There are very few rural settings as picturesque anywhere on the league rugby location list as the 32-acres of Tynedale Park in Corbridge, Northumberlan, where Tyndale RFC have made themselves very difficult to overcome.

Founded in 1876, Tynedale RFC have established themselves as one of the top teams in the North East and have been in National League 1 - formerly National League 2 (North) - since promotion back in 2008.

DMPRC last played 1ST XV league rugby Against Tynedale RFC back in the 2007/08 season.

Last season, after a tight finish and a flirtation with the trapdoor, they finished 12th in the league.

The majority of Tynedale’s players are well known to DMPRFC, including lock Glen Young and hooker David Nelson, who both spent some time at Mowden last season, No.8 Scott Powell, originally a player at Stockton RFC, several others who are stalwarts of the sevens circuits i.e. Sep Visser, Gavin Beasley and Jack Harrison, former Newcastle Falcons lock Andy Buist and finally current full back Brett Connon, younger brother of Grant and Max, who are at both at DMPRFC.

Tynedale RFC currently lie in a healthy and creditable 7th place, with 5 wins and 2 losses from the eight games played so far. The wins include Old Albanians RFC (H, 11 – 10), Blaydon RFC (A, 15 – 20), Wharfedale RFC (H, 20 – 17), Macclesfield RFC (A, 24 – 60) AND Esher RFC (H, 24 – 20).

Their reversals have been against Cinderford RFC (A, 32 – 28), Richmond RFC (18 – 30) and last weekend an uncharacteristically heavy defeat away at Hartpury College RFC (53 – 12).

The club cite different reasons for this loss, including injuries and unavailability of key players, which is often the problem within most clubs at this level, as the games mount up thick and fas and replacements of sufficient quality being hard to find..

The draw at home to 2nd place Fylde RFC was in some respects disappointing, in that it was another ‘winnable’ game, where opponents snatched a result in the final minute of the game.

However, taking nothing away from Fylde RFC, they have some very experienced operators and played well on the occasions they had possession and made maximum use ofevery opportunity.

From a DMPRFC perspective, all players in the 1ST XV squad will want to be part of proceedings at Tynedale Park and with the 2ND XV playing at the same venue prior to their senior colleagues, at least 30 players will get the opportunity.

Comparisons are bound to be drawn between the two clubs, as both have played similar opponents week on week, with varying degrees of success, but it is on the day which is what matters and that will only unfold on Saturday.

Pre-match lunches are available, but must be booked in advance.

The 3 course lunch will be: home made soup, main course and a choice of a dessert or cheese & biscuits. A vegetarian option can be provided but must also be booked.

Cost - £25 (includes £10 admission charge, programme, parking etc).

Contact Tim Tatman on 07742 950474

NEXT HOME FIXTURE: Mowden v Ealing : Sat 8th November : Members Day

Facebook: Mowden Park
Instagram: Mowdenpark
Twitter: @DMPRFC
Youtube: Darlington Mowden Park