Carlisle Colts progressed to the quarter-finals of the National U18 Plate with a hard earned victory over an impressive Ponteland who battled against ever increasing odds as the day wore on. The North East visitors were hit by unavailabilities before they travelled and in the end arrived with the bare 15. Nevertheless they proved to be formidable outfit as their season record to date had suggested and at times made light of their apparent difficulties.

With the significant rainfall in Carlisle through the week there was standing water on the Warwick Road pitch. Fortunately alternative arrangements had been made in case of such an eventuality, and on arrival Ponteland agreed that the game should be moved to Austin Friars School. Whilst still heavy underfoot, this pitch proved to be in excellent condition and many thanks to the school for enabling the game to go ahead. Friars are due to play their 7s festival at the club on Wednesday and we sincerely hope our pitches are recovered by then.

Ponteland kicked off with the slight slope in their favour and a pattern for the game was quickly established. The slightly heavier Carlisle pack dominated the tight exchanges whilst a lively Ponteland back division always looked dangerous in position. It was the home side who were slightly on top throughout the first period with impressive carrying from John Short, Luke Jones, and Harrison Edgar to the fore. However resolute defence and the occasional Carlisle error enabled Ponteland to repel the home sides efforts. At times Carlisle tried to move the ball wide, but too often they took the wrong option and Ponteland looked comfortable in defence. When the visitors did manage to get the ball their impressive 10,13,15 axis created chances which the Carlisle back three coped with well. Clear cut chances were few and far between; Ponteland turned down a kickable penalty on 20 minutes but then failed to convert the lineout chance. A second penalty chance came about five minutes later and this time they converted for a 0-3 lead. Back came Carlisle and should have scored from a clean pick up break from the back of a ruck by the rampaging Luke Haddock; the Ponteland fullback made an outstanding tackle five metres from the line and the follow up support that would have ensured a score was not there. As half time approached the visitors suffered the misfortune of losing their hooker to a shoulder injury which forced them to play with 14 men for the remainder of the tie. Half time came with them holding on to their narrow lead.

The second half could not have started better for Carlisle. Early pressure forced the visitors back and a sliced clearance kick allowed winger Johnny Creighton to weave his way into the visitors 22. From there a serious of drives from the forwards set up a position near the Ponteland line and skipper John Short used his weight to crash over for the score. Chris Hubbersty added an excellent conversion to give Carlisle a four point cushion. By this stage we were playing uncontested scrums which probably benefitted the visitors who had struggled in the tight, but if so it was only marginal. When Carlisle skipper Short was yellow carded for what was deemed a professional foul parity in numbers was restored for ten minutes. Ponteland continued to look extremely dangerous with ball in hand, dominated the middle period of the second half but only occasionally did they create any clear cut chances. When they did the scramble Carlisle defence proved effective and the home side back row dominated the breakdown earning vital turnovers to stem the tide. And tide gradually turned with Carlisle breaking out to relieve the pressure. This time it was their turn to forego a kickable penalty to set up a line out deep in the visitors 22. They should have scored from a driving lineout, but fell just short and conceded a penalty in their efforts to get over the line. Back the home side came and another penalty was earned. This time they elected to go for goal and Hubbersty stepped up to add the three points and a seven point gap.

Effectively the equation had not changed for Ponteland; they needed a try.But they also need the conversion to draw them level and go through as the away side. But as the game entered the last ten minutes they began to tire and Carlisle were finding more space. A series of forward drives pushed the home side deep into the visitor 22 and this time when the ball was moved wide there was space for centre Sam Emmerson to crash over for the decisive score. Credit to Ponteland as they came back again and pressurised the home 22; a score here would have made for an interesting last five minutes. But the Carlisle defence was again solid and cleared their lines, playing out the last couple of minutes in the Ponteland half for what was ultimately a deserved victory.

Many thanks to referee Alistair Jones who officiated impressively and kept the game flowing. Also to the support for both sides which mad for a great afternoons entertainment.

Carlisle now look forward to the quarter final draw on Tuesday; the longest trip possible would be Redruth away!

Carlisle Rugby Club

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