Nuneaton 14 Tynedale 19

Nuneaton, unbeaten leaders of National Three North, were knocked first out of their stride, then out of the Powergen Trophy at their entry stage by Tynedale.

The Northumbrians, who visit again in a league match in a month's time, were simply more purposeful and combative up-front with pace behind, yet they failed to score in the first half when they had the strong wind behind them.

With five forwards, including three props, out injured, Nuns had to recall ex-England prop Darren Garforth from retirement and field coach Chris Tarbuck as a second-half replacement lock. However, they must have thought they had done the hard work when they reached the interval eight points up after a scoreless first half hour of play which fluctuated from end to end.

Nuns' livewire scrum-half Huw Thomas, deputising as kicker for injured Gareth Cole, broke the deadlock with a penalty goal after a 44-yard break by flanker Ian Critchley ended in Tynedale killing the ball.

Tynedale charged down his attempt to convert a 39thminute try scored by centre Craig Dutton from an inside pass by Phil Reed but it was 8-0 at half-time.

Nuns started the second period losing their own defensive line-out to Tynedale, who spent two minutes handling back and forth without finding a gap until winger Ed Holmes hacked on to touch down for their first try.

Reed quickly responded for Nuns with a snap drop-goal but Tynedale almost immediately went 12-11 ahead as rapid winger Hamish Smales weaved 70 yards untouched for a try, converted by Will Massey.

Thomas restored a narrow lead with a 30-yard penalty before Tynedale wasted an easier penalty chance by tapping it in front of the posts and conceding a penalty for holding on in the tackle.

Nuns failed to clear their lines, a kick out of defence by Reed was charged down, and Tynedale put Newcastle Falcons academy centre Ben Duncan in for a try, Massey converting.

After that, Nuns only got into the visitors half once, winning a penalty lineout in the corner which they promptly lost, and Tynedale cleared up-field.