BLAYDON reminded themselves of the value of a specialist No 8 when the experienced Jason Smithson returned for his first start since February and made a big difference in the 27-17 win at Tynedale.

There were two tries for ex-Stockton winger Tom Jeffery, also back after injury, as Blaydon inflicted a sixth successive defeat on their hosts and avenged September's home defeat.

January will be a crucial month for Tynedale as they attempt to stave off their first relegation. They begin with a trip to Wharfedale but also have home games against the only two sides below them, Macclesfield and Cinderford.

Their depleted troops were outgunned on Saturday, even when Blaydon were reduced to 13 men by having Chris Wearmouth and replacement lock Shaun English sin-binned in quick succession.

They led 27-3 at that point, but one of the yellow cards, for illegally preventing a Tynedale score, also resulted in a penalty try.

They added another try with five minutes left, when they were driven back 20 metres in a maul before an interception by replacement hooker David Nelson sent flanker Matt Charters over.

But the fightback was too late to earn a point and Tynedale will now look to the return from injury of skipper Andy Buist to kick start a repeat of the revival they enjoyed a year ago.

The visiting fans in the 720 crowd gave Blaydon player-coach Micky Ward a big cheer when he went on for the last ten minutes, while Newcastle Falcons centre Tom Penny made an impact when he went on for the second half.

Tynedale were pinned in their own 22 for the first 20 minutes and the first of Blaydon's four tries came when centre Toby Bain broke through to finish a simple move.

Five minutes later the ball was again moved out and Jeffery stepped inside a weak tackle to score, with Andrew Baggett converting from wide out.

He also landed a penalty to cancel out one by Gavin Beasley, making it

15-3 at half-time.

Blaydon remained in control and created an overlap for Jeffery's second before Wearmouth barged over for the fourth.

Brett Connon converted Tynedale's two tries, but they were scant consolation.