Hull Ionians Festival

Hull Ionians Tournament

The Hull Ionian’s minis festival gave Pontefract the opportunity to showcase their talents against some new opposition and with a strong turnout were able to field 2 teams on the day.

Game 1 saw Ponte play a strong Driffield side but good ball handling from the Moor Lane side quickly resulted in points on the scoreboard. It was the impressive Kairan Wilshire who got Ponte off the mark with his acceleration and evasion creating enough space to get over the line. Jacob McNally’s skillset was there for all to see, throwing several dummies before using his footwork to beat a couple of defenders to score a lovely solo effort. Tries from Freddie Williamson and Charlie Kneafsey put Ponte in front, but the highlight was a full length try from Wilshire displaying pace and determination to outrun the defenders.

Market Rasen were the opposition for game 2 and following a Williamson try, it was Jacob Dykes’ moment to shine with a fantastic try. His ability to read where the space is, then his decision making to either run or pass the ball left the Rasen defence in disarray. A brilliant phase of defence from Williamson created a turn over in possession which Wilshire capitalised on to score yet another try.
Pontefract’s form continued in 2 further games against the hosts. Tries from Wilshire and McNally gave Ponte the upper hand. A superb passing move starting from a McNally break was finished off with a brave slide in the corner by Kneafsey. An appreciative crowd then applauded a beautiful long range cut out pass from Kneafsey to Dykes, who raced over the try line.

Pontefract’s second squad also started proceedings against Driffield, Seb Hinley put in a strong determined performance in spite of some questionable off the ball tactics by the Driffield team. After taking a knock he dusted himself down and came back strong to score some great long range tries. He constantly supported his team mates breaks and led by example throughout the whole day.

In The next game against Market Rasen the spectators were treat to a feast of fancy footwork from Jayden Johnston beating defenders at will, time and again leaving them grasping at thin air, resulting in some great length of the field tries. Jamie Cook also had a strong performance working tirelessly often turning defence into attack with his tenacious ability to collect tags. Holly Roberts was eager for work and constantly came looking for the ball. With some strong carries she was involved in several great team tries. In her short time at the club she has already shown great progress and is always playing with a smile on her face.

Next up was a strong Hull Ionians team, being at home they weren’t going to give the visitors an easy ride. Pontefract certainly rose to the challenge against the bigger team by playing some of their best rugby of the day. Matthew Fradgley was rewarded for his fine support play when he got on the end of a free-flowing move in which every Ponte player touched the ball. Some great inter play between Hinley, Johnston, Roberts and Cook set the play up for Fradgley to pop up on the wing and steam over in the corner to the delight of his team mates.

The day was a great test for the whole team, and certainly a step up in terms of physicality, with Hinley and Fradgley being in the wars more than once, they both showed some real character to get straight back in the game and help their team mates, which typified the commitment shown by all the players.