MOORTOWN 41 PONTEFRACT 14

MOORTOWN 41 PONTEFRACT 14

To look at the score this was a one-sided affair, but in reality, a patched-up Pontefract side played exceptionally well against runaway champions Moortown.

Moortown are renowned fast starters and Pontefract had to be at their defensive best to quell the early pressure. Despite the good work Ponte consistently missed good opportunities to clear their lines, giving their opponents constant possession in the Ponte twenty-two. The pressure told and Moortown opened the scoring out wide for an unconverted try.

Fears it was going to be a long, hard day for Ponte were quelled as following a line out and forward drive, brilliant handling from Boyd and Craig Fawcett secured a try from winger Stuart Sanderson. A penalty for Moortown was followed by Sandersons second. This try was one of the best seen this season as fly half Glen Boyd put winger Richard Dedicoat through a gap with a beautifully disguised short pass. Dedicoat showed the necessary patience in contact and following a quick recycle Boyd grubbered through for Sanderson to score unopposed. Calum Watts converted both tries from the touchline and Ponte were ahead fourteen to eight.

Pontes defence was strong but an uncharacteristic missed one on one tackle allowed Moortown a converted try to regain the lead by a point. With the clock ticking down to half time Ponte frustratingly conceded. Once again Ponte missed opportunities to clear their lines and the pressure told with a late unconverted try for the hosts.

Six points behind was not a disaster for Ponte but a mad five minutes soon after the break took the game away. Three breakaway tries including a length of the field interception put the game to bed for the champions. This passage of play showed the downside of the Pontefract’s expansive game plan as all three tries came from Ponte errors against a team more than good enough to capitalise.

Ponte never looked like giving in and with hooker Jonny Hill off injured Ponte reverted to their version of the famous Pontypool front row and, with a changed emphasis on keeping the ball tight, the extra poundage of Josh Hough , James Griffin and Rob Scholey made a difference as the opposition forwards struggled to cope with a succession of pick and drives led by the outstanding Gaz Burns. Ponte finished the game in the ascendency but could not add to their score.

All in all, a very positive performance from the team. Jack Beddis and Dedicoat were excellent in defence for the backs whilst Niall Sandwith and youngster Tad Nyanjowa shone in the forwards. Another positive was the introduction from the bench of debutant youngsters Leo Harrison and Oli Jamieson.

Saturday is the final league game of the season at home against already relegated Guisborough. This is an excellent chance to secure a creditable third place following promotion last season.