In the final league game before Christmas, patched up Pontefract managed a tremendous victory against old foes who were one place above them in the table. Both sides went close to scoring early on, but it was Ponte who broke the deadlock with a lovely long pass from Alfie Abbot finding prolific winger Josh Milthorpe on an unstoppable run to the line.

From the restart Brods piled on the pressure, but Ponte produced one of the tries of the season from their own twenty-two. Great hands put Milthorpe away who in turn found speedy Sam Gilbert who then put Abbot under the posts for a twelve to nil lead.

Any thoughts of a comfortable afternoon were soon dispelled as slack defence allowed an untouched pick and run try from the twenty-two for Brods to reduce the arrears.

An Abbott penalty stretched the lead, but a converted catch and drive try and two penalties gave Brods a twenty to fifteen points lead at half time.

A superb break by Lucas Ketteridge nearly paid dividends but Ponte did open the second half scoring, as James Cranswick came onto the ball at pace to crash over, converted by Abbott.

It looked like Ponte had sealed the game as a wonderful spell of going through the phases allowed outstanding back rower Jack Beddis to crash over for a nine-point lead. There was much drama to come, however. A penalty to Brods reduced the arrears to six points and then a try to the side of the posts seemed to have won the game for the visitors. There was controversy however as the Brods linesman said the conversion to win the game missed despite vocal protestations to the contrary.

It was a great victory which showed Ponte’s ambition to increase the size of the first team squad is paying dividends. With several regulars missing the likes of Cranswick, Jamie Jex and Luke Townsend on debut stepped up manfully.

Elsewhere, Beddis, Ethan Potts and captain Brodie Matthews were immense up front whilst in the backs Will Cooke was awarded the man of the match with Gilbert and Harry Woolastan also stand outs.

This Saturday (Jan 4th) the 1st XV take on league leaders Bradford Salem at Moor Lane. Kick off at 2:15pm. All welcome.