Bradford & Bingley 15, Tynedale 22: Tynedale, victorious in all 20 league matches, arrived as champions for Bradford and Bingley's last home game of the Thwaites North Division One season.

The visitors were studded with internationals and county players, whereas the home team were decimated by injuries and absences.

The game started at a cracking pace, neither side standing on ceremony. Matt Inman opening the scoring with a fifth-minute penalty for the Bees, but Tynedale's pack met with little success against some sound home defending.

Never more dangerous than when under the cosh, the Bees threatened with on several swift break-outs.

There was no defence against the pace and elusiveness of right winger Asa Firth in the 18th minute.

A break from a scrum led to flanker John Potter giving the ball to Firth, and devastating pace and changes of direction saw him pierce the cover in the right corner, Inman converting brilliantly.

Firth was almost in again moments later, but it was from a five-metre line-out that the Bees struck in the 24th minute, flanker Richard Head being forced over for an unconverted try to make it 15-0.

Tynedale retaliated immediately, and from their own five-metre line-out flanker Soa Otuvaka got a pushover try, fly half Alan Moses converting.

Moses converted two penalties to make it 15-13, and nearing half-time Firth was again just denied a try.

The ferocious forward battle continued in the second half. Inman missed a penalty for the Bees and Moses failed with three for Tynedale before a string of refereeing decisions went against the home side.

Numerous yellow cards had been shown before Bees' hooker Peter Scott was dismissed for an alleged high tackle in the 58th minute.

Moses then converted three successive penalties in a mid-half eight-minute spell, but the reasons often mystified the home team.

There was some fantastic tackling by 14-man Bradford and Bingley against the likes of winger Epi Taione, a Jonah Lomu-sized figure.

Tynedale were winding up for the kill, only for the Bees to steal the ball. Firth chipped the cover and with Tynedale all at sea within ten metres of their line, the offence of holding on to the ball following the 79th-minute tackle bafflingly resulted in a penalty against the Bees.

A rather sour taste was left as a superb win had been denied them after a great performance.

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