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Rugby is Back!!
Phil Atkinson10 Sep 2025 - 16:45
Pontefract v Wetherby - Match Report
Moor Lane looked an absolute picture in the autumnal sun, as members and visitors alike were hugely positive about the quality of the work undertaken by the army of volunteers throughout the summer. In particular congratulations are due to Mick Caulfield and Steve Hill for the sheer amount they have done.
In parallel Head Coach Craig Fawcett has been preparing the team for this year’s campaign in NE Regional 2. Pontefract have been working with a long injury list for a couple of years now and just went it looked like there was light at the end of tunnel, further setbacks have been experienced with injuries to Liam Kay, Max Copley, Bailey Matthews and Ethan Potts amongst others.
There was however some good young talent on display as the team took to the field take on Wetherby. The opposition finished last season very strongly and indeed ran out convincing winners in the last game at Moor Lane of the season.
It was Wetherby who started the brightest and scored a converted try after 5 minutes following a spell of good play. Pontefract then countered strongly with scrum half Harry Wollaston looking sharp and created scoring opportunities but just could not cross the line. A penalty for a high tackle allowed Wetherby to gain field position which lead to their second unconverted try which left the Pontefract defence looking flat footed.
Pontefract attacked again with good work by Millthorpe, allowing Ketteridge to bully his way over in the corner for an unconverted try to make the score 5:12. Wetherby however extended their lead to 5:19 with a kick chase try that Pontefract could do nothing about. Ponte had the final say in the first half with an immense effort by Brodie Matthews who scored on the stroke of half time to make it 10:19.
Soon after half time Full Back Abbot reduced the arrears with a well struck penalty, followed by a short range converted try from Callum Rogers. With just two points in it the rest of the game was on a fine balance. Wetherby struck again though with another kick chase exposing the home teams defence and increasing the margin to 20-27.
In typical backs to the wall fashion Ponte threw everything at Wetherby and managed another unconverted score but it was not to be. Millthorpe impressed throughout the game and had the opportunity to seal the win but fumbled the ball over the line. Coleman put in one of his typical uncompromising performances, and Abbot looked good when he had the chance to go forward. Best in the forwards were Matthews, Mawson and Townend with Wakachala making a strong debut.
When they look back on this game, Pontefract will rue some of their decision making and defensive errors. It was certainly winnable, and they will be looking to bounce back against Doncaster Phoenix next Saturday.
Meanwhile the 2nd XV gets their first run out against Stanley Rod’s at home.
In parallel Head Coach Craig Fawcett has been preparing the team for this year’s campaign in NE Regional 2. Pontefract have been working with a long injury list for a couple of years now and just went it looked like there was light at the end of tunnel, further setbacks have been experienced with injuries to Liam Kay, Max Copley, Bailey Matthews and Ethan Potts amongst others.
There was however some good young talent on display as the team took to the field take on Wetherby. The opposition finished last season very strongly and indeed ran out convincing winners in the last game at Moor Lane of the season.
It was Wetherby who started the brightest and scored a converted try after 5 minutes following a spell of good play. Pontefract then countered strongly with scrum half Harry Wollaston looking sharp and created scoring opportunities but just could not cross the line. A penalty for a high tackle allowed Wetherby to gain field position which lead to their second unconverted try which left the Pontefract defence looking flat footed.
Pontefract attacked again with good work by Millthorpe, allowing Ketteridge to bully his way over in the corner for an unconverted try to make the score 5:12. Wetherby however extended their lead to 5:19 with a kick chase try that Pontefract could do nothing about. Ponte had the final say in the first half with an immense effort by Brodie Matthews who scored on the stroke of half time to make it 10:19.
Soon after half time Full Back Abbot reduced the arrears with a well struck penalty, followed by a short range converted try from Callum Rogers. With just two points in it the rest of the game was on a fine balance. Wetherby struck again though with another kick chase exposing the home teams defence and increasing the margin to 20-27.
In typical backs to the wall fashion Ponte threw everything at Wetherby and managed another unconverted score but it was not to be. Millthorpe impressed throughout the game and had the opportunity to seal the win but fumbled the ball over the line. Coleman put in one of his typical uncompromising performances, and Abbot looked good when he had the chance to go forward. Best in the forwards were Matthews, Mawson and Townend with Wakachala making a strong debut.
When they look back on this game, Pontefract will rue some of their decision making and defensive errors. It was certainly winnable, and they will be looking to bounce back against Doncaster Phoenix next Saturday.
Meanwhile the 2nd XV gets their first run out against Stanley Rod’s at home.
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