West Leeds Away

West Leeds Away 13th January

Pontefract Under 8’s set a new benchmark in terms of performance as the players displayed their most skilful performance of the season to simply out class a bewildered West Leeds team. Not only did the players score the usual superb individual tries, they started to create brilliant combinations of passing to play a brand of rugby appreciated by the supporters of both teams.
Jamie Cook caught the eye in the opening game as he scored 3 quick fire tries, using his agility and speed to maximum effect. West Leeds tried to reply but were shell shocked with the tenacious defence from Ponte’s youngsters. With players being rotated on the opposing team it took an exceptional piece of play to break the defensive hold. Kairan Wilshire made a good break to create a 2 on 1 situation. He then drew the last defender to release Jacob Dykes, who held his position perfectly to score in the corner.
Pontefract’s defence was a key feature in game 2 with Freddie Williamson leading the way with a terrier like performance. Jacob McNally was a constant threat all morning hugging the touch line to create space then using his illusive side step and dummy to run rings round the defenders. Holly Roberts made some great surging runs up the centre of the field, her pass to Matthew Fradgley create a slight opening but Matthew accelerated through the gap and was determined enough to finish off an excellent try. Jasper Lee-Wilby was next to impress as he used his size, power and speed to score a truly great try. His huge smile showed that he enjoyed that moment as much as the supporters did.
Harry Williams had a remarkable game as pre-game nerves about playing an age grade above soon went of out the window as he instructed team mates into position, made strong runs and displayed his talented handling. Harry Evans also impressed against older opposition, in the middle of everything but it was Charlie Kneafsey and Jayden Johnson who finished the game strong for the Moor Lane side. Charlie’s excellent recent form continued with his fluent running style opening up gaps for him to score several lovely tries. Johnson’s turbo charged heels scorched down the touchline to score in the corner in his traditional style.
This was another step forward in the development of this exceptional squad.