Hartlepool A
Matches
Sat 30 Oct 2021
HARTLEPOOL RUGBY CLUB
Hartlepool A
Tries: B Drewett, T Wilson, A Lawrence, R CraigConversions: A Lawrence (3)Penalties: A Lawrence (2)
32
27
West Hartlepool Stags
Match Report: Hartlepool A 32 - 27 West Stags

Match Report: Hartlepool A 32 - 27 West Stags

Official HRFC2 Nov 2021 - 16:07
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A second half purple patch helped the Maroons see off West Stags in a tense local derby at Mayfield Park.

The visitors imposed themselves on the game early doors and enjoyed the lions share of possession in the opening exchanges.

They broke the deadlock after 9 minutes thanks to a dominant scrum that enabled the number 8 to pick up from the base and crash over the line.

And 10 minutes later they extended their lead by 7 points when the ball was moved wide to the winger who applied the simplest of finishes. 0 - 12

Pool began to find a foothold and were causing the away side problems with their running game but would have no tries to show for it in the first period.

They did get on the scoreboard though before the half was out thanks to a couple of Antony Lawrence penalties from similar distances.

HT Hartlepool A 6 - 12 West Stags

What took place next was a purple patch of tries from the hosts that completely turned the game on its head.

Pool flew out of the blocks and scored 4 unanswered tries inside the opening 10 minutes of the half that quickly took them from a 6 point deficit at the break to a 20 point lead.

The visitors were clearly shellshocked at how the tables had turned in such a short space of time.

On 42 minutes Ben Drewett scored his second try in as many weeks when the hooker powered his way over the line from 6 metres out. 11-12

The next try was as comical as it was fortuitous. From the kick off Pool worked their way up the middle of the field and long pass was made wide to the right where Harry Pritchard controlled the ball with the instep of his foot.

It proceeded to hit the oncoming West defender in the face before bouncing over his head where Tom Wilson was on hand to regather it. The flying winger then showed great gas to motor up the touchline eventually scoring under the posts. Lawrence added the extras and Pool took the lead for the first time in the game. 18-12

The hosts really had the wind in their sails at this point and on 48 minutes Alex Sharp showed great poise to claim the ball from a midfield scrum that was quickly going backwards. The number 8 broke to the left hand side where he drew the defender and released Lawrence into space. The fly half ran in his sides 3rd score from 50 metres and converted his own try to extend the lead. 25-12

Pool continued to press forward in determined fashion and laid siege to the West try line. The dogged defence kept them at bay until captain Rory Craig found space to burrow his way over the whitewash. Lawrence was again true from the tee. 32-12

Despite this early onslaught West were always going to come back into the game and that proved to be the case. They first reduced the arrears on 57 minutes when their winger crossed in the far corner.

On 68 minutes a kick over the top made its way over the try line and the West player won the ensuing foot race to make it interesting going into the final 10 minutes.

The hosts were reduced to 14 men when Dean Ryan was yellow carded for what was adjudged to be a high tackle.

Pool could have found themselves further behind when the West number 8 crossed the line unopposed only for the ball to fall from his hand before he could ground it.

The Stags did claim a fifth try to make it a 5 point game with just a minute left on the clock. But Pool held firm from the resultant kick off to claim the win and the bragging rights.

This was an entertaining game featuring 9 tries and two committed teams. West will feel they should have won it having outscored their opponents in the tries for column and having left a couple more out there.

But Hartlepool were dogged and determined throughout. The hosts never gave up and demonstrated again the many threats that exist within the side. Tries have been coming from all positions of late. This was also a lesson in taking points when they're on offer and how crucial having an in form kicker can prove to be.

Antony Lawrence made it 90 points for the season with his 17 point haul in this game. It was hard to look beyond him for Man of the Match.

Pool now have a week off before resuming their CANDY League campaign away at Seaham on Saturday 13th November.

Match details

Match date

Sat 30 Oct 2021

Kickoff

15:00
Team overview
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