Selby 3rds V Pontefract Vets

Coming off the back of a surprise defeat to Burley 1st team, Pontefract knew they had to bounce back with a strong display. Organisers Pursglove and Thorpe had assembled a remarkable side on paper with legends of the club adorning their boots once more. But could they compete against a Selby team full of ringers.

Following a rather excellent and well-structured warm up by the outstanding coaching team, Ponte were nicely revved up for kick off. The opening 20 minutes was a frenetic pace rivalling that of a first-grade game. Selby started very strong, comfortable through phases, holding their shape out wide and skilful with the ball in hand. Within what seemed like a blink of an eye Selby were 21 – 0 up.

Staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat Pontefract decided to alter their approach and opted for a more physical game plan. Led superbly by the immoveable front row of Bremmer, Smith and Maw the Moor Lane side increased the physicality in the set piece in what was already an intense game. The back row of Adamson and Steadman who worked tirelessly all afternoon helped stop the momentum Selby had built up. Some erratic kicking from the Pontefract back 3 (well one in particular) gave Selby field position but resilient defence prevented the score.

Running the ball from deep areas through smart handling from halves Fletcher and Dean along with Thorpe who was carrying an intimate injury allowed the unpredictable Rich Thaler to display his pace and athleticism out wide getting Ponte on the front foot. In contrast Gilbert’s explosive approach punched big holes in what was now a shaky Selby defence. Selby (along with the referee and the excellent Pontefract coaching team) where unable to control the uncompromising Gary Dyas but following a minor altercation between him and Selby’s elderly prop forward, Ponte started to break the hearts and minds of the weak Selby side.

On the stroke of half time the outstanding Matt Steadman crossed the whitewash providing belief within the Pontefract ranks.

Matty Williams foxed the defence all afternoon mixing powerful surging runs with deft handling, many on the side line suggesting a move to the 10 shirt was warranted but the excellent coaching staff resisted.

With Andy Smith finding the gazelle like Carl Smith in the lineouts, this allowed Ponte to spread the ball wide for wingers Cavill and Bennett to constantly cross the gain line. Following the instructions of the excellent coaching staff Ponte kept their shape in attack which created gaps for the talented backs to exploit. The almost telepathic link between Fletcher and Dean was evident as they moved the ball from left to right, Thaler hitting the ball at pace then offloaded to Thorpe who must have thought the Sky cameras were there as he celebrated whilst carefully diving across the try line. Dean Converted and it was game on.

Gilbert was almost unstoppable (apart from the small winger who disposed him of the ball) as he regularly smashed the ball in, eating up the meters in mid-field. He provided Pontefract the field position for the forwards to work their magic. Pick and drive after pick and drive, and the Selby forwards could not contain the rampaging pack which resulted in Andy Smith crossing under the sticks. A try converted by Dean.

The Selby side were visibly struggling physically with bumps and bruises, a few cut lips, and blooded noses and grazed eyes, some limping and some were simply just lying on the floor. Pontefract knew the victory was in sight.

Now dominating every facet of the game it was a matter of time before they would get a penalty shot at goal and with Andy Dean on their side the finish was inevitable. With the referee offering Pontefract a very strange decision to either accept a knock on and scrum feed or a penalty kick at goal to win the game, Dean stepped forward. Having kicked winning goals throughout his career the strong right footed strike saw the ball dissect the uprights. 22-21 to Ponte and one-minute left. From the kick off winger Scott Limb received some ‘encouragement’ from Dean and although a dangerous pass was made, Pontefract’s forwards closed the game out superbly.

Substitute Rich Bailey made a great impact adding aggression and technique in the breakdown. Although rather brief some suggested that the impact Stigger made from the bench change the balance of the game.

Gilbert was outstanding for Pontefract receiving the man of the match award, closely followed by the evergreen Matt Steadman, the brilliant Thaler and uncompromising Rich Maw. Although there were great individual performances it was the team spirit and will to win which saw Pontefract chalk up this victory along with the guidance of the excellent coaching staff.