Beaty salvo can’t save Hoppers

WHAT looked like being a comfortable win for Tynedale turned into a real nail-biter, as visitors Preston fell just short of a late victory.

With ten minutes left, Tynedale were cruising, the four-try bonus point in the bag, and a 26-3 lead on the scoreboard.

But three late Preston tries ensured Tynedale were mightily relieved to hear the final whistle.

The opening exchanges were even until Preston scrum-half Jack Harrison was yellow carded on 15 minutes.

Tynedale took the lead through a well-worked try for Jack Harrison, converted from the touchline by Ash Smith.

Smith’s grubber kick created Tynedale’s second try as Oliver Walker touched down for a converted try out wide.

A penalty from fly-half Will Hunt opened Preston’s account on the half hour, but Walker’s second try just before the break put Tynedale in control with a 19-3 advantage.

It looked over when winger Henry Hadfield powered in for a converted try and it seemed little more than consolation when Preston’s Harrison touched down with 11 minutes remaining.

But with Tynedale No.8 Scott Powell sin-binned, Preston replacement Matt Beaty scored two late tries, one converted, to set Tynedale nerves fluttering.

TEAMS

TYNEDALE: Mock, Walker, Harrison, Miller, Hadfield, Smith, Outson M, Southern, King, Elliot, Bell, Erskine, Davies, Powell, Mills Replacements: Lowdon, Scullion, Magowan, Outson J, Rundle PRESTON GRASSHOPPERS: Viney, Trueman, Crosley, Woof, Robinson, Hunt, Harrison, Mabaya, Taylor, Altham, Garrod, Murray, Gale, Proctor, Lees

Replacements: Beaty, Madden, Roddy, Murray, Hurst REFEREE: Callum Sharpe ATTENDANCE: 560 Star man Ash Smith - Tynedale