It was the turn of North Leeds rivals Roundhegians to test the unbeaten home record of Ponte. With the first team pitch deemed unplayable the match had to be moved to the top pitch which, considering the torrential rain beforehand, was in excellent condition.

The match got off to an unfortunate start with super consistent back rower Calum Rodgers having to leave the field with a nasty looking ankle injury. Whilst he was missed sorely, especially at the breakdown, Ponte had both Matthews brothers to call on from the bench to beef up the pack. It was not long before Ponte’s fearsome scrum was doing the business as Hegians were forced into conceding a penalty try.

At seven nil up Ponte conceded too many penalties with one been converted to reduce the arrears to four.

Ponte scored their second try soon after, as a speculative long pass from Liam Kay put player coach Craig Fawcett away on a long break. He was tackled just inside the twenty-two, but quick recycled ball enabled second row Bailly Matthews to charge over the line to continue his recent try scoring form.

By now Ponte were going through the phases and playing some great football. A try from a Kay grubber is becoming a weekly event and this week it was Fawcett who was the beneficiary for an unconverted try in the corner. The pressure on Hegians was now unrelenting and a sniping break from scrum half Josh Walker was followed by a thirty-metre break from hooker Tim Pickersgill. With position gained deep in their opponent’s territory it was the turn of giant prop Josh Hough to do what he does best and barge over from a yard. Kay converted and it was twenty-six to three at half time with a try scoring bonus point in the bag.

The second half started the same way the first finished with the likes of Tad Nyanjowa and prop James Griffin sapping the Hegians defence with powerful drives. It did not take long for dynamic number eight Jack Beddis to score a trademark try, as he picked up from a dominant scrum and barged his way over from ten yards. Soon after Fawcett scored his second as lovely hands from Harry Graham and Richard Dedicoat put him under the posts.

At this point the Hegians captain got his troops together and rallied them with the prospect of a cricket score facing them. They responded too, as you would expect from a team who has done very well after getting promotion last season. Firstly, a one-on-one ball strip allowed a run in from the halfway line, then good hands allowed a well worked try out wide. Ponte thought they had completed the scoring, but Hough was wrongly denied his second, with the otherwise excellent referee unsighted.

All in all, a satisfying victory for the home side, moving them up to second place with top spot in sight. Ponte were good all round but special mention must go to full back Graham, who was on debut. He had a very solid all-round game and looks a more than useful addition to the first team squad.

The next home game is on Saturday 12th march against current table toppers, Old Crossleyans, a date for your diary if there ever was one