Sadly Neil passed away peacefully on Friday April 16th, aged 69 years, having battled bravely against Motor Neurone Disease over the past several months.

Neil played as a prop for Tynedale for many years in the 1960's after moving from Gateshead Fell and continued to support the club after retiring from playing.

Neil and his wife Jean were best known in the area as local and District Councillors but both have also been staunch supporters of Tynedale RFC and the developments which have taken place at Tynedale Park.

Raymond James

Sadly the club has to report the death of Raymond following a heart attack on Monday 30th November, aged 58 years.

An ex-QEGS pupil, Raymond played for Tynedale as a winger/full-back and became Hon. Treasurer of the Club when he retired from playing - a role he filled for six seasons before he moved south and then abroad with his job. On returning to live in England Raymond settled in Bedfordshire and despite living out of the area he remained a full member of the club. Raymond was a regular supporter at away matches in the south and also frequently attended the club whilst visiting his mother in his home town of Hexham.

Willie Parker

Sadly Willie, aged 83 years, passed away on Wednesday 4th November 2009 following a long period of ill health.

Willie was a lifelong supporter of Tynedale Rugby Club and a popular character with the rugby fraternityand amongst his many farming friends. His two sons, Richard and Edward, were outstanding players for the club and for Northumberland county for many years.

Anyone who met Willie will remember him. A loveable character, always with a mischievous grin and a ready quip he enlivened any company and made friends wherever he went.

EDWARD ROBSON (22.10.38 - 31.08.09)
The start of this rugby season has been overshadowed for all Tynedale rugby supporters by the sad news of the death of Edward Robson aged 70 years, on Monday 31st. August 2009.

Edward was a legend at Tynedale; a dominating figure at the club he served so faithfully for 50 years. He was first a flanker for the 1st XV, then Captain of the 2nd XV, and later a selector and committee-man. He was made an Honorary Life-member two years ago to recognise all of his work for the club over that long period of time.

Edward would willingly undertake any task to help the club. It could be very high profile - leading the tour to Canada as President, or it could mean filling the baths and looking after the changing-rooms for several months after John Lee, the groundsman, died suddenly.

The most significant contribution was probably Edward's decision to take the lead when he and two or three others formed a sub-committee to complete the purchase of Tynedale Park. This started the move from Hexham 35 years ago, the construction of the new clubhouse at Corbridge and the developments on the grounds, which completely changed the nature of the Tynedale club.

Edward was also involved in arranging for young players to get experience of rugby and farming in New Zealand by sorting out exchanges with his lifelong Kiwi friend Don Jack, chairing committees, leading the Ali Johnson Appeal, funding the establishment of a Medical Room, selling drapery from his shop on match days, writing poems to celebrate famous victories or events, editing the 125 year commemorative booklet and liaising with the Northumberland County Show - he was always, always involved.

Most of Edward's work was unseen. He was always generous with his time and his resources. No club could have had a better servant at home or a better ambassador away from home. Known throughout rugby circles here and abroad he leaves a huge gap which the club will struggle, and fail, to fill.

We will miss his wise counsel, his ready humour and the feeling of fun and enjoyment which those in his company always felt, even in his last days.

Douglas Hamilton

Players observe one minute silence in memory of Edward Robson prior to home matches on Sat 5th September 2009

CLICK HERE to view Senior Fixtures & Results (2009-2010)

CLICK HERE to view 1stXV Teams, Appearances & Scorers

CLICK HERE to view 1stXV Match Reports for 2009-2010 (inc photos)

TYNEDALE RETAIN COUNTY SENIOR CUP

(Very Back)F Mcgowan, G Dunn, K Showler, J Cousin
(Standing) M Fieldhouse, P Scandle, M Outson, D Herdman, M Horricks, R Gledson, A Hall, D Hall, A Gray, C Crotty, B Franklin
(Crouched) D Taylor, S Visser, J Mock, G MacGilchrist, A Evans, D Shaw, A Ions

Tynedale won the Northumberland Senior Cup for the third successive year when they defeated Morpeth by 24-9 in a hard competitive final held at Percy Park on Wednesday 28th April 2010.

Despite fielding their second string Raiders team Tyne eventually overcame a dour Morpeth side who never really threatened the Tyne line but proved, as expected, a very difficult side to break down.

In a match in which the Tyne forwards, and their back five in particular, proved too much for their Morpeth conterparts Tyne crossed the Morpeth line three times but were never able to run away with proceedings against a tight Morpeth defence.

Open Day for Youth Parent Members
The Tynedale RFC President, Andy Deacon, invited all Tynedale Youth Parents to the opening rugby match at Tynedale Park against Blackheath on Saturday September 19th 2009.

Andy Deacon also extended this invitation to the game to residents of Corbridge.

Colts win Cup for 4th successive year
Tynedale Colts secured the Northumberland County Colt Cup for the fourth successive year with a hard fought 21-7 victory over Alnwick in an excellent final played at Border Park on Sunday 25th April 2010.

Northumberland County Cup Final
Tynedale Colts 21 v Alnwick Colts 7
25/4/10 at Border Park RFC, Kielder.

Last game of the season for the Arnold Clark sponsored Tynedale Colts was upon us and how better to finish off the season than with a cup final of the Northumberland County Cup competition.

