LEODENSIANS 13 PONTEFRACT 12

LEODENSIANS 13 PONTEFRACT 12

Pontefract had only themselves to blame as a gritty Leos side snatched victory with the last play of the game.

The game started well for Ponte with a tremendous passage of play from the kick off. Superb handling and ball retention lead to a position near the line where prop Josh Hough drove in and reached out to score a try. With Liam Kay adding the extras, Ponte were seven nil up before Leos had touched the ball and things looked good. The rest of the half was a mundane affair with Ponte feeling aggrieved that the otherwise excellent referee didn’t referee the scrums properly which neutered their usual dominance in the scrum. The only other score of the half was a penalty for Leos, as both sides made numerous handling errors and gave numerous penalties away. From one such indiscretion, Kay was inches away from landing a penalty. The game was played in good spirits, but competitiveness of the game was shown with a few fisticuffs which lead to a long lecture from the ref.

The second half was much the same, as Ponte, lacking the on-field leadership of injured player coach Craig Fawcett, took poor options and routinely got turned over at the break down as the Leo forwards committed numbers to the ruck.

It was obvious that two scores ahead would have been enough to win the game, but Ponte, allied to determined opposition defence, blew their try scoring chances. They were made to pay as Leos created an overlap to score in the corner for an unconverted try.

Ponte were now losing eight to seven and were stung into action with young full back Ciaran Tucker finishing off some slick hands in the backs. Kay just missed the conversion, but Ponte were now in the lead twelve eight with time running out.

Unfortunately the lack of organisation and leadership continued and Ponte showed how not to see a game out by trying to play fancy football in their own half, when clearance kicks would have been more sensible. Leo’s were only going to score from close range and a dropped ball allowed them the position for a driving forwards try. The missed conversion was followed immediately by the final whistle and a home team celebration.

Man of the match for Ponte was stand in centre Richard Dedicoat who was a dangerous runner all afternoon. No other individuals particularly stood out, but special mention should be given to youngsters Leo Harrison, Tom Chester and Lucas Ketteridge.

Whilst losing was a blow, Ponte can take heart from their usual 100% effort. With two of the top teams in the league visiting Moor lane on the next two Saturdays, Ponte will be hoping for better news on the availability front and the return of some key players.