Mistakes cost Ponteland dear

As Consett opened their excellent new facilities Pont played into the wind and dropped kick off and mis kicked into touch setting the scene for an error packed half by the visitors. With only 7 players in the 18 man squad that finished the last game of last season Pont were always going to find the going tough. Pont relieved the initial pressure and a good turn over saw Aiden Gray burst the defence with a one on one he chipped the defender who cynically shoulder charged him to prevent a clear run at the line. Unfortunately it was missed by the ref. Consett continued to press and a crunching tackle by Searle was harshly pinged as Consett made it 3-0 . Pont made several forward drives but too easily dropped the ball or lost possession allowing the home team to attack. On 15 minutes a last ditch tackle prevented a Consett score but an immediate penalty made it 6-0.
With 20 minutes on the clock Consett had an attacking lineout. The local cameraman pointed out that it was not straight and then knocked on by Consett- Only to be awarded a scrum. From this a simple backs move saw space created to score under the posts 13-0. From the kick off Pont put in a sequence of good attacks only to knock on with the line begging. With extra time being played for the earlier shoulder charge Pont fell off several tackles to gift an easy try 20-0. The half finished with Pont again spilling the ball and a penalty to make it 23-0 at half time.
Pont realised that preventing errors would get them back into the game and started the 2nd half well with a kick to the corner. A 20 metre lineout drive set the ball up on the line as skipper Moller crashed through several tackles to score. An excellent touch line kick by Chick made it 7-23 after 3 minutes. Pont continued to press and quick hands saw Pont advance only to loose the ball. Immediately Walton stole an interception to dash 20 metres before the attack fizzled out. Consett continued to make in roads and a 5 metre lineout saw a comical score. Consett knocked the ball forward over the Pont line. A Pont player knocked it on and a Consett player fell on the ball. The ref gave the try although apologised after the game for getting it wrong 7-28
Pont were defending more than attacking but a good break out saw Walton held as he chipped and chased to score, with a yellow being issued for the offence.
Further good defensive work was undone as Pont defended a 5 metre scrum with a penalty try awarded after 25 minutes 7-35. A poor clearance kick saw Consett's back three attack down the wing as a mix up in the defensive line saw an easy score 7-42. With 5 minutes to go Consett drove over a 5 metre lineout 7-49
With added time being played Consett collected another yellow for a dangerous tackle on Murphy. Pont made one last play as the backs swept down the field only for an intercepted pass allowing Consett to run half the field to make it 7-56 Full Time