BISHOP AUCKLAND rugby firsts almost caused an upset on Saturday when they lost 14-13 away to leaders Ponteland in the Durham and Northumberland third division. A last minute withdrawal by pack leader Peter Gallone left Bishops with a weakened pack, but with four under-19s in the squad they rose to the challenge. Bishops tackled Ponteland to a standstill and ran what possession they got with such determination and flair that the home side was reduced to desperate kicks downfield in the final quarter in an effort to keep them at bay.

Had Campbell's conversion attempt two minutes from time been successful, Bishop would have provided the first major upset of the season, and it would have a been richly deserved triumph.

The heavier, well-drilled Ponteland pack dominated the set scrums, repeatedly pushing Bishops off the ball. Ponteland won all their own throw-ins and most of Bishops' as well. Both sides missed early penalty attempts, but when one of Campbell's fell short, Ponteland swiftly counter-attacked to open the scoring with a penalty. Ponteland's control in the set pieces eventually led to a try and an 8-0 half time lead.

Ponteland stretched their lead with a penalty only minutes into the second half. With Bishops beginning to look the fitter side, their forwards' commitment paid off as they took a scrum against the head. An Atkinson run set up a 30 metre penalty which Campbell put over to make it 11-3.

With Dodds and Fletcher now holding their own in the lineouts, the Auckland backs began to enjoy a steady supply of good possession. Simpson and Atkinson launched a number of attacking moves which stalled through lack of support. But when Sayer broke through he found Rowell in close support and sent him over in the corner for a fine try to pull it back to 11-8.

Ponteland again replied with a penalty but by now Bishops were in command as they laid siege to the home twenty-two. Sayer collected a Ponteland kick and ran it back some 40 metres before releasing Blanch down the touchline for a second Bishop try, bringing them to within a point of Ponteland at 14-13. Cambell missed the conversion which would have given Bishops the lead.

Ponteland held on and Bishops were denied a deserved win. Bishops II lost 12-10 at home to Seaton Carew II in the Tees Valley Social League. Andrew Brabban opened the scoring for Bishops when he intercepted an opposition pass and made it to the line. New prop Gary Norman added a second try later in the game as he powered through a number of tackles to touch down. Dent had a penalty chance to clinch the points for Bishop but his kick strayed wide of the posts.