Pontefract 52 Guisborough 7

Pontefract 52 Guisborough 7

In the final league game of the season Pontefract wrapped up a creditable third place in Yorkshire one. Guisborough were relegated weeks ago so the consensus of opinion was a straightforward Ponte victory. In the end that is how it panned out but Guisborough were in no mood to roll over and started really well. They never looked like scoring but recycled the ball very well and gave no penalties away, leaving Ponte frustrated at having to constantly defend, which they did to their usual very high standard.

The first time Ponte did get the ball a glimpse of their superior strike power in the backs was shown, as impressive centre Andy Coleman made two tremendous breaks, the second one of which, he scored the first try under the posts.

The hefty Guisborough forwards soon started to tire and Ponte started to dominate possession. This was not a game for Ponte’s less mobile forwards to particularly enjoy but they did lay the platform for the runners to profit. With the front foot ball provided, Ponte pulled clear as fly half Glen Boyd was given the freedom of the park to showcase his considerable skills. Firstly, top try scorer for the season Richard Dedicoat scored a converted try following lovely hands, and then full back Liam Kaye went in unopposed following a sniping break from young scrum half Callum Watts.

At twenty-one to nil, a magical Boyd individual try secured a first bonus point. A show and go led to a sharp break and with only the full back to beat he chipped over the full back and regathered to go under the posts. No sign of those ageing legs going yet!

Just before half time Guisborough deservedly scored their only try from close range following a succession of penalties.

The second half continued in the same vane as the first, with Kaye and Coleman both collecting their second tries from long distance. A glimpse of the future was then shown as young winger Oli Jamieson marked his full debut with a try in the corner. The scoring was completed with Kaye completing his hattrick following a horrendous error from the opposition winger.

All in all, a very comfortable victory for Ponte, albeit against modest opposition. It was the type of game and performance seen regularly last season in Yorkshire two.

This season Ponte have shown they can play either a tight or expansive game to a very high standard. The aim next year must be to keep the squad together and learn to be flexible with their game plan and play to the weaknesses in the opposition. Hopefully the experience gained this season will help with the composure and clear thinking required to win the tight games against stronger opponents.

Finally, it would be remiss not to congratulate Craig Fawcett and all the coaching staff on their efforts this season. The line speed in defence and the handling in the backs were without doubt the best in the league whilst the forwards, under departing coach Richard Hill, were rarely, if ever, bettered.