Flying wingman Josh Milthorpe’s hat-trick of tries helped Pontefract to victory over West Yorkshire rivals Old Crossleyans Rugby Club from Halifax on Saturday, earning five well-deserved league points to move Pontefract above the relegation zone of the RFU’s Regional Two NE Division.

Pontefract had a typically slow start to the match, conceding two unanswered tries in the first 15 minutes. Things looked ominous before granite-like Jack Beddis peeled away from a lineout five metres out and bulldozed over the line for Liam Kay to convert.

Then followed several pieces of individual brilliance from Pontefract’s back division. Firstly, newly capped Yorkshire Colt Tom Papworth collected a kick in his own 22, evaded a clutch of Crossleyans’ tacklers to race the length of the field and score in the corner. Then, from the re-start which was kicked deep into Pontefract’s 22, Liam Kay collected but, instead of making the safest call, decided to spin a long pass wide to the eager Papworth who once again broke free from the chasing opposition before feeding Josh Milthorpe on halfway who outpaced the cover defence to score in the corner, Lian successfully converting.

With Pontefract leading 12 – 24 the second half started in style. Liam received the ball on halfway following a hard carry by Steve-O, tricked the opposition defence into thinking he intended firstly to kick and then to pass, before breaking the defensive line under considerable pressure and putting Josh Milthorpe in the clear to score under the posts; Liam once more converting.

Old Crossleyans then had to open up to chase the game. From a five-metre scrum their centre looked dangerous only for Liam to make a superb dominant tackle and pounce on the dislodged ball to feed the gracefully athletic Josh Milthorpe who (as we knew he would) outpaced the cover defence to score from 60 metres.

At 12 – 38 it looked like the game was over as a contest, but Crossleyans battled on, scoring two late tries to reduce the deficit to 26-38 and earn themselves a four-try bonus point which could prove crucial in a tight relegation zone.

Overall, the Pontefract backs shone brightly as Liam controlled the game. Of the forward pack Jayden Field and Tad Nowangowa defended and carried well, while Bailey Matthews and Ethan Potts provided stability with some deft touches.

Second placed Pocklington are next week’s opponents and will look at Pontefract’s last few results and realise they will have a real battle on their hands from a well-balanced and confident Pontefract outfit.