Cambridge 32 Tynedale 18

The first quarter of the game gave nothing away and ended with an exchange of penalties. Cambridge indeed were the physically stronger side but Tynedale matched the greater home possession with a tight defence. Four penalties were conceded early by the visitors only one of which put points on the board. Tynedale replied inside 5 minutes, the rare sight of a lock forward, Andrew Murray, charged with this special responsibility. There was only a handful of set pieces to break the momentum of the game, so many metres travelled and tackles taken in the warm sunshine.

Another statistic came to mind as the game entered the second quarter. Tynedale last conceded a 4 try bonus point to Launceston in Cornwall on Saturday 27th September, losing that game by just two points. This match was turning out to be the tough encounter that we expected. Perfect weather, running rugby but few chances on offer to break either defensive line ups. Luke Fielden excelled at full back, under a number of testing high balls, retaining possession on his feet for the valuable seconds and beginning to taunt his Newcastle friends with a master class in deceptive running. One such counter attack delivered the essential first try. From three or four phases put neatly together, Shanners picked out Rob Hurrell with a perfectly weighted pass. His running angle matched the quality of the delivery and the clean break provided an open corridor to the posts. Craig Evans added the two points and two minutes later referee Richard Phillips followed up an early warning, yellow carding the Cambridge blind side flanker, Dan Legge. That Cambridge then scored a second try, demonstrated the degree of home commitment to a 5 point win. Set piece around the Tynedale 22 metre line, scrum or was it lineout, cleanly won and the ball delivered wide and long twice to reach Luke Fielden and a clear overlap. His pace took him well away from the speedy Tynedale pair of Jacks, Smales and Harrison. Luke's eighteenth try this season, none more welcome and needed in the circumstances. Craig converted for Cambridge to lead into half time, 17 - 3.

The half ended with Tynedale Captain, Jamie Murray also yellow carded. Another No 6 in the sin bin. Advantage to the home side once the second half began. Two more tries needed for the essential 5th point to stay in touch with Bees and Redruth. The half however began immediately with Murray kicking his second penalty for Tynedale. The essential 3rd try arrived 3 minutes later. Pressure and numbers put the line close enough for Mike Guess to drive over and score out wide. No conversion this time but at least the platform was there for the fourth vital try and a full thirty five minutes available to deliver it. The "Jacks" knew differently. Something in the pattern and balance of play convinced Tynedale that all was not lost and their opponents were indeed vulnerable. Restored to 15 men and replenished with 2 fresh forwards from the bench, Tynedale went on the attack. Following a successful home side penalty, nudged home by the fresh legs of Ben Patston, something clicked in the Tynedale psyche. Something like "enough is enough" they began a sequence of blistering attacks, the two Jacks each delivering a quality try. Harrison first then Smales, as earlier in the season, they escaped our defences clutches with neat footwork and delivered 12 points before the quarter ended.

Game well and truly on!

The final quarter began like a rerun of the first. Stalemate, although Tynedale threatened enough times with wide distribution only to lose momentum with forward or dropped passes. Pressure does produce mistakes and Tynedale were chasing a margin of just one converted try to draw level, two scores to win. The degree of tension was evident the moment "Man of the Match" Stefan Liebenberg constructed the essential bonus winning try. His dart from the base of a ruck took him up then under the Tynedale defence. A final dive and twist and the ball was safely place over the line, Tom Powell providing the essential supporting strength.(see Chris Fell's action shots on the website - Numbers 33-36) Surrounded immediately by relieved team mates, such celebrations say so much. Enough done for a 5 point win. But still the need to parry the Tynedale attacks for the remaining minutes. They threatened occasionally but without the clinical touches evident earlier. Luke Fielden on the other hand showed no such inhibitions. He delivered another mesmerising run through a tired defence. Tynedale had fielded all 5 replacements where Cambridge made just the single injury change in normal time.

Final score Cambridge 32 Tynedale 18

A passing comment from the Tynedale bench - " we were not at the races" reflected the frustration of the closing minutes. Two quality tries could well have been matched by two more, given the play and balance of possession. Pressure produced the mistakes and Cambridge deserved the win for a sounder performance week on week. Good to see Ben Patston back and imposing himself on the game. Good to see Captain Fox fast to the breakdown delivering vital turnover ball. Top drawer distribution by the Cambridge backs though one interception chance for Tynedale late in the first half could have turned the game.

The Shanahan/Crooks coaching combo can take much from this game for the last home match of the season in two weeks time against the Reds. Redruth come to us, still top of the table with only 4 games remaining. A win for them could well secure the championship.  A 5 point home win keeps us in the race. Meanwhile, this coming weekend we take on the Duchy once again with our final visit this season, this time away to Launceston who will be looking to inflict the first double win against us.

These matters are important but the extended line up yesterday put everything in perspective. Alongside our XV, a dozen or so invited guests, young carers, many not yet in their teens, lined up for presentation. Unsung heroes representing the many across the UK who deserve both recognition and support for the responsibilities. "Some have greatness thrust upon 'em". Well done you all.

Mal(volio) Schofield

Photos are here