The colts travelled over to sunny Sheffield to take on the much touted prospect of Sheffield RUFC’s colts. Boasting a squad of 60 players and a national league set up. Ponte knew this was a big test early on in their journey back towards the success of last season.

Pontefract started well, but discipline and decisions did not go Ponte’s way early on.

However, despite this Pontefract crossed when 10 Alfie Abbott saw a gap in behind and kicked a perfectly weighted kick to the flying winger Jacob Sundin to score. Converted by Abbott.

Ponte survived a wave of Sheffield attacks with brilliant line speed and defence led by Number 8 Alex Wilson and the formidable Jamie Jex.

It was disruption caused by Captain Joe Dowd that led to Pontefracts next score. A turnover was shipped by Ethan Grant to Abbott who in time fed Elliott Stephens to evade tacklers and finish well out wide. Again goaled by Abbott.

A rare penalty was given to Ponte 22 out and 3 more were added on by Abbott.

Pontes third was arguably the best, Pontes forwards recycled well, big carries from Ludewig, Brown, Goodall, Bailey and the debutant Newsome stretched the Sheffield Defence, allowing 13 Tom Papworth to elude and out run the desperate defence from 60 metres out to score a wonderful try. Goaled by Abbott.

Pontes defence stood tall, backs Mason, Sundin, Wallis, Tam-Mcmillian, Stephens made some crucial tackles to prevent Sheffield from scoring more than the 17 points they scored on Ponte.

The self proclaimed King of Fashion Oli Mitchell and young Owen Downham continued to frustrate Sheff through solid pick and gos and nullifying any would be attack.

Fresh of a Sheffield Score, Ponte knew that the next points were crucial, up stepped the formidable Ben Mason. A perfectly weighted kick off by Abbott bounced for the onrushing Mason to hack through and score what seemed to put daylight between Ponte and Sheffield. Goaled by Abbott to make the scores 31-17.

Excellent last ditch defending from all, alongside game management by captain and vice Dowd and Wilson, the impressive Grant and Abbott secured Pontefract the 4 try victory.

Mom
3- Joe Dowd
2- Tom Papworth
1- The rest of the squad for a monumental effort away from home.