Match report Pontefract RUFC 1st 15 v Moortown RUFC 1st 15, game played Saturday 08.04.17. at Moor Lane, k.o. 3.0.pm. Valiant Pontefract showed they had the competitive edge and were for the most capable of challenging Yorkshire 2 table toppers Moortown. The home side were the first to put points on the board and also leading 7-3 at half time. Pontefract on the front foot but the visitors gaining the ascendancy in the final quarter of the game as the home side loosened their grip on an exciting rugby contest. Pontefract kicked off and were quickly into their stride and at the same time not allowing the visitors to settle. An offside gave Moortown some respite and an excellent deep penalty kick allowed the visitors to set up their initial attack but good tackling from Pontefract caused a spill of the ball.
Pontefracts pack held their own against a heavier set and scrum half Callum Watts moved the ball, Glen Boyd made the half break and pushed the visitors back. The home side were awarded a penalty as the visitors questioned a decision. The line out misfired but Ponte got the ball back to full back Liam Kay who fielded a clearance kick and made his attack down the flanks. Pontefract were playing in the visitors 22, and competing in attack and defence. From a good set scrum Callum Watts and Glen Boyd combined, a miss move created half a chance and fly half Glen Boyd crashed over the line for the try. Liam Kay kicked the goal. 7-0. Moortown tried to tempt errors with kick throughs and behind but an ever alert Pontefract back line Liam Kay, Rich Dedicoat, Matthew Bacon and Stewart Sanderson held onto the ball and retained possession. The Ponte forwards held firm against an aggressive and vociferous opposition, Phil Lane, Jonny Hill and Rob Scoley thundering in to play. Ponte were awarded a penalty following a good spell and needed to come away with the points but the kick went wide. Moortown always looked capable but Pontefract continued to compete and minimise the unforced errors. The visitors saw a chink of light when flanker Tad Nyanjowa was caught holding on to the ball at the breakdown of play. Number 10 Daryl Gaunt kicking the penalty goal. Half time score 7-3. At the restart a motivated Moortown playing down hill tried to get on the front foot. Liam Kay fielded the long kicks and turned defence into attack. Moortown managed to close down a further reply from Kay and as Pontefract scrambled to regroup scrum half Callum Watts pass was picked off and number 12 Gary Smith went in for an easy try which was goaled. 7-10. Ponte rallied and centre Ross Shand took the pass at full tilt into his opposite number and got over the gain line. Callum Watts switched play and Glen Boyd launched a pin point cross kick which Stewart Sanderson got on the end of and crashed over the try line. No goal 12-10. Ponte were pressing the visitors try line with Niall Sandwith and Andrew Lund gaining the yards. Moortown rushed off side to contain the effort and were penalised. Liam Kay took the quick penalty with the visitors defence stretched but prop Ethan Potts took the ball back into the tight and the out wide opportunity went begging. Richard Dedicoat went close and again Moortown were penalised, Matthew Bacon tried to thread his way through the defence but the last pass went to ground and the ever alert visitors picked up and broke clear, Liam Kay making a try saving tackle. Moortown were where they wanted to be and made the most of the opportunity, setting up a drive for number 8 Simon Sterenborg to score the try. 12-17. A high tackle gave Liam Kay a kick at goal to increase Pontefracts score to 15-17. Pontefract were then penalised for a high tackle and Moortown kicked to touch, a good take allowed them to maul to the line, hooker Sheridan Farley claiming the try which Dion Fraser goaled. 15-24. The home side went for broke and got back into the visitors half, a penalty was awarded as Moortown didn't roll away from the tackle. A rushed attack failed to create the opportunity and another spilled ball allowed the visitors to break out and run the length of the field, Akaim Tuitamai scoring the try. Another loose ball gave the visitors the opportunity for a kick and chase, number fourteen Bobby Taylor scoring the final try in the closing minutes. Final score 15-34.
Pontefract in front for a major segment of the game but Moortown were alert to the opportunities in the latter stages and ruthlessly made the most of them to stretch their score and finish strongly. Credit to the home side who competed for the most against a much strengthened local side. Best of luck to Moortown in Yorkshire One. Pontefract's overall team effort, particularly in the first half was exemplary. Pontefract are away to Old Crossleyians for their final league game of the season on Saturday 22.04.17. Kick Off
3.0pm.