JUST five points separated the teams in the end, but Prudhoe and Stocksfield were well deserved of their win over West Hartlepool TDSOB.

In fact, a rout looked on the cards at one point as Prudhoe took just three minutes to get the scoreboard ticking when the long striding Yannick Debil built on his hat-trick from the previous week, Steven Henderson coverted the try.

The score was 12-0 just five minutes later when, from a Rob Reid break, the ball was recycled time and again until Dan Whiley crossed the line.

Another seven points were added in the 13th minute, Henderson darting through close to the posts before converting his own score.

It was at 19-0 down that the away side came to life and they spoiled, blocked and pressured P&S into mistakes as they lost their rhythm.

It was no surprise when Hartlepool got their first try of the day, converted to reduce the deficit to 12 points.

There was still time for a moment of controversy before the break, when Hartlepool ran in a second try.

Whiley's attempted clearance was clearly charged down by an opponent, with a P&S player pouncing on the loose ball. To the bemusement of the hosts, the referee awarded a penalty to the visitors and they ran in a try to take the score to 19-12.

The second half was very largely forgettable with the home side unable to put very little fluid rugby together.

The loss of both Debil and skipper Chris Patterson undoubtedly impacted on the home side.

The penalty count for both sides was high, but one of a number of high tackles allowed Henderson to add three points to the P&S tally.

Three minutes later, the visitors managed another try to match the home side's total of three to earn them a losing bonus point by bringing the deficit to just five points.