Pool Claim Spoils In Local Derby

The hosts started in perfect fashion when Craig Woodward leapt highest to claim a crossfield kick from fly half Liam Lester, then raced down the wing to score within minutes of the first whistle. 5 - 0

But West responded and enjoyed a period of sustained pressure inside the oppositions half of the field. Pool were then dealt a blow when Rory Craig was shown a yellow card for a late hit on the Stags centre.

Despite being down to 14 men the home side managed to weather the storm and a determined defensive effort forced the turnover and the ball was cleared downfield.

From the resultant line out Anthony Lawrence judged the pass from West's fly half with precision timing and intercepted the ball to run in unopposed from the halfway line for Pool's second score of the afternoon. 10 - 0

Not long after the Hartlepool Captain returned from the bin to even up the numbers game, the hosts found themselves back down to 14 when Liam Pape was harshly yellow carded for a high tackle. But Pool managed to reach half time with their ten point lead intact. HT 10 - 0

Still holding the numerical advantage West enjoyed the better of the opening stages of the second half. They capitalised on the broken field with two quick fire scores that put them ahead for the first time in the match. 10 - 12

When Hartlepool flanker Suliano Tubuna was shown red on 60 minutes it looked as though the game belonged to the visitors.

But the hosts reclaimed the lead thanks firstly to a close range effort from Pape and then, with the last play of the game, hooker Ben Drewett attacked the short side and passed to Zac Ivey who touched down to seal the victory for his side. FT 20 - 12