I would not say we are sprinting to the finish line but we are on the home straight now. This win at Ponteland takes us to the last three games still one point ahead of Ryton. In addition, three of those las four games are at Sutherland Park, Fortress Vos !

Ponteland's squad were hampered by injury so lots of new faces and they had the early smiles. We kicked off and boy did they start fast with a chip kick from the kick off and a fine attack. However, we gained some good field position from a spiral bomb and another probing kick from Josh Farley. We were camped in Ponteland's 22m and received a string of penalty's. We chose to go to the corner where Sion Gittins found Jonny Cotterill at the lineout. We drove to the line and Louis Matthews crashed over on the tail of the maul, Novos up 5-0.

From the kick off Cameron Wallace put us back into the 22m with his boot. More pens and we mauled again - this time stopped short with a collapse. We went to the corner again and the forwards did the rest with Louis Matthews diving in for the try. Conversion added by Sam Evans to make it 12-0.

Ponteland started to click but were perhaps a bit lucky as the ball rolled out the side of the scrum and their 9 was able to make a break. Under pressure close to the line we were penalised in a scrum that we just weren't ready for. Eventually Ponteland scored a decent try to close the gap to 12-5.

We ended the half on top with more pressure earning Ponteland a yellow card for consistently infringing. We made the extra man count with another Sion Gittins throw reaching Jonny Cotterill. Once again, Louis Matthews was on the ball and driven over for a first half hat trick.

Half time 17-5 Vos.

Ponteland started the second half with the kick not going ten. We were grateful for being gifted a scrum in the middle which Sam Evans made a break from. Their 15 up in the line so Cameron Wallace opted to chip over the top of the ruck. Rob Baldwin was tearing down the middle of the pitch and dived on the ball for the try. Kick added by Evans for 24-5.

We looked dominant during this period as our scrum battled back against a very heavy Ponteland front row. In addition, Simeon Archibald was putting huge pressure on Ponteland's lineout. Archibald nicked the next lineout with Josh Farley taking it up to the line before chipping over the top. The ball was regathered by Louis Matthews who offloaded to Rob Baldwin for the try. Conversion again added by Evans - 31-10.

Ponteland then picked up some momentum as Sim Archibald was yellowed for a high tackle in Ponteland's half. They scored a great try via their backs to make it 31-15, game on. Nope, we hit back instantly as Josh Farley put Ponteland 5m form their line with a great kick. The lineout was overthrown and Rob Baldwin stretched for the line for his hat-trick. 36-15 Vos.

Josh Farley off to get some rest as Sam Evans took over where he left off with a telling kick into Pot's 22m. Sim Archibald, now back on to nick another lineout but we misplaced a pass to get Sam Brooks a try in his second game. We did earn another go and took it as we nailed a lineout move as Louis Matthews peeled to put in Sion Gittins. Conversion added by Sam Evans 43-15.

Under some pressure in the closing stages and Andrew Kirton was next in the bin for us. We did have time to score one more try as we denied Ponteland a bonus point, turning the ball over near our line. We worked our way down field and from a lineout Dylan Gittins offloaded to Adam Lambert. Well executed two on one saw Sam Brooks score in the corner - team hugs as the colt got his first try for the 1's. Final score 48-15.

Thought Ponteland were excellent for a side missing most of its big names. Showed some desire to move the ball despite having a few heavy lads.

Cheers, Ben Hurst for reffing. Enjoyed our chat in the bar talking about how we can improve our penalty count and avoid the two yellow cards we got.

Perhaps a title decider next week at home to Ryton although I think it will go down to the last couple of weeks. After the Ryton game we Gateshead away, Medicals at home before Acklam at home on the last day. Ryton on the other hand have Medicals away, a much improved Bishop Auckland at home before finishing with Durham Uni away on the astro. Make of it what you will but I'd definitely try find time to try and get down to watch next Saturday at 1500.

Up the Vos !