Dinnington 7 Pontefract 19

Dinnington 7 Pontefract 19

Pontefract put on a memorable performance to beat previously unbeaten Dinnington in their own backyard. Ponte can be proud of their efforts as they overcame a hefty penalty count against them as well as two yellow cards to move up to fourth in the league.

The first try soon came and was as good a team try as you will see. After well into double figures of phases (which must be a record for Ponte), the opposition was eventually sucked in to allow young winger Ciaran Tucker to race away for a converted try.

Dinnington have traditionally had a big pack and the second try answered the question: can the scrum dominate against stiffer opposition. The answer was a resounding yes as a fantastic scrum ten metres out laid the platform for Jack Beddis to put fellow back rower Calum Rogers over for an unconverted try.

The rest of the half was a test of Ponte’s desire in defence. Dinno took advantage of numerous penalties, and a spell in the sin bin for centre Andy Coleman for a high tackle, to throw everything at the Ponte line. Ponte passed the test with flying colours as Dinnington were shocked by the physicality and aggression of the Ponte rearguard .

Five minutes into the second half Ponte won their first penalty of the game, a kickable one which was reversed for dissent by Liam Kay who was just getting over a despicable late tackle which was missed by the referee. The fact Liam was targeted was unsurprising as he continued his fine start to the season, managing the game like an old pro.

Soon after this Sam Millard was yellow carded for a high tackle. Sam took it on the chin as the real culprit, dynamic hooker Tim Pickersgill, hid away from sight. I suppose all ginger bearded bald people look alike in the heat of battle. It was good to hear Tim paid the fine into the team kitty afterwards.

Ponte still looked dangerous in attack and blew a glorious chance to go three scores ahead as the otherwise excellent winger Tucker showed some inexperience to allow a defender to put in a fantastic try saving tackle when a run to the corner would surely have seen him home.

If the Ponte faithful were worried this might be a turning point in the wrong direction, there was no need. A brilliant piece of individual play from brilliant full back Richard Dedicoat set up a thrilling converted try.

As Dids put up a high kick he spectacularly fielded the ball himself and then found supporting back rower Beddis to go over from thirty metres.

This more or less sealed the game as a late Dinnington score proved to be only a consolation.

Once again it was a team performance but, individually, in the backs, Craig Fawcett was looking as good as ever. A special mention must also go to improving youngsters Linden Metcalfe and Lucas Betteridge. Both players didn’t put a foot wrong in the toughest match yet in their fledgling first team careers.

No particular individual plaudits in the pack, an awesome effort from everyone.