Roundhegians 19 Pontefract 32

Roundhegians 19 Pontefract 32
It is credit to the increasing size and quality of Ponte’s squad that when key players are missing it is hardly noticeable. Player coach and talisman Craig Fawcett pulled out ill on the morning of the game and with a few others unavailable the good performance and result shows the increasing depth and confidence within the team.
Hegians were fresh from a mauling away at Brid the week before, but with players returning, Ponte were up against a team more like the one who, for a promoted club, has had a fine start to the season.
Having said that, early on, Ponte looked like racking up a big score as their outstanding attacking, allied to unbelievable tough, aggressive defence had Hegians reeling. Firstly, a fine run of ball retentions led to Liam Kaye stroking over a penalty. This was followed by the first try as a Kay chip over allowed onrushing full back Richard Hossack to show his dribbling skills and dive over for a converted try.
Ten points was soon seventeen as a run of excellent scrummages allowed prop James Griffin to dive over after a series of pick and drives near the line.
At this point it was all Ponte and the stream of front foot ball allowed Kay to put centre Andy Coleman slicing through a gap. He had the simple task of drawing the full back and putting the supporting Hossack under the posts for his second converted try.
There did not seem to be any advantage in conditions going either way but after half time, with Hegians improving, the fortunes of the game changed. For the second week running Ponte seemed to lose their shape, with lots of interchanges possibly not helping. One try for the hosts was soon followed by another as the hosts began to believe.
With the forwards no longer dominant and the team on the back foot it took something special to wrestle back the advantage. From a Hegians clearance kick, number 8 Jack Beddis was on hand for a run reminiscent of Jonah Lomu in his pomp. He left would be defenders scattered all over and when he was finally tackled a penalty ensued which Kay converted to take the visitors three scores in front, seemingly make the game safe. It’s a good job he did as Hegians soon replied with another converted try.
With the clock ticking away, Pontes chances of securing the four try scoring bonus point, which at one point looked a formality, looked out of reach. However, the Ponte faithful were treated to a grandstand finish. With the pack resuming their earlier control, territory deep in the Hegians half was gained. The line outs hadn’t functioned very well all day in the windy conditions. However, it came good when it mattered as a superb line out catch from Niall Sandwith allowed a quick ball to Kay who put centre Harry McAllister away on a rampaging run. As the cover defence tackled him, he managed to offload to winger Lucas Ketteridge, who dived over for a very well worked try. Kaye missed the conversion, losing the chance to record a 100 percent place kicking success for a second consecutive week. Thankfully it didn’t matter as his conversion was the last kick of the game and the maximum five point haul was gained, always a fine result away from home.
Best for Ponte in the forwards were the magnificent Matthews brothers along with ever consistent Calum Rodgers, with Hossack and McAllister impressive in the backs.
Discipline on the day was first class with no yellow cards and total respect shown by both sides towards the excellent referee. The victory sees Ponte move up to third in the league as their attention turns to cup rugby next week.