Pontefract U14’s toughest test of the season awaited in the third round of the Yorkshire Cup, away to Yarnbury. Going into the game, Pontefract knew they would have to be at their best to stand a chance of progressing into the next round.

The game started with Pontefract kicking to Yarnbury and in the first few exchanges it was clear to see the teams were evenly matched. A great turn over from Pontefract build some pressure but excellent defence from the home team kept the scores to 0 - 0. The deadlock was broken when Daniel Hayes anticipated a Yarnbury pass, stepped out of the defensive line and intercepted the ball to race 40 meters and score a great solo try.
Yarnbury came back strong and dominated the remainder of the half. The home team were camped in Pontefract territory and were relentless in their attempts to break down the blue wall. But the blue wall stood firm! Time and time again with-standing the pressure of the attack. Ramsay, Small, Nako, Allott and McDermott all worthy of a mention as they threw their bodies on the line for the good of the team. Still under pressure the forwards had to transition quickly from defence into attack and pick and drive the team out of trouble. Lee-Wilby, Cadman, Midgley all stepped up to do the hard work.
A surprise yellow card to a Pontefract player gave Yarnbury more possession which they were able to capitalise on and score a try next to the posts. 7-5 at half time, Pontefract knew they were in a game but remained confident.

The second half kicked off and some nice handling saw Pontefract move the ball into the Yarnbury 22 but good scramble defence prevented a score.
Yarnbury’s powerful scrum was a feature throughout and it was from a scrum that Yarnbury moved the ball to their powerful centre who broke away to score a great try.
14-5 down and momentum with the hosts, how would Pontefract react? With a maturity, resilience and discipline not seen before. Louis Addy added great go forward and it was from a move practiced on the training field that allowed Addy to break the gain line. The ball was moved quickly to the right where skipper Tom Simmons offloaded to Allott who used his speed and strength to break tackles and cross the line for a great team try. An excellent conversation from the outstanding Jacob Dykes put the scores at 14-12. Still ahead Yarnbury were confident and didn’t panic. It would take something special to breakdown the strong Yarnbury defence and it was something very special the Pontefract team produced. Blake Pouton dealt with a difficult kick off superbly well. On their own 22 line Pontefract backed their skill and moved the ball through 5 pairs of hands, integrating forwards and backs. Still with a lot to do Freddie Williamson found himself in space and off he went. Over the halfway line now and 1 on 1 with the full back, Williamson backed himself, goose stepped and accelerated around the desperate dive of the last defender and raced over the try line for a memorable team score. Dykes converted and Ponte had a 14-19 lead with 6 minutes to go. A composed kick off return and excellent ball retention wound the clock down further but the visitors were determined to keep the pressure on Yarnbury. Lovely handling put Fin Ramsay one on one with his opposite defender. Pontefract’s powerhouse number 8 won this contest and scored next to the posts to put Ponte into the next round.

Annington, Harrison, Christian, Goldthorp all added energy when Pontefract needed it most. Full backs Hodges and Hunter were constant threats and worked hard with kick returns.
Kneafsey, Jackson and Pouton were strong and composed on the wings.

PPOM & CPOM went to the outstanding Fin Ramsay
Magic Moment went to Freddie Williamson
SOTW went to Seb Hinley
But it was the strength of the Blue Wall that won this game which goes to every single Pontefract player.

This game saw 2 good teams, playing good rugby and was a great advert for competitive junior rugby.