match report
Windy Tynedale
A day’s travel to Tynedale, Northumbria, close to Hadrians Wall, saw a warm welcome from the leagues newcomers off the pitch and a hard fought battle on it.
On a bright windy day Southend started against the elements and took an early lead, courtesy of Casson at inside centre, stepping through a couple of tackles he grounded the ball just left of the posts. With the wind dislodging the ball from the tee and the referee looking at his watch Andrew Frost had to hurry his successful conversion that swerved and dipped just over the bar.
The dozen or so Southend supporter’s joy was short lived as some slick, quick handling from Tynedale saw a reply within three minutes. 7 – 7.
The game continued with Southend having trouble in the scrum and the referee continually resetting. It seemed to disrupt the front five who then struggled to build up any momentum and were continually on the back foot.
This resulted in the Tyndale forwards supplying a platform for their backs whose quick, sure handling led to two further try’s before halftime. With one converted and a penalty reply from Frost Southend went in 19 – 10 down at half time.
Another early penalty from Frost led Southend to believe the game was there for the taking. With the wind behind and the forwards starting to get some control Tynedale were suddenly under pressure, but as so often this season some poor decisions at the line out, long throws in a stiff wind, and some scrappy handling, advantage was lost and Tyndale pushed up to score their fourth try that they duly converted. It was followed by a penalty shortly after, extending their lead to 29 – 13.
Southend rang the changes with replacements a few minutes before the end resulting in another try and conversion but it was too little too late, and the game finished with Southend coming away with nothing.
With a third of the season gone and with us languishing in twelfth place concern is beginning to mount. If the RFU’s planned reconstruction of the National Leagues is implemented this season it could lead to 5 down. We can’t afford to wait and see. This Saturday saw the introduction of a few Saracen youngsters in the backs. When Lewis and Billings are back from injury this could lead to very exciting and attacking options, but only if the ball gets to them.
League leaders Redruth visit us next weekend, a repeat of last seasons result would be a good way to start.
Alan Grace
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