Pontefract kept up their good form with a commendable 30-17 victory against Leodensians. On paper this fixture appeared easier than the previous week, but nothing is ever won on paper. The home side were pegged back early on but were the first to add points. After good work from the Pontefract forwards, the ball was released to the backs with the in form winger Ciaran Tucker going over in the corner for an unconverted try. The twenty minutes that followed can only be described as – “I’m sure we’ve been here before”. Just when our dominant pack was starting to see some progress our decision making started to let us down. A failed grubber kick was gratefully collected by the opposing winger who ran a good 60 metres for a try that was converted. A try saving tackle from fullback Richard Dedicoat prevented the visitors from adding to the score. However, hero turned villain moments later when Dedicoat gifted the Leos hooker with an opportunity to sprint (yes the hooker sprinted) 40 metres to score a converted try. 5-14 to the visitors. With half time looming the home were awarded a penalty which was despatched to the corner. From the resulting line out a well worked catch and drive was delivered to perfection with forward Niall Sandwith crashing over.
At the start of the second half a penalty awarded for a high tackle saw the visitors stretch their lead to 17-10. Moments later they missed the opportunity to add more points after another penalty was awarded, this time for not rolling away. 55 minutes on the clock, time for the game to change. The Pontefract forwards once again went through the phases to set up Craig Fawcett who rolled back the years to sublimely collect his own chip to set up Tucker who ran in for his second. Liam Kaye converting 17-17. The away side then saw two yellow cards in quick succession with the latter offence converted for three points. With the clock running down and with the home side failing to take advantage of the extra men, Ponte were nailed on to score in the corner, only to fluff their lines. Strong running from centre Fawcett saw him racing towards the corner for a certain try, only for him to pop the ball up for oncoming winger Lucus Ketteridge, who unfortunately knocked on. Ketteridge was awarded the muppet (toned down) of the game award for his fumble. However, the spectators on the veranda thought that a little harsh as they thought Fawcett should have won the award for attempting the pass when it was easier to score in the corner. Fear not though, the dominant forwards saved the day with Jack Beddis breaking off the scrum to seal the win. Kaye added the conversion and a late penalty to cement a 30-17 victory.
On a day where both teams struggled to dominate, credit once again must go to the forwards who collected two well worked try’s from set pieces. It appears they do listen to the coaching team. Well done boys. Beddis, Dedicoat continued their good form with Fawcett having a stand out game, despite his “failed poppy up pass”
Next up for Pontefract is a difficult trip to Bridlington. All away support welcome.