Last updated 13:14, Thursday, 27 November 2008

HAVING had no experience at all of Cornish rugby until this year, Tynedale are becoming as familiar with Kernow as Corbridge.

It started when many of the Tynedale team turned out for the Northumberland side which beat Cornwall at Twickenham in the County Shield final at Twickenham in April.

And then it was on to the inaugural season in National League Division Two, where they have already faced opponents from Redruth, Launceston and Mounts Bay from Penzance, and have them all to face again.

But as luck would have it, Tynedale must now face still further opposition from Cornwall, in the EDF Energy National Trophy.

They take on the exotically named Wadebridge Camels on December 13 – but thankfully, will not have to make another 800-mile round trip to Jethro Country.

It’s the minnows from the Cornwall and Devon League who must make the long trek North to face the rampant Tynedale XV, unbeaten at home for more than two years.

That being said, their record against Cornish club sides is not good, as they only just squeaked a win against Mounts Bay in their opening game of the season.

They have also lost against both Launceston and Redruth, picking up six yellow cards in the process – from the same referee.

To reach this stage of the competition, the Camels – so named because their ground is sited on the River Camel in North Cornwall – did well to defeat London Division One leaders Shelford.

Tynedale enjoyed a good run in the EDF Trophy last year, beating Broadstreet, Darlington Mowden Park and Hull Ionians to reach the fourth round.

There they entertained Manchester, and held them to a draw before going down gallantly in extra time against a side promoted to National League Division One.

Before the distraction of the cup, however, Tynedale return to league action tomorrow in Corbridge.

The day off enjoyed by all National League Division Two sides on Saturday has done little to ease Tynedale’s selection problems.

They await the arrival of Midlands side Stourbridge still unsure of who will be available.

Definitely absent due to their involvement in the Dubai Sevens are full back/winger Jack Smales, and towering lock Eni Gesinde.

There will also be fitness checks on prop Jonny Williams, lock Ben Marshall and number eight Greg Irvin.

Williams has been out since September 15 with an arm injury, Marshall since October 10 with an ankle injury and Irvin for two weeks with a knee problem.

To add to the selectors’ woes, they are still waiting to hear from Newcastle Falcons about the availability of centre Tim Visser, and whether or not full-back Rob Miller has recovered from an ankle knock.

Stourbridge have been in National Two for eight years, usually occupying the same middle ranks in the table they do now.

They have only won one of their six away games – but that was a 55-21 thumping of Tynedale’s Kentish nemesis Westcombe Park.

The game kicks off at 2pm.