Preston Grasshoppers 35-36 Tynedale
Just the one point was all that could split Preston Grasshoppers and Tynedale at Lightfoot Lane, as both teams ran in five tries each.
A late Josh Leslie penalty was enough for the visitors to take full points back to the North East, as both sides finished the season in end to end, entertaining fashion.
It was a quick start from Tynedale, their first try coming in the opening five minutes when Joe Beaty managed to sidestep his way through the defence before darting under the posts.
Hoppers scored next when Scott Richardson managed to bundle his way over over from close range but a quick response from the visitors saw Will Roberts take in a long looping pass out wide, before darting into the corner.
Preston secured a well-deserved try, after a winning a number of penalties 5 metres out, when they finally managed to gather a lineout, before Rob Willetts put the ball down from the back of a rolling maul.
Tynedale would have the lead going into half time however, when a mistake in the backfield by the Hoppers backs put the ball straight into the hands of Beaty, who had very little to do to score from five metres out.
The Hoppers came flying out of the blocks straight after half time, scoring in the 50 seconds. Jacob Browne took in the return kick just inside his own half, before an incredible run found him heading towards the line, before playing in Michael Ashdown who had all the space to run into.
Tynedale scored another through star man Euan Furlow after his centre partner Roberts managed to split the defence.
Richardson added his second after a quick attack from Hoppers ended up with the captain forcing his way over the line.
Persistent attack from both sides saw them trade similar tries, with both Ralph Johnston and Jake Pope picking up tries from the pick and go after a number of phases.
A late penalty from Leslie saw Tynedale edge back in front, before a last minute kick from Ed Keohane drifted agonisingly wide, bringing with it a thrilling close to the season.
Report by Tom Kelly, pictures by Mike Craig
