One Step Forward/One Step Back

We went into the game with confidence following last weeks win and the fact that the side was relatively unchanged. However, a sloppy start in heavy conditions saw Ponteland grab the initiative as Novos missed several tackles from the first whistle.

Novos has a strong breeze at their backs but often chose not to kick. Eventually, Ponteland took advantage of their early territory, scoring through a break in midfield.

As has been the norm, Novos were often penalised and were not able to win the battle for territory despite having the conditions in their favour.

Ponteland scored again before Novos finally sparked into action. With the ball secured by the hard working Novos pack, the ball was spread to Jonny Ward. Drifting across the park he outpaced the Ponteland midfield and then beat two covering defenders to score a fine try, converted by Shaun Stewart.

The game was in the balance as Ponteland scored again, countered by a long distance Stewart penalty.

There was not much between the two sides apart from Ponteland winning the scrum battle. In the end, this was probably the sole reason why Ponteland would go on to win the game.

Novos struggled to pressure their opponents in the second half as scrums turned into penaltys.

Ponteland worked their way down field and eventually looked like they were going in for a try. However, Steve Neill intercepted the ball and streaked 90m to bring Novos back into the game. Conversion added by Stewart. A bit of a personal grumble here as Ponteland did not go under the posts, yet tried to charge down the conversion ! I hate this and have seen it occur more and more over the past two seasons.

Ponteland responded to Novos fightback and got a scrum near to the Novos line. After winning the initial push Ponteland pushed the sliding Novos pack over the line for a telling score. Ponteland up by 12 with only a few minutes to play.

Novos looked like they were going to get nothing from a game that they had hoped to win. However, a last minute attack resulted in Jack Spoor crashing over for a bonus point try, converted by Stewart.

Final score 29-24 to Ponteland.

Novos did not play well, making several poor decisions in attack despite spells on the Ponteland goal line. Novos had enough chances to win this game although that would have been harsh on a Ponteland side that was the better side on the day overall.

Thank you to the exchange ref who did well. At times I thought he was a bit inconsistent at the breakdown. However, he provided a safe, enjoyable day out for the players and I wish him well.

Not all the news was bad in the weekend as Tane's daughter finally arrived on Saturday afternoon. Mam and daughter are SWEET AS and we all send our best wishes.

See you all on Tuesday.