Promotion Chasing Ponteland Halt Hartlepool's Unbeaten Run

Although the home side eventually won comfortably with four clinical tries and an excellent all round defense that was the foundation of their success. Pool must take some responsibility for a disappointing performance with an off colour attack and a failure to manage the windy conditions.

Having said all that, the hosts had to do their fair share of defending against some relentless attacks from the visitors, who fell just short of the line on more than a couple of occasions in the opening fifteen minutes.

Pool lost the toss and Pool played with the gale force first half. Despite the difficult playing conditions, both sides were trying to playing an expansive game but defenses were on top which featured a number of big tackles in the midfield.

After 10 minutes, Pool crafted the first real chance, Andy Foreman took a quick penalty on the half way line and linked up well with Jon Carney who was tackled high at the break down and Pool were awarded a penalty . As opposed to electing for the kick at goal, Pool went for the line out 10 meters out but the well marshaled defense kept the Pool attack at bay.

The home side were again penalized at the break down and Pool kicked for touch. Michael Smalley superbly caught Andy Small's throw, the forwards drove the ball on but great defense saw the ball isolated and then stolen at the break down.

With 20 minutes gone, the home team showed their attacking prowess with a lighting break from the half way line, a great cover tackle from Dylan Thomas and then Andy Foreman looked to have stopped the attack but great support play saw a try in the corner. The conversion was wide 5-0.

30 minutes into the game, Ponteland clinically scored their second try, superb hands in the backs saw some space crafted and the home winger should great skill to beat two Pool defenders to score a fine individual try. 10/0

Pool were dealt a blow when top try scorer Alex Winter limped off and was replaced by Tazz Pelser.

On the stroke of half time, Pool scored a deserved try, Stand off Adam Ainley made a break from his own half way and linked up with the Pool forwards with Graham Wilson driving the ball on. The ball was moved from the left hand side then back to the right hand side of the park as Pool created an overlap, Keagen Thomas pass to Zac Ivey was deliberately knocked on and the home defender was sent to sin bin for 10 minutes. Pool ran the ball and series of pick and goes saw Shane Ivey take the ball on , before Andy Foreman was stopped 5 meters out before Tazz Pelser showed great strength to pick up form the ruck to score to the right of the posts. Keagen Thomas kick clipped the upright 10-5.

The second half saw Pool defend for long periods as they struggled to break down a resolute defense and unfortunately
gifted a third try in difficult throwing conditions, with an over throw in the line out which was decisively caught by a back row player and he showed great determination to score from 15 meters. 15-5. With the conversation added the lead was extended to 17-5.

The fourth and bonus point try was scored on the 65 minutes mark when quick hands in the backs saw the center score in front of the posts to effectively seal the victory.24-5.

Five minutes before the end of the game, the league leaders pulled a penalty kick wide from 30 meters.

Pool finished the stronger of the two side as they looked to score a consolidation try but a minor bout of hand bags saw the home scrum half yellow carded and referee blow for full time. 24-5.