The adverse weather turned the match into a mudfest as Ponte lost another winnable game to more or less, confirm relegation. On top of that, the injury curse continued with young guns Max Copley and Alex Wilson both having to leave the field with serious looking injuries.

Ponte started the game well and butchered a glorious early chance which, at this level, proves costly. Ponte were playing some good rugby however, and a great drive by Calum Rodgers and quick ball to Liam Kay. In his final appearance before leaving for Australia, he put a pinpoint grubber kick to the line for Josh Milthorpe to use his pace to slide over for a try. From then on, the conditions worsened and Ponte’s decision to keep throwing the ball about backfired as dropped passes and loose carries became the norm.

Scunny replied with a couple of unconverted tries, but the game was in the balance right to the end. Ponte attacked the visitors line but a late break away try after more handling errors sealed the win and denied Ponte a deserved bonus point.

In a match that will be quickly forgotten, best for Ponte on the day was Tim Pickersgill and evergreen Andy Lund.

With winnable games ahead, relegation is not a certainty, and we know the coaches and player group will not be going down without a fight.