Ponteland 36 Rovers 12

Suffering from players moving up, injuries, late cry-offs and the last minute drafting of players, the team had rushed preparations and although the threat of Ponteland had never been underestimated, it has to be said they turned out a top outfit with slick hands in the backs and a solid, aggressive defensive line.

Rovers didn’t start as bad as expected but after poor defence at the rucks the home side had the opportunity to spin the ball wide scoring with ease on the wing. New signing Danny Lala entered the game for 10 minutes, covering Anth Hanley who required a toilet break after dribbling on the shoulder of Craig Bullock in a scrum (we all know where he gets it from). The big Samoan impressed with a couple of strong carries before returning the bench for a breather.

Ponteland continued the pressure and repeated the simple, quick passing drills for a second and third similar try leaving a shell-shocked Heughers 19 – 0 down after as many minutes.

Rovers finally stabilised the Ponteland attacks with good defensive work by Dan Thompson at full back, Craig Bullock and Lee Maddison but an obvious offside was missed by the referee and Ponteland stolled over after intercepting the pass, 26 – 0. Despite this Rovers continued to battle on until half time with strong runs from Ben Durrans, Craig Bullock and Tyrone Church who was having a great game out of position at scrum-half.

The second half saw Lala return for Olly Dakers with Little moving to no8 and Dickie flounders replacing Hogg on the wing. A good attacking spell with Baxter, Eggy and Durrans impressing but to be honest it was hard to see where a score would come from with the home side showing excellent defense. The ball was eventually turned over and Ponteland ran away to take the score to 31 – 0.

More good work by Durrans and the impressive Dan Thompson took play up to the home line and repetitive infringements saw a Ponteland forward go to the bin then Little fed Ste Railton from a 5 meter scrum to score. Daz Fawcett didn’t have a kicking tee so had to drop kick, what ever happened to digging a hole? 31 – 5.

More good work followed but a soft try was let in after poor defence at the rucks and a number of half-hearted missed tackles, 36 – 5.

The pressure continued from Rovers and strong drives from Westhorpe, Flounders and Durrans were backed up by a drive over from man of the match Bullock who had stood out above the rest all game, 36 – 12.

The game ended with better defence from Rovers who managed to keep out the home side. Final score Ponteland 36 Rovers 12.

Unfortunately a harsh lesson in what happens when a scratch side travel away to a well-drilled team.