The lovely weather of the opening acts of the season had been replaced by a cold, wet, and windy autumn afternoon, Hartlepool kicked off, the elements in their favour.
Horden had an early chance to make their mark when Heckles stood over a penalty in front of the posts however the kick was missed.
In the difficult rugby conditions, both teams struggled to string together meaningful phases. Errors and penalties turned the game into a scrappy encounter.
After ten tense minutes, Hartlepool crafted their first real opportunity.
From a line-out on the Horden 22, Jon Carney took the ball off the top and released the backs. Keagen Thomas’s kick put pressure on the Horden fullback, and the ensuing scrum saw Hartlepool driving infield towards the posts. Taz Pesler, eyes scanning the field, sprayed a long pass to the right, and quick hands led to flanker Dean Dickson finishing well in the corner. The crowd erupted, a small beacon of warmth in the chilly air. However, Lewis Wilson’s conversion attempt went wide, leaving the score at 5-0.
But Horden responded swiftly, seizing the momentum for the first time. A deft kick from a forward found Heckles and he touched down in the corner, then converted his own try with an impressive kick. The scoreboard now read 5-7, and the Horden supporters roared their approval.
As the second half began, the weather showed signs of improvement, though the tension remained palpable. Hartlepool started the period with newfound determination, advancing into the Horden 22 area. However, after three quick penalties awarded against Horden for foul play, Pool’s scrum-half was sent to the bin for ten minutes after questioning a decision.
With a one-man advantage, Horden capitalized, creating a well-worked try that pushed the score to 5-12.
Despite being down a player, Hartlepool had a chance to retake the lead, but Wilson's kick veered left of the uprights, another chance slipping away. Minutes later, Heckles added to Hartlepool’s woes with a penalty kick that increased Horden’s lead to 5-17, the visitors looking more confident with each passing moment.
As the match wore on, Horden continued to dominate, adding two more tries to their tally. The final whistle blew, signalling a deserved 5-32 victory for Horden.