A new toy for Xmas

Referees were given a new toy at Xmas with an interpretation of the head tackle. As a result any tackle above the waist was subject to this new ruling with numerous penalties and yellow cards for both sides from innocuous tackles. Hopefully common sense will prevail although an anonymous Premiership coach this week said they are now coaching players to duck into a tackle !!
Back to the game . Pont ran out onto a heavy , clarty pitch at Blyth with first starts for Harry Lane at prop and Dan Carruthers at scrum half. An immediate run through phases and a strike against the head looked good but Blyth wrestled the initiative and poured forward. Searle was outstanding in chopping players down and turning over ball. One of the many penalties gave them the first score 0-3 ( 7 min) Pont needed all of their defensive know how to keep Blyth at bay and with Freer yellow carded for the new law interpretation Blyth saw an opportunity to strike. A wide move looked to stretch the visitors but an interception by Newbigin saw Pont counter attack as Baron and CHick set Lyndon screaming in. Chick made it 7-3 for a lead they wouldn't give up ( 35 min) HT 7-3
Pont seemed to wake up after the half time dressing down and early attack by Newbigin saw a penalty for a high tackle and Chick made it 10-3 ( (41 min) with Walton off for lengthy treatment following a punch to the face Pont managed to mess up three lineouts giving Blyth a 5 metre scrum from which they went over 10-8 ( 60 min) Pont continued to press hard as Blyth struggled to keep in the game without giving penalties away . Chick converted two 13-8 ( 65 min) and 16-8 (69 min) . A final attack saw Pont shunt the Blyth pack ten metres for Long to touch down . Chick made the final score 23-8

Man of match. Larry Mew

Dick of the day Andy Lawson for forgetting to drop off the strips