Pontefract traveled to Middlesbrough on a crisp sunny day with the hopes of climbing out of the relegation zone. Playing into a strong wind they were soon pinned back in their own 22m, conceding numerous penalties as the home side played with power and determination. Only some great defense from Fawcett, Williams, Wade and Fradgely prevented the fired up home side from crossing the whitewash whose only reward was from a penalty to open the scoring 3-0. A shell shocked ponte continued to infringe conceding more penalties as they tried to get a foothold in the game, the defensive effort held firm as the pack gradually got to grips with the home sides larger forwards. A fluent move saw Ponte create an overlap that failed to yield points as the sloppy final pass bobbled harmlessly into touch, the chance was wasted and that allowed the hosts to resume their assault on the Ponte line resulting in another penalty 6-0. A determined visitors defense restricted the home side to a halftime lead of 6-0 but could have halved it when a Dean penalty struck the upright, other chances went begging as poor finishing continued. The Pontefract scrum grew in stature as it began to gain the upper hand ending the half well on top of a weary looking home side who now had to face the wind with only a slender 6-0 lead.
Pontefract started the second period with renewed energy immediately putting Middlesborough under pressure, testing their resolve to the limit. The home rose to the challenges and manfully repelled 5m scrums and several lineout drives with solid commitment preventing the visitors from crossing the line. These chances must be taken if Pontefract are to maintain their Yorkshire division 1 status.
The over officious ref continued to award numerous penalties, to both sides, so ruining any chance of flowing rugby not to mention adding to everyone's frustration.
Middlesborough managed to have some respite as the ball was driven down field and scored a converted try after sluggish work failed to clear the danger. This was a blow as Ponte were in the ascendancy, dominating possession and territory. The frustration continued as Ponte couldn't convert the pressure into points as yet more chances went begging as the home defence held firm. Some great approach work from Fawcett, Bacon and Dedicoat went unrewarded as the final pass would just not go to hand. As the game moved into the last quarter the Middlesbrough forwards drove purposely from a lineout along the touchline and miraculously forced a penalty under the posts much to the 'utter frustration and anger' of the visiting players and supporters extending the lead to 16-0. A disheartened Ponte continued to press but still could breech the stubborn home defense. Poor decision making, ill discipline and tactically niave kicking options made any chance of a come back unlikely with time rapidly running out.
In the final momements of normal time Middlesborough scored a converted breakaway try to stretch the lead to a flattering 23-0. Worse was to follow as they scored two more tries in injury time to make the score 35-0 as Pontefract fell into total disarray.
Pontefract badly missed top try scorer Gill whose finishing was sorely missed but they created enough chances to get something from this game but must learn from this rugged encounter as they entertain North Ribblesdale next week in a must win game.