That old cliche of "it was a game of two halves" was once again demonstrably proven to be true in this entertaining encounter.

The Tynedale front five of Rory Dixon, Robbie Binks, Brogan Millar, Jonny Pape and Ian Charlton provided a solid platform allowing the rest of the team to sparkle and build up a useful lead of 22-5 by half-time.

Donald Stembridge, Ed Coffey and Oliver Hillary carried well from their own half until a desperate defence were forced to concede a penalty. An alert Rory Dixon took a quick tap and darted over.

Pape set off on a charge and was supported by Jake Sloan. An ambitious floated pass found the ever-eager Spencer Tolley. Held short, he was able to feed the rampaging Jason Armstrong who crashed over. Armstrong repeated the dose shortly afterwards following good work in midfield by Adam Stembridge and Ali Hopps and the tireless Callum Foxcroft.

Morpeth managed a try against the run of play before Martyn Hutton and Dixon linked well allowing Dixon to grab his second try. Hutton added the conversion to round off a dominant first-half performance.

A complacent home manager had already made nine personnel and positional changes by the break as he endeavoured allow the team and five replacements to have an hour of rugby each. This was not as easy as it sounds and the continuing changes seemed to confuse both manager and team. In addition, the Stags switched tactics and, instead of competing up front, they released their young and pacey back division at every opportunity.

An unfortunate Ryan Metcalfe was unlucky enough to draw the first yellow card for a gentle high tackle. This followed a number similar offences committed by Morpeth before the break. In his absence, the Stags scampered over the line.

A break by the rumbustious Millar saw him drive from half-way to the 22-metre line. The dangerous Hillary was there in support but he still needed to show his side-stepping skills to score.

The next 30 minutes were then dominated by the visitors as they ran in five further excellent converted tries of their own. This might have been worse as try-saving tackles from Dan Heppell, Kieran Adams, Kael Horton, Sloan and the Stembridge brothers prevented a complete rout.

The Centurions had the final say when Dixon completed his hat-trick, just before the final whistle.