After beating off the early challenge of Novos 12-7 and Houghton 14-5 in rather rusty and patchy performances, they came up against Horden in the semi-final.

Horden, who were clear favourites to lift the cup, were clearly rocked by the hard tackling and complete all-round play of the Alnwick team who chased and harried their opponents.

Alnwick went into the lead through a cracking try from Andrew Shell, who rounded off a surging piece of play when he zipped outside the Horden cover to touchdown under the posts giving James Robson the easiest of conversions.

Horden fought back but could not break through a very determined Alnwick defence.

This took the club through to the final where they met host club Ryton, who had disposed of the seaside outfit of Sunderland.

Both teams battled away but at full-time both had failed to get on the scoreboard.

There was no score during extra-time, so the result had to be decided by the best of three drop-goals, Alnwick finally edging ahead 2-1 through Ed Shell and Michael Black to lift the Ryton trophy, which was gratefully received by club captain Ian Gray.

The performances shown by the squad met with approval of Alnwick chairman of rugby Hector Brewis and coaches George Robson and Gus Dunn. The hard work put in on Alnmouth sands and at Greensfield played their part.

Before their opening match Alnwick players and supporters observed a minute's silence in memory of former club president David Bell, who died recently.

This Friday, the Firsts and the Colts will travel to Kelso for another pre-season match.

Tournament players: R Alexander, A Shell, E Shell, M Black, R Middlemiss, J Robson, I Gray (capt), M Smith, D Allen, M Milburn, D Oliver, J Fernback, Aa Armstrong, R Ellis, S Archer, A Ord, M Oliver, R Richardson, A Scott, P Brown, M Rudd, J Burgess, R Scott, R Howliston, G Hodgson.