Pontefract RUFC 27 v Old Crossleyans RUFC 25 by Paul Lowery

Pontefract welcomed the Old Crossleyans to Moor lane and as usual a closely contested game was predicted. The outcome was again a close and contested tussle with Pontefract putting the first points on the scoreboard, the visitors just in front at the half way stage. Pontefract regained the lead, a purple patch for the visitors produced sufficient points for them to go in front. In the closing stages Pontefract fought their way into the Crocs twenty two; the visitors tried to counter the threat but a home side sustained effort created the final try. Pontefract’s Andy Dean kicking the conversion from the touch line side to win the game.
Pontefract played Matt Hargreaves at no. 6, Simon Fletcher at scrum half, Jon Wylie and Rich Maw on the bench.
The opening exchanges of play were developed from long range kicks as both sides tried to pin each other in their twenty two. Pontefract had the early possession and looked strong but were penalised for going in at the side. Old Crocs welcomed the possession but strong defence from Rich Scott, Dave Laverick and Andy Smith forced the spill of the ball. At the scrum the visitors were penalised for interfering with play, Pontefract’s centre Andy Dean kicked the goal.
Pontefract 3 Old Crocs 0
The visitors replied with a determined drive but at the tackle held on to the ball. Matt Hargreaves went to play the quick penalty but was tackled , number 7 Daniel Temm yellow carded, Michael Bateman kicked deep to touch, at the line out lock Carl Smith was pulled down. Andy Dean kicked the penalty goal.
Pontefract 6 Old Crossleyans 0
At the restart Pontefracts Sam Brady collected but in the drive the ball went loose, the home side were penalised for off side as they scrambled to defend, fly half Chris Jones kicking the penalty goal.
Pontefract 6 Old Crossleyans 3
Pontefract’s immediate reply came from Matt Hargreaves who broke the defensive cover and chipped the ball into space. The visitors defence came across the field to defend the play but was penalised for holding on to the ball in the tackle. Matt Williams went for the scrum and took the play left, scrum half Simon Fletcher and fly half Tommy Archer sent play down the blind side and prop Michael Padgett went in low for the try. Andy Dean kicked the goal.
Pontefract 13 Old Crossleyans 3
A poor re start for the home side gave possession back to the visitors who moved the ball on and then changed direction, a half tackle created the opportunity to off load and number 12 Neil Richardson went in for the try. Chris Jones kicked the conversion.
Pontefract 13 Old Crossleyans 10
The visitor’s maintained possession; Pontefract’s Michael Padgett was yellow carded for holding on to the ball in the tackle.
Fly half Chris Jones made the half break for the visitors Mike Bateman made the tackle but number 11 Lee Thomas was in support of play to score the try in the corner.
No goal.
Pontefract 13 Old Crossleyans 13
The visitors maintained the threat following a penalty kick to the corner. The ball was lost at the attacking scrum.
Half time score Pontefract 13 Old Crossleyans 15
Pontefract made a strong re start, prop Dave Laverick continued to break the gain line, Carl Smith continued the play and drove Sam Brady over for the try. Andy Dean kicked the conversion. Rich Maw came on for Mike Padgett
Pontefract 20 Old Crossleyans 15
The visitors were on the attack, Pontefract were caught off side, and Chris Jones kicked the penalty goal.
Pontefract 20 Old Crossleyans 18
Jon Wylie came on for Tommy Archer.
Pontefract were pinned in their twenty two and the defence held. Pontefract were penalised for holding on to the ball and from the scrum fly half Chris Jones went over for the try which he goaled.
Pontefract 20 Old Crossleyans 25
Pontefract’s re post was to take the attack to the visitors; Mike Bateman lost the ball short of the try line following a break from Simon Spears. Simon Fletcher moved the ball across the field the visitors going off side to prevent the score. Pontefract persisted, the visitors receiving a yellow card for preventing play. Pontefract’s pack mauled the ball towards the line but was thwarted on a technicality. The visitors kicked to clear but Pontefract came back into attack and a stretched visitor’s defence could not prevent winger Simon Spears going over for the line for a well earned try. Andy Dean kicking the conversion from the touch line side to win the game.
Final score Pontefract 27 Old Crossleyans 25.
An important win for Pontefract at this stage of the season. Both sides having their chances, play and advantage going one way and then the other.
All the trys being important, Michael Padgett scoring his first try for the first team, Dave Laverick at prop having his best game so far this season, Shane Simpson putting in the big tackle when it was needed and Andy Dean kicking the key goals, especially the final goal kick.
Pontefract are away to Percy Park this coming Saturday 16.10.10. Kick off 3.0pm.