale as hosts as the first box of beers were opened up!!

A great afternoon!!

Alnwick Rugby Football Club

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