For the second game in a row Ionians turned on the style to score a hatful of points in a veritable Tryfest at Brantingham Park, putting on their own version of the “Summer Sesh.”
From 1 – 20 Ionians were on song. The headline act was Lewis Minikin, the Sultan of Swing, who for most of the afternoon had the visitors in dire straits and there was also a top-class support bill; Heavy Metal Mewburn, country and western Wilson, classics from Sam Pocklington and a bit of jazz from Jack. Nice.
Tynedale, in contrast, were more a Eurovision act, entertaining enough in an odd sort of way, but a bit off key and with far too many mistakes. It was a shame because on their day they can (and have) beat the best.
Alex Campbell scored his 18th try (in his 101st appearance) in the second minute. He was in the right place at the right time to collect that rarest of gems, a pass from Lewis Minikin, to canter under the posts.
Tynedale responded and went through the phases to push Ionians onto the back foot. Chris Wearmouth broke clear and had he retained any of the pace of his youth he would probably have gone the distance but made it just into the 22 before the ball was swept out towards the touch. A laboured pass gave Alfie Celella and Josh Britton time to combine and bundle Euan Forlow out of play.
Tynedale re- gained possession after some untidy play by the hosts but in attempting to move play across the field Jake Rodgers’ cross kick only picked out Jack Townend who broke free down the stand-side touch before setting Sam Wilson on a diagonal run. He outpaced all the Tyne’ backline before shepherding Celella over for a try in the corner.
A marginal forward pass prevented Sam Pocklington grabbing a third, but it wasn’t long in coming as Ionians profited from another error from Tynedale. Townend was again the instigator, recovering a knock on and throwing a long pass to Minikin who hared away to dot down out wide. He made good with the conversion to give Ionians a 19 – 0 lead.
Ionians increasing sense of adventure went awry to give the ball and a reprieve to Tynedale but it wasn’t long before the home side bagged the bonus point score. Townend, again, set it under way with a powerful run down the middle of the field. He passed out to Celella who, with his path to the line blocked, kicked towards the posts. A phalanx of players stood mesmerised as the ball bobbled about until Capt. Sanderson took charge, dropping onto the ball when it rolled over line. Minikin added the easy kick and Ionians led 26 – 0 after 26 minutes.
Some nice handling entertained the crowd but without an end product. Josh Britton, Sam Pocklington and Joe Makin all displayed their talents before Ben Smith got back to business with a kick that put Ionians to within 10 yards of the line. The line -out was cleanly taken and the ball swiftly transferred across the pitch for Townend to cut through the defence and score close to the flag. Minikin was again on target with the difficult kick to further stretch the lead.
Tynedale rallied to press on towards the hosts 22 but their poor handling continued with a pass going to ground to allow Ionians to clear. Play was moved back to the other end and the visitors were forced to concede a drop out from the try line. The kick fell straight to George Mewburn and he ploughed through to the posts for try number six virtually untouched.
Minikin added the conversion as the Tynedale skipper delivered a heart felt invective to his clearly dispirited troops.
The hosts held little sympathy for their opponents plight and added a seventh score just before the break. They spread the ball wide to winger Wilson, who ran and kicked ahead to win the race to the line and dive onto the ball. Ionians were coasting and went to oranges 45 points to the good.

Tynedale may have been short of some first choice players but showed they weren’t short of pride with a more spirited second half performance. They restricted the home side to two tries and scored one of their own.
The hour mark was fast approaching before Ionians added to their tally. It was a passage of play worth waiting for. Townend came steaming onto a pass from Minikin to break the first line of resistance before handing over to Joe Makin to complete the dash to the line.
Tynedale then got the score their immediate preceding efforts demanded. Having camped on the home line for a couple of minutes Wearmouth eschewed pace for power to barge over. Rodgers added the extras and Tyne’ were under way.
The Northumbrians didn’t threaten again and Wilson closed the game with a Grand National gallop down the far touch to finish by a couple of lengths in claiming his second try.
There is just one more fixture to go to conclude what has been an entertaining and successful season. Blaydon visit Brantingham Park next week, there is a pre-match meal for all supporters so book your place, if you haven’t already, and we will see you there.