South Shields win to seal promotion

Shields scored in the opening moments through Mark Tallintire who received an offload from Alex Wylie.

Tallintire went on to score a first half hat-trick, adding to his impressive try scoring tally in his debut season in senior rugby.

Shortly after, Deacon Wallace scored in the corner stepping inside catching the final defender off guard.

The game was very much one way traffic from start to finish and Alex Wylie turned scorer from provider breaking the gain line and attempted tackles.

The returning Jonah McIntyre was next to score, and then it was Conor Deacon who scored a quick brace to extend Shields impressive lead.

Tallintire rounded off a fine display with a fourth try before being replaced by debutant Scott Gillies.

Martin Bengston was rewarded for his efforts with two fine tries, followed by a Ian Arkley try.

The Cestrians were really fatigued in the second half and Shields punished them with final tries from Daniel Whitelaw and Matty Thornton.

Jared Deacon scored seven from his 14 kicks.

Deacon had a fine game at fly-half and scrum half and was so influential and creative from start to finish.

Four-try Tallintire was awarded the man-of-the-match for his display. Wylie and Bengston were also both outstanding.

On the side’s return to South Shields, news broke through that Blyth had lost at home to Yarm, meaning Shields were guaranteed second spot and in doing so securing promotion back to DN2 at the first time of asking.

With three games remaining, Shields will now be making a big push to secure the league title.

Next up is the visit of West Hartlepool TDSOB to Harton next weekend.

South Shields Mariners were on the end of a brutal 59-0 loss at the hands of Houghton Boars in the River Coquet League.