Match report Pontefract 1st XV v Northern 1st XV by Paul Lowery

Pontefract 1st 15 welcomed recently promoted Northern 1st 15 to Pontefract’s Moor lane ground for the first time, Northern were looking for their first win and Pontefract needed to consolidate their early season efforts. Pontefract played Rich Taylor at prop, Tommy Archer at fly half, Matt Hargreaves at scrum half, Matt Williams at no. 6, Jonny Lowery at no.8, Mike Burnett, Chris Maksymczuk and Simon Fletcher on the bench.
Andy Dean at centre and later in the play moving to fly half, scoring all the points for Pontefract in a game that initially went the home side’s way, a different point of attack in the second half from the visitors narrowing the scores. However a resolute defence from the home side, for the majority of the game, and also kicking the important penalty goals produced a match winning score line. To win the game
Pontefract made a good start to the game, with the pack in particular being effective in attack and defence. Tommy Archer put the play out wide but the ball went to ground and Northern had their first touch of the ball. Dave Laverick, Jonny Lowery and Rich Taylor put in the early tackles which stifled the visitor’s efforts. The breakdowns of play were always a contest, Northern relying on disruptive play to counter any continuity of attack from the home side. With fourteen minutes on the clock, Pontefract’s pack set up an effective maul towards the visitors try line, Matt Williams peeled of the back but in the drive to the line the ball went loose. Northern were penalised at the next attack for killing the ball but Andy Deans penalty goal kick was blown wide of the posts.
Pontefract at this stage of the game looked the stronger of the two sides, a further attacking drive from prop Rich Taylor looked to have the support but the ball was raked loose in the tackle, frustration leaked a penalty to the visitors but the home sides defence held.
Pontefract were awarded a penalty when no.7 Harry Clark killed the ball at the third phase of play. Andy Dean kicked the penalty goal.
Pontefract 3 Northern 0.
Pontefract’s set piece worked well with pin point accuracy from hooker Andy Smith, locks Sam Brady and Carl Smith maintaining possession at the line out and scrum half Matt Margraves harassing the opposition.
Andy Dean kicked a further penalty goal in front of the posts prior the half time whistle.
Pontefract 6 Northern 0
At the re start Northern changed their tactic, preferring to kick for position and force play, Pontefract were drawn in to wrestling for play and were subsequently penalised. Mike Burnett came on for Jonny Lowery.
Northern had a good spell of possession and a missed first up tackle allowed the visitors over the gain line, winger Shane Simpson came in for the tackle but the visitors had the support 11 Dave O,Sullivan going in for the try. No goal.
Pontefract 6 Northern 5
Simon Fletcher came on for Tommy Archer.
Pontefract were determined to stay in the game a sustained period of possession produced the result, the ball being recycled Shane Simpson taking the ball up, good support from Rich Scott Carl Smith and Matt Williams, Simon Fletcher moved the ball and Andy Dean raced in for the try under the posts. Dean kicked the goal.
Pontefract 13 Northern 5
Pontefract tried to build on the score and worked the ball into the visitors twenty two, the ball was again stifled at the break down and Andy Dean kicked the penalty goal.
Pontefract 16 Northern 5
Pontefract looked secure but a determined Northern made the most of a missed tackle and number 13 scored the try which was goaled.
Pontefract 16 Northern 12.
The visitors looked to make the most of their late score but Pontefract secured possession and Simon Fletcher kicked the ball out of play.
Final score Pontefract 16 Northern 12.
An important home win for Pontefract, three key scoring chances for points being missed by the home side, the visitors playing in the main a disruptive game. A late try brought them back into the game.
Pontefract are away to Old Brodlians 02. 10.10.