Sat 1 Feb 2020
It was always going to be a hard shift in the VERY strong windy conditions, but with fourth placed Hartlepool as visitors it proved to be a real test of character for Gosforth. A gradually improving side took the field and had the advantage of the wind in the first half. Things looked promising from the off, as some strong early pressure led to a penalty chance, which, unfortunately, was not taken in the third minute. With such a strong wind first half points were vital, but, again unfortunately, it was not to be. Indeed, it was Hartlepool, who created several chances to score. However, the Gos defence was very sound and the score remained at 0-0 almost throughout that half. Twice the cover defence provided last ditch tackles. However, with the very last play before the halftime whistle, Hartlepool's left winger, Liam Pape, finished off a good move to score. The conversion was missed to leave the halftime score at 0-5.
The second half got underway with Gos needing to dig even deeper into their resolve and, in only the third minute, some good pressure led to a penalty, converted by Mat Struthers. (3-5). Despite continuing pressure leading to chances to score, our malaise of not quite being able to add the finishing touches to several promising moves proved costly. Hartlepool were able to relieve the pressure with hacks downwind and the almost inevitable scores. It was on 30 minutes that ex- Gosforth player, Adam Ainley, was able to cross by the posts for Alex Winter to convert (3-12). The game followed a similar pattern until the 37th minute, when Ainley was to score his second try, which wasn't converted thanks to the left upright! (3-17). There was still time for the veteran scrum-half, Andrew Forman, to cross again with the last play of the half for a fourth, bonus point try, which, again, was not converted (this time via the right post!), leaving the final score at 3-22. Sometimes the final score does not reflect the true story of the game and this was definitely the case today!
Perhaps next week's visit to Ryton will reward us better!
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