In a match filled with intensity, passion, and some top drawer rugby, Pontefract U17 Colts came out on top against a strong Doncaster side to claim a 26–19 win in the final at Ilkley. With a packed crowd and incredible support from both sets of fans, the stage was set and the boys delivered.

Pontefract opened the scoring in style. Kaden Smith hit a perfectly timed lead line, slicing straight through the Doncaster centres before being dragged down by the full-back. But with brilliant awareness, he offloaded to the onrushing Frankie Monfredi, who dotted down under the posts to send the Ponte fans wild. Captain Jack Williams stepped up and calmly slotted the conversion to make it 7–0.

Doncaster hit back soon after with a well-worked unconverted try, using strong forward momentum to crash over the line and close the gap. This ended the second half 5-7.

As the second half began, Pontefract were fired up and wasted no time asserting themselves. Man of the match Max Lunn finished off a slick move from the backs, and a great pass from Evans Robinson, showing great awareness to get over in the corner. The conversion drifted just wide, but the momentum was firmly with Ponte.

Then came a moment of magic. From a clean pass by scrum half Fin RG who had a standout game throughout. Joshua Sundin found himself one on one with his opposite winger. With dazzling footwork and blistering pace, he left his man for dead and went over, drawing huge cheers from the Ponte faithful.

From there, the Pontefract forwards stepped up to control the game. Jack Williams and Byron Smith were dominant in the scrum, while Harry Grant was pinpoint with his lineout throws. Fin Philpot and Matthew Johnson worked the lineout with precision, providing clean ball for the backs time after time.

Impact off the bench was crucial, and the trio of Spencer Heath, Nate Bilyard, and Ben Maxfield delivered exactly what the coaching team were looking for, bringing fresh energy and strong carries at key moments.

In the engine room, Jack Abbott and Oliver Woodhouse worked tirelessly in the second row, providing physicality and work rate around the park. Jamie Graham and George Inglis were everywhere, putting in outstanding performances, while Conor Lawrie and Evan Robinson both put in strong shifts to help see out the win.

It was a full squad effort and a fitting way to round off what has been the first season together for this promising Pontefract side. The coaches, players, and supporters should all be incredibly proud—not just of the win, but of the spirit, teamwork, and talent on show.

With a performance like that, the future looks very bright for the Pontefract Colts.