TUMBLE came away with the points, but a young Hendy side earned the respect of the home fans with a spirited performance.

The Magpies started much the brighter. Winning a penalty within two minutes, Tumble won a line-out Hefin Dumbrill just outside Hendy's 22.

They then proceeded with a driving maul before Hendy stopped it illegally. Dumbrill fed centre Josh George who was held up short and, despite some sustained pressure by Tumble, the visitors held firm.

Tumble dominated the set-pieces with Chris Morris outstanding. Able support came from Rhys Jones and brother Rhodri.

Carl Gabrielsen linked with Hewitt in midfield but again Hendy were able to repel the attack.

After 12 minutes, Hendy attempted a long-range penalty from 59 metres but the attempt just sailed wide of the posts. Then a drop-goal attempt went astray.

On the half hour, Hendy missed another long-range penalty, this time from 49 metres. Tumble scrum-half the Nick Bailey probed round the fringes and with a steady supply of ball, Tumble should have put Hendy to the sword.

But the visitors used the elements to their advantage better than the Magpies and relieving kicks gained 50 metres.

Hendy No. 8 Ross Williams was superb in a beaten pack and his pick-and-drives cleaned up many awkward situations.

Tumble hooker Mike Powell won four against the head but still pressure couldn't be turned into points as half-time arrived with the score 0-0.

Morris worked tirelessly and Dumbrill won line-out ball at will, no matter whose put-in it was.

Hendy absorbed this pressure and, with 15 minutes remaining, took the lead when Shingler banged over a 40-metre penalty.

Tumble then used their remaining replacements and within two minutes were camped in the visitors 22.

The turning point came when the Magpies won a scrum against the head, Nicky Allinson broke the defence and his flipped inside pass saw Dumbrill gather the ball from 18 metres out and charge over. Hewitt added the conversion.

Tumble tried to make the game safe in the dying minutes with four mauls held up short.

A further drive from a line-out saw Tumble maul to the line and Hendy infringed again.