Tyneside XL Titans, 2
Durham Vikings, 5
The 2026/27 league season got under way at our home ground with a 2-5 defeat to Durham Vikings.
Durham arrived at the start of their first full season in this league, and they marked it by making their chances count. That was the difference on the day. It was a hotly contested game throughout, with neither side willing to give an inch, but Durham took more of their opportunities and that is ultimately what settled it.
The Titans goals came through Daniel Scott and Scott Killeen, with Daragh Lambert providing the assist for both. Lambert took the Man of the Match award for his part in the two goals and for the way he played across the game.
The competitive edge showed in the referee's book. The Titans picked up two yellow cards, while Durham had two players booked and another sent off for a straight red.
It is not the start to the season anyone at the club wanted, and a 2-5 scoreline is a hard one to take at home. But this was a contest rather than a hiding, and it is only the first of many games. There is plenty of season left to put it right.