By DAVID COULTER

Last updated at 09:22, Wednesday, 16 January 2013

RUGBY: THE decision to tap and run at a penalty proved Ponteland’s downfall, the failed move undoing their hard work against league leaders Alnwick.

With the scores level at 7-7 deep into the second half, the option not to kick away from danger was the wrong one as it resulted in the formidable visitors gaining an advantage which they went on to build on.

After being under the cosh for 20 minutes, Ponteland were handed respite with a penalty but bizarrely elected to tap and run, which only led to them offending in front of their own posts.

This allowed Alnwick a straight forward penalty, which was duly dispatched to put the leaders firmly in control.

Pont started on fire against their opponents who had only lost one game all season, dominating the opening half with some excellent rugby.

But while it was Ponteland who had the better of the opening half, Alnwick certainly held the upper hand in the second.

Yet the home side’s stern resistance kept try scoring opportunities to a premium, but the tap and run penalty on the hour provided Alnwick with the chance to get their noses in front.

They did not take long to extend that lead as, straight from the kick off, the right winger popping up again with speed and accuracy to register his second try of the match.

The score put the game beyond Ponteland .

One more penalty on the scoreboard for Alnwick flattered them.

First published at 07:35, Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk