A hard day at the office

On a cold crisp day Pont again started young Michael Searle lining up along side his brother Chris. With shortages it was left to Pete Maughan to fill a back row slot, something that he did with a string of big tackles.
Pont started brightly and ran the ball well, making several breaks. The scrum struggled to get a toe hold and after 10 minutes Horden's first meaningful attack saw a try. 7-0. Home pressure continued to build and a failed breakout by Pont saw Horden turn the ball over to score 12-0. Horden continued to dominate possession and two further tries and a penalty made it 27-0 as half time approached. Two catch and drives saw yellow for Horden as Pont were denied a score.. Pont then delivered the best try of the game as they stole a ball ten metres from their own line. Numerous quick passes and offload saw Chrisl Searle put clear with a 40 metre run in. Mullins made it 27-7 at half time.
Pont attempted to run the ball from deep in the second half but gained little territory. A Horden scrum 10 metres out saw it go round 180 degrees to then pick up and score 34-7. Kelly and Boona went down injured, Kelly survived but Boona limped off to be replaced by the ever young Chappell!! Pont fought a rearguard action for the rest of the game only punctured by the sight of the match. A quick offload put young Mark Kelly into space. He switched on the afterburners, gained 30 metres, offloaded to the support player and the won the ensuing ruck!! Horden recorded two further tries and a Mullins penalty made it 46-10 at the death

With numerous enforced changes this was always a tough match and whilst Pont gamely battle Horden were the clear winners on the day