As well as welcoming the players and supporters of Scarborough, Pontefract were also honouring their hardworking volunteers at the club on Saturday. Their presence created a warm atmosphere in the clubhouse. In contrast outside Storm Darrach provided a stern test for the players of both clubs, as the 1st and 2nd XV’s faced off as 60mph winds battered Moor Lane.

Despite the conditions the 1st XV game was a thrilling match as the lead changed hands, and both sides showed enterprise. Right from the kick off and playing with the wind, Scarborough showed their intent with two very quick converted tries which lead to Ponte being 0-14 in less than five minutes.

After settling the ship and playing into red zone, Ponte threw everything at the opposition but their resolute defence in front of the clubhouse kept them out. Eventually after 29 minutes Ponte finally got the try they deserved as Kieran Thornton powered over from a scrum. Unfortunately kicking into the wind Kay was unable to add the conversion, and soon after Scarborough landed a penalty to make it 5-17

Ten minutes later slick hands in the backs led to Josh Milthorpe scoring an excellent but unconverted try. With the opposition down to thirteen players Ponte were now dominant and made it 17:17 when Kieran Thornton scored his second try, which was converted by Kay on the stroke of half time.

In the second half Ponte had the wind behind them and there was a reasonable expectation from the supporters that they would kick on and put the game to bed. Indeed, the plan seemed to be working as the Josh Milthorpe scored his send out wide to take the lead for the first time, as Kays excellent conversion made it 24:17.

Scarborough hadn’t read the script though, and put pressure on Ponte with some excellent breaks, only denied by a last ditch cover tackle from full back Alfie Abbott to stop them from scoring.

As some disciplinary lapses lead to two yellow cards for Ponte, the visitors levelled the game with 20 minutes left on the clock. The supporters who managed to remain outside were served up some impressive rugby by both teams in the deteriorating conditions. Scarborough once again hit the front with a converted try, and this made the 10 minutes a very intense affair.

Ponte controlled the possession and worked their way up the pitch, allowing Brodie Matthews to cross the line with five minutes left. Unfortunately, Kay’s conversion floated wide of the posts.

Ponte still had time to recover, and once again went on the attack from the restart, but it was not to be as a penalty gave possession back to Scarborough who closed the game out.
His two first half tries gave Kieran Thornton the Man of the Match award, but there were many other stand out performances with Callum Rogers return from injury a particularly welcome sight.

The players will feel that this game escaped them and they will rue allowing the opposition to build and early lead, but will be consoled to some degree by the two bonus points achieved. In truth Scarborough played some excellent rugby and weathered the storm to deserve their win.

The 2nd XV playing on the very exposed top pitch enjoyed a good win (45:0) against a spirited Scarborough team with Josh Beddis scoring four tries and earning the man of the match award. Finding home fixtures for the 2nd XV can be challenging and we are grateful to Scarborough for travelling in such poor conditions.

Next week the 1st XV Have a tricky away fixture at Doncaster Phoenix, who enjoyed a good win on Saturday against Wetherby. Kick-off is at Castle Park at 2:15pm. Doncaster Knights will be at home on the same day against Caldy (2:30pm) so it is likely that we will be on the 4g pitch. It will be busy so you are advised to arrive early.