Six tries for Pool in away win at Eden Park

In perfect rugby conditions, the opening 15 minutes were an entertaining spectacle with both sides playing an expansive game trying to create the opening try.

However after 16 minutes, Pool crafted a well worked try, the away side attacked the blind side with Adam Williamson and Flanker Phil Stephenson combined before the ball was shipped to Captain Jon Carney who finished superbly cutting in from the touch line with great run leaving 3 players in his wake. Lewis Wilson converted in front of the posts. 7-0 .

Pool were dealt a blow when prop forward Adam Williamson was yellow carded for a high tackle and for the next 5 minutes Pool were forced to go on the defence as the home side tails were up .

The away side managed to weather the storm and were awarded a penalty just in the Horden half and Ryan Foreman long range effort was just short.

The next phase saw Horden penalised at the break down and Lewis Wilson struck a penalty from 30 metres however his kick struck the post and the ball bounced into the fullbacks hand who then cleared the lines.

Pool were now back to the full compliment of players and winger Connor Morris showed he has pace to burn when he went on a thrilling run deep in his own half but was well tackled 5 metres out. With Pool feel on top, the next phase saw stand off Ben Clarke break past his opposite number and centre Dave Chester punched a hole in the home defence before Taz Pelser spun the ball out to Connor who finished well. 12-0 . Lewis Wilson conversion moved the score to 14-0.

The purple patch for Hartlepool continued, from a scrum 35 metres out , sharp hands in the backs saw Ryan Foreman draw his opposite man before flipping the ball to full back Lewis Wilson who ran a great line to score under the posts and then convert his own try. 21-0.

The second half saw the HP score the first try of the afternoon with a clever kick which was expertly caught by the winger who finished well in the corner. 21-5.

Pool needed an immediate reply to retain control and that's exactly what happened, from the kick off, Tom Campbell caught the drop kick and was driven on by his fellow forwards , Tom Stead and Shane Ivey made further inroads with strong drives then Taz Pelzer released the backs and Lewis Wilson joined the back line to score in the corner for Pool's 4th try. 26-5.

In an entertaining encounter , the hosts hit back shortly after, with the forwards profiting from a serious of "pick and goes" which led to forward diving over. 26-12.

Pool extended the lead with the 5 try , Phil Stephenson and Tom Stead took the ball on made 15 metres between them before Taz Pelzer spun the ball out to prop Adam Williamson who barged over from close range. 31-12. Ryan Foreman was narrowly wide with the touch line conversion.

Pool wrapped up the win with the sixth try of the afternoon , the forwards had a series of drives which led to Harry Watts being tackled on the try line , however second row partner Shane Ivey was on hand to dive over from close range , 36-12. Lewis Wilson added the extra points. 38-12.

Horden had the final say with well crafted forwards try to leave the final score 38-17.

Next week Pool are on their travels with a trip to Newcastle to take on second placed Medicals.