All Hands on Dec

Match report Barnsley RUFC 2nds v Pontefract RUFC 2nds, game played Saturday 07.03.15. ko 3.0pm. by Paul Lowery ...."All hands on Dec" a terrific late try from Pontefract 2nds winger Declan O,Mulhane who evaded and stumbled out of two final cover tackles to score the final try and take the visitors points tally past home side Barnsley 2nds score to therefore claim the win. Pontefract started well and appeared to have the edge as the forwards maintained possession and drove the ball upfield. The visitors got within striking distance of the try line and scrum half Dan Wheater popped up the ball for powerful lock Stu Haynes to crash over the line for the try. A few minutes on the clock and Ponte were 5 points up. Number 6 Jonny Hill going close but the defense dragged him into touch before the support arrived. Pontes determination to keep the ball alive eventually proved expensive and from attacking ball, Barnsley got possession and showed their much evident passing and support skills. Their outstanding centre creating the opportunity for the home sides first try which was goaled. 7-5. As the home side tried to repeat their play on the flanks, fly half Richard Horrocks kicked play down field. However Barnsley in attack assisted by a couple of flat passes and number 11 burst over the try line for the homesides second try. no goal. 12-5. Pontes scrum ball was solid from John Trevorrow, Danny Owen and Rich Armstrong, number 8 Gav Wright taking the ball up field. Ponte getting hold of the game again and attacking the visitors try line, Grafting Stu Haynes screaming for the ball and hitting the blind side cover to score the try and get the visitors back into the game. no goal. 12-10. Half an hour on the clock and Scott Hawkins was penalised (first penalty of the game) at the breakdown. A kick to clear was fielded by Ben Jones and Ryan Beckett, scrum half Dan Wheater kept the ball alive and Ponte,s forwards did the rest, hooker Danny Owen going over for the try which Liam Kay goaled. Half time score 12-17. Key moments defined the second half, Ponte starting well but loose ball again coughed up possession and the home side relished the opportunity and number 11 went in for his second try which was goaled.19-17. Liam Kay kicked deep to get play into the home side half but the gusty wind negated the effort. Ben Jones having to make a last ditch tackle. Rob Jepson made an impact in defense and stifled the three quarters threat. Joe Morgan renewed his vigour and got all over the field with a consecutive defensive stint. Ponte suffered at the set piece but scrabbled for the ball, Dan Wheater went close to score but the home side piled in and killed the ball, however the penalty kick was blown wide. As the clock marched on, stand off Liam Kay broke the gain line but cruelly the ball
went loose, undeterred as the pack held on to the ball a further chip over the top was regathered, Rich Hossock took the ball on and Declan Omulhane raced into space evading the cover to score a deserved try, no goal. Barnsley made an effective and quick restart but Ponte dug in and repulsed the effort. final score 19-22. A good win for Pontefract against a well organised side who played to their key strength in the three quarters, Ponte being slow to react to the threat. However scoring 4 trys to 3
a rugged defense and a final well worked move from Liam Kay which was well supported by the team as Barnsley tried to kill the game in the closing stages. Young Lewis Hibbert made a good contribution to effort, Stu Haines two well taken trys worthy of note. Danny Owen was man of the match, Joe Morgan and Stu Haynes stand outs. A game played in good spirit, enjoyed by both sides and a low overall penalty count. Pontefract are in the pool for this coming Saturday 14.03.15.