Pontefract made the journey to Norton Playing Fields, on Saturday, to play against Sheffield Medicals. The conditions were testing with constant rain lashing down.

As a result of the bad weather, the first kick off of the game was spilled. This led to a scrappy passage of play and, in turn, Pontefract gave away a penalty. SMRUFC kicked this to make the score 3-0 in their favour.

With conditions as they were the game was being played at a high tempo and there was a battle between the two packs. Later in the first half another penalty was given away in a kickable position. Mike Davies stood up to guide the ball over the crossbar for another three points. The Medics extended their lead to 6-0.

Pontefract were in no position to sit back and watch, taking the attack to the opposition. The next points were theirs. Fast attacking play ensured that Fawcett, playing at 10, got the ball with space, time and a disorganised back line to attack. Noticing the space out wide, Fawcett hit an inch-perfect cross-field kick to Sanderson who scored in the corner (someone got tips from the RWC!). This went unconverted.

Both teams were attacking with real gusto and the students were unfortunate to not extend their lead before the break but some fantastic defensive work from Pontefract ensured that the scoreline remained at 6-5, to SMRUFC, at half time.

The rain had not extinguished the fiery spirits of either side. The second half picked up where the first half had left off. Both teams were carrying and tackling hard, trying to gain an advantage. It was Pontefract who scored next. Stewart Sanderson showed real flair and pace to go through the opposition defence like a hot knife through butter. Louis Brown converted this try to give Ponte’ a 6 point lead at 6-12.

Pontefract were piling the pressure on now, aiming to extend their lead and continue to build momentum. The pressure tolled on the home side and the conceded a penalty in front of the sticks. Brown added another three to the visiting side’s tally – 6-15.

The Sheffield side scored next with a driving maul, narrowing the gap to 4 points as the try was not converted – 11-15.

Pontefract rallied, wanting a five point win, and went on the attack. Josh Walker aimed to peg the home side back into a corner and kicked well. In a moment of madness, the opposition parried the ball back into play rather than allowing it to go into touch. What the back hadn’t realised was Pontefract’s back row had chased the kick and Jonny Burrows, who had a fantastic 80 minutes, picked up the loose ball, fended off two defenders and grounded the ball for a memorable try. This went unconverted – 11-20.

With the clock running down Ponte’ pushed for the bonus point and went on the attack again. Unfortunately for them, their efforts of bombarding the home side’s try line ended with the ball being held up in the final play of the game.

Final score: SMRUFC 11-20 PRUFC.

Credit to both sides for a great game of rugby, played in trying conditions.