Ponteland pack demolished Novos scrum throughout the game but at times failed to take advantage of their dominance
Pont kicked off but failed to go ten metres. The ensuing scrum saw Novos hurtle backwards- a continuing theme for the rest of the match. As Pont moved forwards a lost ball saw Novos counter attack and score 0-5 ( 1 min) Pont attacked from the kick off and and a Novos player was lucky to stay on the pitch for a clear high tackle. A following scrum win saw Holliday break free and score 5-5 ( 16 min) Pont pushed forward and only a missed final pass saw a failed score. Novos continued a menacing attack and several missed tackles saw them in for a converted try. 5-12 ( 30 min)
Pont attacked from the off and Joe Nicholson weaved his way from 40 metres to score 10-12 ( 32 min) Novos continued to press forward and moving the ball wide saw them in in the corner 10-17 ( 36 min) the ding dong nature of the game saw Pont pour forward. Several deliberate infringements saw a yellow card to Novos. Several pick and goes then saw Harvey Robson over for his first senior try. 15-17. (40 min)
HT 15-17
Novos started the half well and an accurate long kick saw a touchline catch almost putting the winger in. Quickly moving it wide saw a converted try for the visitors 15-24.(47 min) Injuries to Mew, Pratt and Rebuka saw all three subs on the pitch and Chick moving from centre to second row ! Before Pont could settle themselves Novos skipped through several lackadaisical tackles to stretch the lead to 15-29 ( 53 min) whilst the large crowd maybe thought Pont were down and out the players had other ideas. A trademark jink from Holliday saw him under the posts from 20 metres out with Reed making it 22-29 ( 58 min) the forwards then took it upon themselves to put the pedal to the floor an a massive lineout drive was followed by several punishing scrums. The pressure allowed Pinder to wriggle over to score 27-29 ( 74 min) an immediate attack from the kick off saw Pont surge forwards again. Novos pack was again driven backwards towards the line. The visitors defended well but eventually Mould crashed over to wild celebrations on the touchline 32-29 (78 min) Novos attacked furiously but Pont held out for a hard fought win.

An exciting see saw game in front of a large crowd and sponsors. Skills wise it was probably our poorest performance of the season but for grit and determination it was up there with the best.