1st XV
Matches
Sat 23 Apr 2022  ·  Durham/Northumberland Two
Bishop Auckland
15
21
HARTLEPOOL RUGBY CLUB
1st XV
Tries: A Williamson, L Dawson-WeatherillConversions: L Wilson (2)
Superb Second Half Performance Secures Promotion

Superb Second Half Performance Secures Promotion

Stewart Hind24 Apr 2022 - 19:57
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Hartlepool found themselves 15-0 down at half time but a determined second half performance saw them come back to win and clinch promotion to Durham Northumberland 1.

A fired up home side had the better of the early exchanges and a clever kick over the top saw Pool misfield the ball. From the resultant scrum, the Bishop number 8 picked up from the base of the scrum to score out wide. 7-0

With 10 minutes on the clock Hartlepool's Dean Dickson caused problems with a fine run which made 30 metres. The ball was recycled by the visitors forwards but the next phase saw the ball knocked on.

On the half hour mark the hosts kicked a penalty to extend their lead, and just before half time they scored a second try following a series of forward drives on the back of a dominant scrum. 15-0

Bishop took a deserved lead into the interval with Pool struggling to get a real foothold in the game.

After a strong half time team talk by coach Andy Wray and with the wind at their backs, the visitors started the second half in determined fashion with the Pool aggressively taking the ball forward. Three penalties in a row inside the home 22 led to a yellow card for a Bishop forward.

Pool continued to press and as the home the defence creaked another penalty was awarded which was kicked to the corner. Jon Carney soared in the line out before Lewy Weatherill drove on and was stopped just before the try line. The ball was recycled and Pool captain Adam Williamson showed great strength to barge over from close range. Lewis Wilson kicked the extras to reduce the deficit. 15-7

Pool had now finally found some momentum and further indiscipline in the Bishop ranks enabled the visitors to once again kick for the corner. Jon Carney once again leapt highest to secure the ball and he was drove on my his pack leading to prop Graham Wilson being stopped just short of the try line. However, Lewis Dawson-Weatherill was on hand in support to dive over for Hartlepool's second try. Lewis Wilson again added the conversion to make it a one point game as we entered the closing stages. 15-14

In an exciting climax to the game, a penalty was awarded to the home side just 5 metres into the Pool half. The kick for goal was well struck but fell 5 metres short. Tazz Pelser claimed the bell and cleared the ball deep into Bishop half.

With 5 minutes remaining, Pool were camped inside the home 22 and from a close range line out the pack and several backs drove the maul towards the try line.

A Bishop Auckland player came in from an off side position to stop a certain score and the visitors were a penalty try to take the lead for the first time in the game. 15-21

From the kick off Bishop secured the ball and spun it wide. But they were thwarted by an excellent covering tackle from Carney that forced a knock on.

In the dying embers of the game the home side side threw the kitchen sink at Pool. But they were met by a staunch and resolute defence that could smell victory and the prize at the end of it.

The final whistle was blown and jubilant scenes ensued as the Pool faithful celebrated on the pitch with an exhausted set of players that had just produced a magnificent second half performance to clinch promotion.

Match details

Match date

Sat 23 Apr 2022

Kickoff

15:00

Competition

Durham/Northumberland Two

League position

2
Hartlepool
4
Bishop Auckland
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Kit Manufacturer - Canterbury
Main Club Sponsor - Simpson Millar Solicitors
Shirt Sponsor - Robson Builders
Community Partner - Alice House Hospice
Shirt Sponsor - Homestyle Interiors
Shirt Sponsor - Bridgman IBC Ltd