Guisborough snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in an entertaining game against Ponteland at Belmangate.

Early pressure by Ponteland was dealt with by a solid home defence. Further attacks by Oli Muir and Tony Conway kept play inside Ponteland territory, but a way could not be found to break the deadlock.

Both sides looked dangerous as they showed off good handling skills. Eventually Guisborough put points on the board. From a line-out on halfway, quick ball was received by Matt Rawlinson who burst through, offloading to Alex Humphrey. The fullback tore through the midfield and touched down under the posts.

Another good passing movement by the opposition backline took play inside the Guisborough 22, but a combination of tackles by Lewis Robson and Muir stopped a try from being scored.

With half time looming, Guisborough moved into the Ponteland 22. As was the way, the game was being played by both sides, the visitors tried to run out of defence. A chip over the Guisborough backline was collected by Adam Bell. He linked up with Jack Robinson, who side stepped and weaved through tacklers before touching down to increase his team’s lead.

At half time, Guisborough were 12-0 up.

Guisborough suffered a setback early in the second half, when talisman Jack Robinson had to leave the field after suffering a blow to the head whilst tackling a Ponteland player.

Ponteland were awarded a brace of penalties that took play inside the Guisborough 22. A catch and drive moved purposefully forward some distance before crossing the try line .

Pressure was telling on Guisborough and their captain, Matthew Flint, was spoken to by the referee regarding the increasing infringements being committed. It was no surprise when at the next penalty awarded to Ponteland, Lodge was shown a yellow card. The visitors capitalised, the ball was kicked to touch five metres out. A catch and drive before a sharp pass to the left wing saw Ponteland score their second try.

With the scores now level, Guisborough hit back immediately. The restart kick was allowed to bounce and Muir followed up sharply with a thumping tackle

Still with a numerical advantage, Ponteland moved back into the hosts’ 22. A line-out close to the Guisborough whitewash saw a wave of attacks by the visitors successfully repelled by the home team. However, a gap was finally spotted and a try was scored on the left flank.

Chasing the game, the hosts were restored to full numbers. Penalties were awarded in their favour, and a further quickly taken penalty saw Humphrey and Matt Robinson press, before the ball came to James Clark, who thundered over.

Guisborough, now leading, still had to defend as the game went into the final stages. The home team's failings returned as an infringement allowed Ponteland to launch one last attack from a line out ten metres out. A catch and drive took play up to the try line, before the ball was passed to the left wing where a try was scored.

Full time Guisborough 22 points, Ponteland 24 points.