Tynedale Colts were looking to retain the cup for the fourth year in succession, but their nemesis this time round was a sizeable squad of young men from Alnwick. The host venue was chosen as Border Park Rugby Club in the splendid surroundings of Kielder Village.

As the rain came down in sheets, the Corbridge men opted to play up the steep slope and into the rain in the first half, a well thought out decision based upon the sheer size of the Alnwick pack, we believed they would tire in the second half and have to try to make ground up that heavy slope with hopefully no real first half advantage. From the Kick-off Isaac Telfer introduced himself to the Alnwick pack. His tackle on the ball catcher was timed to perfection and completely destroyed the man and ball, the Alnwick lad was sent reeling like a drunken hamster in a plastic ball. If this was to be the standard for the game then we were in for a great afternoon. Some early probing runs from Louis Frankland & Guy Pike from the midfield were snuffed out by the more than capable Alnwick back line, this intense onslaught paid dividends on 12 minutes when Alnwick concede a penalty for holding onto the ball in the tackle. Rory Dixon aligned the ball with the enormous Border Park uprights and clinically sent the ball through to give Tyne a well-deserved lead.

Alnwick fought back hard & it was the Blue & Whites who found themselves under pressure from some determined attacks from their opponents.

Some big, crucial tackles from Matty Chard once more saved our bacon and the resulting turnover ball was booted clear. Forward again came Alnwick using the massive weight advantage of their pack as they trundled down the slope, Jack Liddle, although not alone, was outstanding in leading our forwards in halting the waves and turning the tide of Alnwick pressure.

With the ball won back and some yards gained from good strong runs from our workhorses Choppa Robson, Chris Heslop and Brogan Millar the ball ended up in the inventive hands of Mattmatt Williams. He opted to chip the ball through for Ryan Potts to chase down the touchline in a head to head race with the Alnwick winger, with a last gasp lunge for the ball it was Pottsy's finger tips that were deemed to have applied the required amount of downward pressure to warrant the try which was awarded by the Touch Judge rather than the referee. Pottsy failed to add to this with the conversion and the half ended very shortly afterwards with Tynedale leading 8-0.

Tynedale introduced a complete new back row for the second half, the departing trio of Hessie, Brogue & Choppa had grafted solidly for 35 mins and left the field to a standing ovation from the coaches & crowd alike. Into the fray came Colts captain Rich Ridley, Dave Watchorn and Jareth Main, with immediate impact it was Rich Ridley who took the bull by the horns and thundered into every ruck & maul, Willy Brown, Joe Northwood & Gussie White only too eager to assist.

Alnwick's resolve was being tested & in fairness their defence was equal to Tynedale's offence. The downhill advantage was to prove invaluable to the defending champions and with Alnwick being pinned back in their half it was only a matter of time before our lead was extended. On 14 minutes, a penalty kick from "Dependable Dixon" increased the lead to 11 points.

Tynedale extended their lead even further when Jareth Main following some fantastic forward control play, predominantly by Ridley & Watchorn, scored a foraging try on 20 minutes. Jareth still had plenty to do to score when he took the ball and headed low and hard to power through the melee that stood before him. No joy with the conversion but Tyne were now cruising and foolishly took their foot of the gas for a split second, Alnwick came from nowhere, caught the Tyne backs flat-footed & scored under the posts. To be fair Tyne did not look like they would lose their lead but with the score closer now at 16-7 there were some tense moments to follow. That was until James Raine found himself 20 yards out with the ball in hand and he was now on the hoof, with blue & yellow bodies being swatted aside as he thundered on, he was felled in true David & Goliath style by Alnwick's England Colts fullback. Fridge's efforts were not in vain, as up popped Jofess Northwood on his shoulder just like the good neighbour and proceed to kill the match with a great score under the posts with literally seconds left to play. Dixon missed the easy conversion but will be forgiven.

A splendid performance by all who figured in the game, as for man of the match… each time this is getting harder to call, but this week the award goes to a guy who has been an absolute revelation for us all season, Jack Liddle. Everything he did today was with style, control and great attitude. He has truly been a super role model to all around him this season, we wish he had come to us sooner.

I would also like to give a special mention for the contribution of Jack Outson in this game, this little man is rapidly proving to be a "massive" character within the squad, his hard work and abilities of one so young is greatly appreciated by all. We'll have to get you on the scotch pies next season though!!! - See PC for details.

Our apologies to James Davidson, Alex Fitton, Calum Young & Rob Parker who were unable to take part due to restrictions in the number of players who could be used but their contribution is greatly appreciated and in the case of the latter two, these young lads will play a massive part in the squad for next season.

A big, big thank you to Tom Richards and all his team at Border Park RFC for their superb hospitality, I am sure I speak for all who were there on Sunday in saying, what a great day was had.

A truly stunning setting & despite the long, winding country roads to get you there it soon reminds you of what a wonderful club Border Park really is, it's a real pity that many of their opponents have chosen not to travel this far in the past. This has to be the best "Social club" in Northumberland by a country mile.

Once the party games & sing-a-longs got under way it was impossible to see which team were the winners or runners-up as both squads were all chipping in together and the sounds laughter resonating from that little clubhouse in the woods were deafening if not quite in harmony…!.

'Owld Hez led the way with the "Tynedale Warrior" and the rest is history….!

Great Day, Great Night and hope everyone got up ok for Work / School in the morning…..