Ponteland RFC 1st XV Mighty Maroons vs Medicals (Home)

Mighty Maroons 27 - 26 Medicals

Ponteland RFC’s Mighty Maroons battled to a thrilling 27–26 victory over Medicals on Saturday, in a match that showcased grit, structure, and moments of real attacking quality. It was a game that tested every ounce of the team’s discipline and composure, but the Maroons held firm to secure a deserved win.

From the first whistle, Ponteland’s set piece dominance set the tone. The scrum provided a consistent and reliable platform, putting Medicals under sustained pressure and disrupting their attacking rhythm. The Maroons’ forwards imposed themselves early, earning territory and momentum that allowed the backline to strike with confidence. Every engagement at the scrum seemed to tilt the contest in Ponteland’s favour, with Medicals struggling to establish a clean base from which to launch their plays.

The physicality in contact was another hallmark of the performance. In both attack and defence, Ponteland’s intensity was clear to see. Ball carriers made hard yards, repeatedly breaking the gain line and building phases that drew in defenders and opened space out wide. Defensively, the team’s tackle workrate and organisation were exceptional — particularly through the middle third of the game — halting Medicals’ attempts to generate any meaningful continuity. It was only late in the contest that the visitors managed to string together sustained phases, threatening to overturn the result.

In attack, Ponteland were sharp and clinical. Strike moves from the set piece regularly punched holes in the Medicals line, and the backs showed real composure to convert their chances when they came. The accuracy in execution, particularly under pressure, highlighted the growing cohesion within the squad and the benefit of consistent training intensity in recent weeks.

The final quarter demanded character, as Medicals mounted a spirited comeback. But the Maroons’ collective determination shone through — every player, from 1 to 18, contributing to the defensive stand and ensuring the narrow margin was protected to the final whistle.

Overall, it was a solid, full-team display: the forwards asserting control in the physical exchanges, the backs taking their opportunities with confidence, and the squad showing the kind of unity that defines a winning side. The Mighty Maroons’ 27–26 victory was not just about the scoreline — it was about the statement it made: this is a team capable of competing, adapting, and finishing strong.