Following a superb pre season and the adding of some fantastic new recruits, our U13s could not wait to put their hard work in to practice against an unknown Rochdale side.

From the off, Pontefract dominated every phase of play with 9 unanswered tries before the interval. In attack, Pontefract worked hard up front to set the platform to enable some quality team tries out wide. In defence, Pontefract’s speed and dominance in contact didn’t allow Rochdale to build any momentum.

The second half saw 8 changes to the line up which consisted of 4 of the new signings. They all did their part however the number of changes made resulted in a little less structure in the attacking alignment. Although another handful of tries scored, the phases of play were limited with lots of individual efforts taking over from the team efforts in the 1st half.

Rochdale had a consolation try towards the end. Lots of positives to take from the first outing of the campaign but structure is key to enable us to achieve our targets throughout the season.

We go again next week to Old Crocs before our first coach trip to Market Bosworth, Nuneaton for the ‘Battle of the Regions’ on Sunday 22nd September