Bridlington 10 Pontefract 27

Bridlington 10 Pontefract 27

It was back to the coast for Ponte on Saturday, to replay last weeks abandoned game. There was a camaraderie between the two sides on and off the pitch last week, after the unfortunate injury, but there was none this week, as the two much changed sides produced a scrappy, niggly yet enthralling game.

Brid started well, as a cross field grubber deflected off a Ponte player and a fortunate bounce for the oncoming centre gave them a converted try in the corner. The melee that followed was a sign of things to come.

Ponte were in no mood to let this setback affect them and, led by arguably the heaviest pack in the clubs history, a dominant five metre scrum allowed player coach Craig Fawcett to dance his way over, under the posts for a converted try.

It was Brid who retook the lead with a penalty as hard working prop, Ethan Potts, was yellow carded for a high tackle. The lead was short lived however, as great work from the kick off from the mightily impressive Andy Fenton allowed Ponte territory which eventually led to fly half Liam Kay throwing a superb long pass to winger Lucas Ketteridge for his first try for the club. The half time whistle sounded with Ponte leading 10-12.
With the elements behind them in the second half Ponte played the perfect game plan with Kay showing his fast improving knowledge of the fly half position, pinning Brid back with a series of long raking touch finders. From one such kick Ponte scored again. Despite been down a man, with Brodie Matthews yellow carded for a high tackle, Fenton was on hand to finish off a catch and drive from a line out.

From then on discipline deteriorated as Fenton was yellow carded for getting involved in the some argy bargy along with the moaning cheap shot Brid centre. Ponte did stretch their lead as Calum Watts stroked over a penalty to make it a comfortable 20-10 lead.

The game threatened to descend into farce as the young Brid hooker completely lost the plot. A yellow card for a very poor late tackle on Kay was followed by an attempt to fight the Ponte subs bench. This, in turn incensed the already revved up crowd, and the referee had to have a word with club officials to calm the situation. The referee, who by no means got all decisions right, had an excellent game in difficult circumstances.

By now Ponte’s aggressive defence and strong running from the likes of Tim Pickersgill and Sam Millard was having an effect. Brid were on the ropes and another dominant scrum set the platform for centre Harry McCallister to scythe through the non existent defence for a maximum bonus point score.

Where to start with individual accolades is difficult but in the forwards, along with the Matthews brothers, Calum Rogers was immense whilst Josh Hough added to his burgeoning tight head scrummaging reputation at this level, by seemingly destroying every scrum.

In the backs, along with Kaye, Richard Hossack had a solid first appearance of the season at full back whilst Watts provided great service at scrum half.

Make no mistake, this team is on the up. A great team spirit comes across on the park and I urge people to come and support the lads who are laying it on the line for the club, week in week out. This week is a difficult trip to second placed Middlesbrough and if the boys can cut down the penalty and yellow card count, the chances of overtaking them in the league must be good.