AN emphatic win over Gosforth saw Ponteland remain unbeaten in 2020 as they continued their push at the top of Northern Division Two.

The league leaders inflicted a 46-5 defeat on their local rivals during a prolific display of rugby on Saturday.

Within the opening four minutes, outside centre Will Herford found his way through to dot down for the first points of the day.

It took a further 20 minutes of big carries into Gosforth’s defence before Ponteland added to their tally. They received a penalty on Gosforth’s 22 metre line, and the boot of fly half Owen Reed extended the lead to 10 points.

On the half hour minute mark, Sean Bettison received the ball in open space before racing down the pitch untouched to score.

Three minutes later, the visitors responded when their fast hands helped them reach an overlap to go over in the corner.

On the stroke of half time, winger Josh Beswick used his blistering pace to race around his opposite man and score his 14th try of the season, taking the score to 24-5 at the interval.

Ponteland demonstrated increased energy after the re-start. Substitute Elliott Trott cut back and sliced between the Gosforth defence and went on to earn the Maroons a try scoring bonus point just three minutes into the second half.

Demonstrating their dominance in the game, Ponteland continued to run in the tries. Second row Ben Stewart made a charging run which saw him cause chaos down the right flank and bulldoze his way over to score.

On the hour mark, Trott struck with another piece of magic which enabled him to grab his second try of the day, extending the Maroons’ lead to 41-5.

Just three minutes later, Stewart was let loose again on the right side where he made his way down field.

He raced 50 metres past a row of supporters on the touchline to score his second and Ponteland’s final try of the day.

Derby day tensions remained high throughout the match as a scuffle in the 66th minute led to both Ponteland’s Michael Searle and a Gosforth player being sent to the sin bin for a 10-minute break.

Ponteland will return to action on February 1.