Last updated at 20:45, Friday, 05 March 2010

TYNEDALE first XV return to action at Corbridge tomorrow, no doubt still smarting from the derby defeat at Blaydon.

However, they will not find things any easier against visitors Wharfedale, who lie just one point behind them in National League Division One.

For the Yorkshiremen head north having won five of their seven matches in 2010 - the only two defeats coming against top two Esher and London Scottish.

They have won five of their away games – one more than Tynedale – scoring 32 tries in the process, and conceding 33.

Wharfedale are also burning to avenge defeat at Tynedale’s hands on their own turf in November.

That win put paid to Wharfedale’s 100 per cent home record, and they will be wanting to avenge that.

Tynedale edged to a 21-15 win at Threshfield despite the fact they finished the game with only 13 men, following a flurry of yellow cards.

While better than last season, Tynedale’s disciplinary record leaves something to be desired.

In their 22 games so far, Tynedale have picked up one red card and 14 yellows, not quite half of which have been accumulated by the fiery Murray brothers.

Jamie and Andrew have picked up three yellows apiece, with Andrew also getting a red.

Tynedale have a great chance to consolidate fourth place in the league this month with three home games, and a virtually guaranteed five points in the solitary away trip to bottom club Manchester, who have suffered heavy defeats in all 20 matches so far this season.

After Wharfedale’s visit tomorrow, strugglers Cinderford and Otley come calling on March 20 and 27. .

The Otley game will also be the occasion of the popular past players’ lunch

Tynedale were as usual delaying selection until after training last night.

There are one or two injury doubts following the Blaydon game, and it may well be that front rowers Johnny Williams and skipper Joe Graham could be rested.

Both played in punishing games for the English Counties, along with centre Jack Harrison, and against Blaydon on Sunday in the space of 48 hours, and have earned some time off.

Tomorrow’s game kicks off at 3pm.

First published at 09:46, Friday, 05 March 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk