Pontefract 29 - 25 York

Normal service was resumed at Moor lane headquarters after securing a vital win which moved the young Pontefract outfit up to 8th in Yorkshire division 1. Pontefract were definite underdogs at the start of the game with York being the form side in the league, undefeated in their last 10 games as opposed to the home sides worst league run in years having lost 5 on the bounce.

Changes were made by caretaker coach Steve Close in order to field a good mix of experience and youth in an attempt to orchestrate the much needed win. 37 year old Richard Fletcher was brought out of retirement once again to play at scrum half and organise the young guns and skipper Glen Boyd returned to the starting line up after recovering from a minor operation. The good news for Pontefract was that 8 of the starting line up were under 20 years old which can only be good for the future of the club.

Pontefract started well and after a trademark 15 meter dummy and go by veteran Fletcher just inside the opponents 22m line. The next ruck set up Tristan Hibbert to fire a good pass wide into the hands of Glen Boyd who skipped his way round a few defenders to score under the posts, Andrew Dean converted, 7 – 0 to Pontefract. York returned with a penalty conversion 5 minutes later and then a try and conversion, scores then 10 - 7 to the visitors.

After some excellent work by the Pontefract pack, including aggressive running by James Parry, James Griffin, Andy Townend, Carl Smith and Andrew Fradgley, the Pontefract backs then got into the action with Hibbert linking up with Ross Shand, Richard Dedicoat and James Jenkins all making good yards, in particular Shand who was a handful for the opposition every time he touched the ball. A kick from Dean which was knocked on by the York full back lead to a scrum and about 10 metres out, experienced hooker Andy Smith took a crucial strike against the head, Fletcher then quickly got the ball in to the hands of the clinical Boyd who skipped round the York defenders in a carbon copy of his first try. Dean Converted. Pontefract lead at half time 14 10

The second half started well for Pontefract as number 8 Andy Fradgley scored under the posts after a gap appeared about 20 meters out which he ghosted through, Dean missed the conversion. 19- 10. York then replied strongly with a try and a penalty to take the score to 19 18 to Pontefract with 20 minutes to go.

Two further penalties by York, a penalty conversion by Dean and another try by Boyd to score his hatrick ensured Pontefract took the maximum 5 points for the win which ended up 29 25 victory after a very committed and passionate performance from Steve Closes men.

All of the Pontefract’s 1 to 18 deserved praise for their efforts but special mentions must go to man of the match and 3 try hero Glen Boyd who unfortunately broke his wrist with minutes to go, Andrew Fradgley, Andrew Townend, Jo Perkins and James Parry. Andy Fenton and Andy Smith worked well in the line outs and veteran Fletcher marshalled the youngsters from start to finish. Tristan Hibbert also had a very impressive game at stand off.

Well done to all the team for arguably producing the performance of the season.