Pontefract RUFC hosted top of the table Yarnbury this weekend , with Pontefract sitting in second place before kick off. Pontefract and Yarnbury have both been touted as possible winners of Yorkshire 2 this year so the game had lots to play for league and bragging rights.
Pontefract’s recent form gave hope that they would be able to overturn the league leaders and climb to top position of the league.
The first 5 minutes of the game was defending for Pontefract with Yarnbury trying to break the line using their forwards, however Pontefracts pack were more than a match and Yarnbury were not able to break through. Continual tackling from back rowers, Joe Perkins, Jack Beddis and Andy Lund caused Yarnbury to concede possession on Pontes 5 metre line. Pontefracts first try came as Yarnbury tried to pass the ball through their backs only for Stu Sanderson to intercept a looping pass and race through to score his first of the game, conversion successful for Liam Kay 7-0.

Yarnbury were able to score a try outwide after piling on pressure down the middle from their forwards and strong running from their 12 , the try being unconverted 7-5.

Pontefract continued to apply the pressure after the kick off and strong scrummaging from Ponte front row of Lane, Hill and Griffin, gave a steady platform for Pontes backs to attack. From a scrum Pontes 10, Glen Boyd was able to find Matthew Bacon who sliced open Yarnburys back line to off load to captain Craig Fawcett who outpaced the full back to score under the posts, much to the opposite 9s dismay. Converted again by Kay 14-5.

Yarnbury again came at Ponte, utilising their forwards with crash and short balls, however locks, Niall Sandwith and Rich Scott were happy enough to soak up the tackles and prevent Yarnbury from gaining any ground. The ball was shipped wide again and ultimately Yarnbury got their second of the game, another unconverted try to make to score 14-10.

From the kick off Ponte were able to take the ball back from Yarnbury, strong running from Jack Beddis supported by Jonny Hill , were able to gain some yards and momentum down the middle of the park. Quick thinking from Scrum half Matty Hargreaves switched play to Glen Boyd who again found the right pass to Stu Sanderson who was able to sprint to the try line for his second of the game, converted again by Liam Kay, 21-10 at half time.

In the second half Pontefract stepped up a gear and enjoyed the lions share of possession. An early penalty gave Pontefract an opportunity for a lineout in the opposition 5m. From the lineout Sandwith was found, for the pack to then drive over the Yarnbury pack and prop Phil Lane able to power his wat over the line for his second try of the season in as many games, Converted again by Liam Kay 28-10.
Pontefract found their feet in the second half and more strong running from forwards giving the backs plenty of space to attack, Richard Dedicoat was able to find this space running on from Liam Kay, to offload to Craig Fawcett who looked sure to score in the bottom corner, but good scrambling defence from Yarnbury looked to end this, however Fawcett was able to squeeze the ball out just before touch for Sanderson to pick up and score his 3rd of the game, unconverted 33-10.

Yarnbury then had a spell of possession with Pontefract defending, their backs tried to get round Pontefracts, but the speed of the backs proved too much and could not get round, Fawcett, Dedicoat, Hossack and Kay. Some excellent clearance kicks from Liam Kay, who once again showed how valuable he is, gave Pontefract some breathing room. The pressure finally told when Pontefract had a player in the sin bin, and were able to score their final points of the game 33-15.

Some lazy defending by Yarnbury resulted in a penalty in front of the sticks, for Stu Sanderson to kick the penalty, now more than 3 tries ahead Pontefract seemed to be home and dry, 36-15.
Pontefract were able to hold possession of the ball for the last 10 minutes of the game with great running from Rich Scott and Sam Millard, with Rob Scholey orchestrating the short driving game with Pontefracts forwards. From this possession, Rich Hossack managed to make a break through the middle of the park to be caught just after the halfway, Hargreaves managed to feed Fawcett who again made 10 more yards closer to Yarnbury line. Quick thinking from Hargreaves shipped the ball wide to Sam Millard whose quick hands found hooker Hill on the wing who sprinted round the tiring wing and full back to score under the posts finishing the game off, converted by Liam Kay. Final score 43- 15.

Overall a great performance from Pontefract as a 15, great team effort. Every player played their part and showed determination to put away a good Yarnbury team. Forwards were dominant in scrums and in the upfront battle, and backs were prominent as ever in attack and showed great determination in defence.

Pontefrcat RUFC are now top of the league