Thornesians V Pontefract

Pontefract traveled to a Thornesians last weekend in a fixture which has caused trouble in the last few seasons due to Thornes ability to win strongly at home. Ponte are on the back of 3 big wins since their disappointing first game loss to Goole, so were hoping that the current form was going to continue.

Ponte started the game as they finished the last, on the front foot. Strong carries from back rowers Jack Beddis and Sam Millard got Ponte into attacking position straight away, with Thorne struggling at the breakdown a Penalty was given and Liam Kay slotted the kick to make it 0-3 early doors. Pontefract again were back on the front foot as the pack in particular the strong front row of Lane, Hill and Griffin were dominating Throne with an impressive performance. The backs were able to take full advantage of the front foot position the forwards had got them in to create a few chances early doors, however the last pass was just missing. From an attacking line out, led by impressive Niall Sandwith, the backs were able to slice apart Thorne back line with a great line run by Richard Hossack, running of the ever impressive Boyd, to break the line and an easy offload enabled Fawcett to run in for his first try of the game, converted by Liam Kay.

Thornesians came back into the game with some strong running from the forwards, but Ponte were able to match this with a strong defence particularly with Rich Scott and Chris Sant. Unfortunately Ponte were caught in the ruck and a quick cross outside to the winger let Throne in for their only points of the game. Ponte responded quickly with strong running from the front 5, enabling the captain Fawcett to glide through and score his second of the game from another great pass from Boyd. During the first half Ponte played some great rugby and were hoping to continue their dominant performance into the second half.

The second half was a much scrappier affair with ball handling errors and mistakes from both teams culminating in a low scoring half. It took a further 20 mins for Ponte to secure their final try of the game with Captain Fawcett claiming his hat trick and 10th try of the season, by running round the centre and out pacing the winger , Liam Kay converting the try. The rest of the match was interrupted by rain making ball handling extremely tricky, but Ponte still had to put in some good defensive play to keep Thorne at bay, some great one on one defending by Matthew Bacon, who had run tireless ball all day, Ciaran Tucker and Stewart Sanderson. The only points left were another penalty from Liam Kay securing the away victory with another solid performance from Pontefract, with the final score 25-5.

The dominance of the set plays definitely gave a platform for Pontes backs to run in some impressive tries. Plenty to work on in training and disappointing to leave without full bonus points, but happy to claim a win on a tough away day. This win takes Pontefract to 2nd spot, only on account of losing 1 game and Yarnbury drawing.