For the second week in a row Pontefract were denied a win in the last minute of the game. This high scoring and entertaining type of game is becoming the norm for Ponte, as determination, team spirit and a great strike power keeps them in games, even when on the back foot.
Morley opened the scoring in the first minute as an ill-judged cross field kick fell kindly for the Morley winger to score. This lead was doubled when a box kick from the home scrum half found open space for a chase and score.
Despite a penalty reply from Liam Kay, Morley stretched their lead to fifteen three, as an uncharacteristic, missed tackle allowed a try out wide. Ponte needed a response and managed it with a try on the stroke of half time for captain Brodie Matthews from a catch and drive at the line out.
Pontefract got the second half off to a great start as a kindly bounce allowed try scoring phenomenon Josh Milthorpe to go under the posts with Kay adding the extras to bring the scores level. Soon after Milthorpe was at it again as he scythed through and offloaded to exciting debutant Nazir Karim for another seven pointer.
Morley then scored three quick tries. Firstly, with Ponte dominating an interception allowed a reply and a mix up at the restart allowed another. When the home side scored again to make the deficit twelve points it looked like it was game over, but Ponte never lack fight and tries from Dec Lewis on his full debut and Linden Metcalfe gave them a two point advantage with the clock ticking down. After some end to end rugby, Ponte had to settle for two bonus points as Morley converted a penalty to sneak the win.
It was another sterling effort from Ponte with Bailly Matthews standing out up front with Ethan Potts and Callum Rodgers not far behind. In the backs Harry Wollaston, Sam Gilbert and Lucas Ketteridge all shone alongside the outstanding Milthorpe.
Morley had a double over Ponte on Saturday as they defeated our 2nd XV 34:26 in an exciting game. The Colts also had an uncharacteristic loss at Sheffield on Sunday. So not the best of weeks, but the lads will be working hard on the training paddock to get back to winning ways. The 1st XV have a week off next Saturday but the 2nd XV will be away at Cleckheaton.