Match report Roundhegians RUFC v Pontefract RUFC, game played Saturday 25.03.17. at Chelwood Drive, kick off 3.0pm. Pontefract 1st 15 will be disappointed with this weeks losing outcome, following their tremendous showing against Bridlington in the Shield semi final. On this occasion Pontefract chased the result all afternoon in a contentious and event filled game. From the kick off Roundhegians maxed out on the benefits from their narrow field and at times their fringing defence line appeared to be side by side. Early frustrations from the visitors was notable as the ball was coughed up and more ball time given to the home side. Ultimately resulting in an early home side try when number 12 James Dobson slipped a poor Pontefract tackle to score. Alex Jones kicking the goal. 7-0. A bout of fractious play from both sides saw the flow of play go end to end. Fly half Glen Boyd kicked deep following another offside, to push the home side back into their 22. From the drive on Tad Nyanjowa chanced his luck but the Roundhegians forwards tore the ball away. Ponte kept at it but from the enthusiasm forced the effort and a competitive home side replied with good supportive attacks. Jack Beddis was yellow carded for not retreating back 10 and Jonny Hill was to follow from an appeal. The home sides Alex Jones kicked a confident penalty goal to take the score to 10-0. From an off side by the home side Pontefract's lock Andy Lund retained the ball and Callum Watts moved the ball on, full back Richard Dedicoat darting in for the try, no goal. Roundhegians pick and drive from the big pack effectively trundled the ball downfield catching Tad Nyanjowa off side as they looked to move play on. Full back Alex Jones kicking the goal. 13-5. Pontefract got some momentum from an initial surge by Phil Lane and Rob Scoley and the supporting Jack Beddis crashed over the line and reached out to score the try. Unfortunately Jack being injured during his tremendous effort to score the try. A long delay ensued and then the goal attempt was taken at the other end of the field. No goal.
Half time score 13-10. The important care and attention afforded to the injured player necessitated a re start on the standby pitch. Pontefract made an excellent restart but John Fradgley was held up over the line. A high tackle gave Pontefract's scrum half Callum Watts a crack at goal and a successful kick levelled the score. 13-13. Pontefracts Craig Fawcett kept up the initiative and the visitors attacked into the Roundhegians half, a break away got Rich Dedicoat into the clear but at the tackle the ball was thrown up to a call and the home side turned defence into attack along side good support play to score an easy try, no goal. An off side gave the home side another kick at goal but attempt went wide. Ponte were starting to get the edge but an error at the maul gave the Roundhegians another attempt at goal which was successful to take the score away from the visitors. The home side showed signs of tiredness along with freely given off sides but Pontefracts rushed play kept giving a let off. Glen Boyd kicked to touch but from the line out the home side frustratingly turned the ball over but then threw the ball forward to try to break out of their 22. Pontefract got the ball back and made the most of the pressure to move the ball away from the defenders and Stewart Sanderson raced in for the try which Calum. Watts goaled, 21-20. In the closing phases Pontefract attacked time and time again, centre Matthew Bacon threading his way through towards the line, but the home side held on. Craig Fawcett took the last play into the corner but the last pass again went loose. Final score Roundhegians 21 Pontefract 20. Three tries to two at the finish. The home sides goal kicker inflicting the damage to keep the score board ticking over and earn the win. Pontefract 1st 15 are away to Sheffield Medicals 1st 15 this coming weekend Saturday 01.03.17.