Ponte prevail in Local derby

Match report Knottingley RUFC 1st v Pontefract RUFC 1st, game played Saturday 19.12.15 at Knottingley, ko 2.15 pm.
Pontefract travelled the short distance to Knottingley RUFC to play their pre Christmas league game. The visitors had managed to hang on to their lead against a stunning fight back from Knottingley in their previous league encounter. Both sides needing the win from the return match to bolster their league positions.
Knottingley kicked off and a good take from lock Rich Scott facilitated the visitors first attack from centre Chris Sant, the home side piled in at the breakdown and turned the ball over to get on the front foot. Ponte made the initial tackle but strayed off side and the home side were awarded a penalty. The penalty goal kick had the legs but went wide. The visitors held on to some possession but tried to force play and the last pass frustratingly didn't get the earned result. Knottingley made the most of the extra ball and played with guile and only determined tackling from Jonny Burrows and Jack Beddis held the home side out. Fly half Glen Boyd kicked deep to touch from a penalty awarded at the breakdown, Niall Sandwith took the ball off the top and the forwards drove on, scrum half Josh Walker put the ball out wide but the ball went loose on the flank. A let off and the home side were back in the visitors twenty two. Ponte suffered two consecutive penalties, but from the line out flanker Rob Stringer stole the ball. Knottingley were awarded a penalty try for off side by the visitors and the goal kick took the points tally to 7-0. Pontefract varied play and the home side started to stack up the penalties. Full back Stuart Sanderson kicking the penalty goal to finally get Ponte on the score board. Luke Beecher and Sanderson going close but again the ball tantalisingly going to ground. Pontefracts pack and front row of Phil Lane, Andy Smith and Rob Scoley had the edge in the scrums and prior to the end of the half had Knottingley forwards on the rack near the home side try line A fumble preventing a score. Half time score 7-3.
Pontefract started the second half with new verve, taking the ball forward and getting within striking distance of the home side try line, number 8 Jonny Burrows powering over but ruled to have been held up. Ponte five metre scrum, Knottingley became unbound on consecutive occasions to repel the drive forward. A penalty try was awarded which number 15 Stuart Sanderson goaled.7-10. Number 8 for the home side received a yellow card. From the bench Anesh Chaba, Stu Haynes and Matthew Bacon came on with fresh legs contributing to Pontes sustained effort at a key point in the game. Good support and inter passing created a further opportunity as fly half Glen Boyd moved the ball left and right. Centre Craig Fawcett pulling in the cover and flinging a bullet pass to winger Josh Beecher who raced in for the try which Stuart Sanderson goaled 7-17. Pontes purple patch continued again from moving the ball around, a chip through produced a terrific one handed scoop up from Craig Fawcett in full flight and a kick through the turning defence was retained by full back Stuart Sanderson to score the the try which he goaled. 7-24. A frustrated home side tried to get their hands on the ball but were penalised for coming in at the side of the ruck. Glen Boyd kicked to touch, Jack Beddis took the line out ball and Josh Walker pushed the ball out wide, lock Stu Haynes took the crash ball and smashed through the defensive line, Ponte,s forwards flooded in and in form hooker Andy Smith hooker worked his way over the line for the try.The goal kick bounced of the post. 7-29. Pontefract fielded a long ball and number 8 Jonny Burrows took the ball upfield but the pass went forward and the visitors were penalised for interfering with play. From the line out catch and drive the home side prop Carl Dickenson was driven over the line to score the try in the corner. No goal. 10-29. Both sides kept at it until the final whistle, the ball going out of play at half way signalling the end of the contest. Final score 10-29. A good win for Pontefract. Knottingley in front at half time. Ponte finding a way through in the second half and varying their attacks during a spell when the home side could not get their hands on the ball. Full back Stuart Sanderson scoring 14 points in the game.Overall a good team effort by Pontefract after a frustrating start. The game was played in good spirit and both sides gave their all and are a credit to their clubs.