Pontefract made a number of enforced changes to the line up for the away league game against a strengthened and in form Percy Park. Pontefract achieved a home and away win against Percy Park last season.
Glen Boyd at number 10, James Brownsword at number 1, Stuart Haynes at number 5, Matt Hargreaves at number 6, Dave Laverick at number 7, Phil Liddle, Jon Wylie and Andy Townend on the bench.
Pontefract creditably staying in contention until the second phase of the second half, the score at 25-24, when the team was reduced to thirteen players because of an injury to back rower Phil Liddle and hooker Andy Smith was yellow carded. Park making the most of the stretched opposition and running in the try’s to emphasise the win.
Pontefract seized an early initiative against the in form Park, a string of penalties being awarded as the home side stifled the visitor’s effort. Andy Dean kicked the penalty goal with five minutes on the clock.
Pontefract continued to threaten with a break down the stand side from Glen Boyd. Park made the most of their possession and looked dangerous in attack with good support. Pontefracts James Brownsword at prop and Stu Haynes at lock made the most of their first team opportunity with committed play against an experienced pack.
Full back Mike Bateman kicked to clear the play away from the twenty two, but the ball was charged down and was collected by the returning to on side player, number 13 Ali Blair scoring the try, full back Ashley Smith kicking the goal.
Park continued with their attack with a break out from deep, along with good support; full back Ash Smith going for the try out wide. No goal.
The visitors staged a fight back and with good ball retention attacked across the field, splitting the home sides defence, Michael Bateman racing under the posts to score the try. Andy Dean kicking the goal.
Pontefract continued their attacking play which put the home side on the back foot, locks Carl Smith and Stu Haynes securing the ball, half backs Simon Fletcher and Glen Boyd moved the ball across field, Nick Dykes, Shane Simpson and Simon Spears all handled with Simon Fletcher in support going in for the try. Andy Dean goaled.
The home side benefited from a loose ball and Simon Spears had to make a try saving tackle to prevent the score. Boyd cleared the threat with a long kick downfield.
Percy Park 12 Pontefract 17
Pontefract were penalised for not rolling away from the tackle and Ashley Smith kicked the goal.
Park gained possession and number 9 John Scott in support scored the try which was goaled. A fringing defence made a charge down of the ball to prevent the Pontefract kick through. Matt Williams regained the ball but was penalised, losing out to the 50/50 decision. Ashley Smith kicking the penalty goal for a half time score of 25 points to 17.
Pontefract made an excellent start to the second half, again making the opposition turn to defend, the ball being moved through the support. Andy Dean keeping the ball alive, Nick Dykes spotting the gap in the defence and going through it for the try. Andy Dean kicking the goal.
Percy Park 25 Pontefract 24
Pontefract were dealt a double blow when Phil Liddle suffered a broken ankle. A yellow card added to Pontefract’s bad luck and Park made the most of the opportunity as Pontefract were forced to re organise and stacked up the tries.
Final score Percy Park 68 Pontefract 24
Pontefract will be disappointed at the final score. The squad players will have gained from the experience and held there own for a great part of the game, making the home side look vulnerable, until Park saw their opportunity and cut loose.
Pontefract are away to Driffield this coming Saturday. Kick off 3.0pm.