This win showcased Pool’s resilience and inner believe, particularly as they played the final five minutes with only thirteen men.

From the outset, the Pool squad showed intent, playing downhill at Mayfield Park in the first half. An early chance unfolded when Ryan Foreman nearly set up Owen Samuel, but a forward pass to Harry Mazes thwarted the opportunity. However, Pool didn’t take long to break the deadlock. After a series of powerful forward incursions, No. 8 Phil Stevenson showcased his strength, powering over the line for the first try, with Foreman converting to give Pool a 7-0 lead after ten minutes.
Foreman extended the lead with his maturity and skill, landing a drop goal from thirty meters out to put Pool ahead 10-0 at the twenty-minute mark.

As rain poured down, the match turned into a gritty contest, with both sides displaying formidable defensive efforts.

The second half saw Pool’s forwards in action again, with Ben Clark breaking from his own 22-meter line. After a series of drives, Foreman’s inventive chip kick almost led to a try for Tyler Hall. Following a scrum, Taz Pelser successfully passed to Foreman, who spotted a gap and expertly set up Hall for Pool's second try, bringing the score to 15-0.

The dynamic of the game shifted dramatically when Darlington responded with fervour. The powerful number 8 broke through the Pool defence and off loaded to player in support to score under the posts, brief as it was, it revitalized the visitors. With the conversion added, the score was narrowed to 15-7.
Things took a turn for Pool when Owen Samuel received a yellow card for a high tackle. With the pressure mounting, Darlington received two penalties near the try line, leading to another yellow card for prop Anth Harvey and a penalty try awarded to the visitors, bringing the score to 15-14.
The game grew tense as Darlington seized momentum despite Pool's numerical disadvantage. However, the situation turned when Darlington knocked on from the kick-off. Pool took advantage, with Pelser’s delicate chip allowing the ball to be carried over. From the subsequent scrum, pool attacked again and Tom Stead made a solid drive that was held up, but his support saw Dave Chester dive over for Pool’s third try. Foreman’s conversion pushed the lead to 22-14.

Darlington, still with two more players on the field, responded quickly, securing a penalty and utilizing multiple phases of forward drives, culminating in another well-deserved visitor try. With the conversion added, the score tightened to 22-21 with just four minutes remaining.
As Darlington ramped up their efforts in the closing moments, Pool displayed commendable grit and determination, successfully defending their slim lead.

With this win marking back-to-back victories for the first time since September, Pool now look ahead to a challenging away fixture against Medicals next Saturday, riding a wave of renewed confidence as they make the journey up the A19.