Pontefract secured promotion with a bonus point victory against traditionally tough opponents from East Yorkshire. There was a tremendous atmosphere at the ground with the crowd swelled by one hundred and fifty plus ladies in all their refinery to raise money for a local charity. Both teams played very well in what was one of the most entertaining games of the year. Ponte were firm favourites on form, but no-one told Beverley that as their excellent player-coach fly half released their speedy outside backs that tested the visitors defence to the maximum. Ponte have the joint best defensive record in the league and their magnificent tackling repelled a home team onslaught as a brisk wind and a run of early penalties aided the hosts efforts.

Ponte did create chances, but it was the hosts who scored first as a speculative kick through was fumbled to allow a score in the corner for a five to nil lead. Ponte are well used to going behind early and from the kick off the tone was set by man of the match Leo Harrison who caused his opponent to drop the ball with a massive hit. From the resulting dominant scrum, number eight Jack Beddis combined with scrum half Josh Walker down the blind side to send speedy winger Ciaran Tucker in for a simple converted try. Ponte did nearly score again as possible scores from scrum and driving mauls near the Beverley try line were seemingly wasted by trying to be too expansive too soon. Ponte were satisfied with the two-point advantage at half time as only desperate defence kept the hosts at bay.

It was obvious that the first score in the second half was going to be vital, and it was Ponte who benefitted from an unexpected source. After a period of pressure on the Beverley line a great drive and offload from ever consistent hooker Tim Pickersgill allowed second row Brodie Matthews to feed prop James Griffin on a loop and score a try any winger would be proud of.

At twelve to five up, Ponte were on top and, despite tremendous home defence, scored another unconverted try as Beddis and Walker again combined from the back of a scrum to send young winger Lucas Ketteridge over in the corner. Everyone expected Ponte to run out comfortable winners, but Beverley was having none of it. Some uncharacteristic, missed tackles out wide allowed a home try which brought the score to seventeen ten to Ponte. With just one score in it and the home side backs looking ever dangerous the away supporters were getting nervous. It was a relief when Liam Kay was able to boot over a long-range penalty after milking a late tackle from a clearance kick.

With the match now looking won, it was a matter of whether Ponte could gain a fourth try bonus point. The answer was a resounding yes. A great steal and drive from Tad Nyanjowa followed by a great offload from prop Ethan Potts allowed full back Richard Dedicoat, who had a frustrating afternoon overall, to get on the end of a Beddis offload and go under the posts for a converted try. It was just reward for his wholehearted effort throughout the afternoon.

It was up to the Beverley ladies to pick the man of the match and it deservedly went to outstanding young backrower Leo Harrison, whose boyish good looks got the vote of the ladies, some who hadn’t even bothered watching the game.

So it is onward and upward for this fantastic young Ponte team. After losing the first game of the season many tipped Ponte for relegation, so it is credit to the players, the coaching team as well as the medical staff that the holy grail of promotion has been achieved.

A special mention too to the small army of volunteers who run the club. The future looks exciting on and off the field, well done all