Strong start for 2nds

Match report Pontefract RUFC 2nds v Keighley RUFC 2nds team.
Game played Saturday 05.09.15 at Moor Lane kick off 2.45pm.
Ponte 2nds made an excellent start to the 2015-2016 season with new captain Scott Hawkins at the helm, Competing against a robust Keighley RUFC 2nds team. The home side being in front 27-5 at the break and winning 37-15 at the final whistle. Pontefract
started like an express train and caught the visitors by surprise, attacking from the outset and forcing Keighley into giving penalties to negate the expansive play. Scrum half Dan Wheater and lock Stu Haynes both getting over the line but were prevented from a clear score. Early points were needed and fly half Liam Kay kicked a penalty goal to reflect the early dominance by the home side.

The side pack pressurized the visitors at the set piece and scrum half Dan Wheater harassed his opposite number, the ball was spilled and Wheater picked up and skirted around the cover to score the first try which Liam Kay goaled 10-0. A deep kick from Liam Kay was followed up by centre Ben Jones, the ball went loose at the tackle and from the scrum Ponte moved the ball wide and wing Callum Coleman went over the line for the try which Liam Kay goaled 17-0. From set play full back Ross Shand came into the line, slicing through the defenders to score a well worked try which Liam Kaye goaled. A further penalty goal stretched the lead as Keighley tried to swamp the breakdown of play. A poor re start allowed Keighley to get hold of the ball, making the most of the error and kicking to the corner. The home side forwards stemmed the drive but left the blind side unguarded and Keighleys Jimmy Walker barged over for the try. no goal. half time score 27-5. Keighley made a concerted effort to play to their strengths and enjoyed a purple patch, preferring the close encounters and luring the Pontefract forwards into the arm wrestle.

Ben Lazenby burrowed over for the second try, no goal. Ponte forwards replied with an excellent catch and drive, prop James Griffin scoring the try. No goal. Pontefract brought on fresh legs,young live wire Lewis Hibbert in the back row and Guy in the backs. Ponte threatened, determined Keighley persisted with their tactic and scored a further try, no goal to take the score board 32-15. Pontefract were galvanized back into action and from good ball retention by the forwards, played wide and Andy Fenton moved the ball onto new find, capable centre Liam Wiggins who raced into the corner for an excellent combined effort try. Ponte back on the front foot. Final score.

Pontefract 2nds 37, Keighley 2nds 15. Overall an excellent team win, all players being involved in the final result against big experienced opposition who were very strong in the tight. Ross Shand was voted man of the match with utility player Billy Coleman and lock Richard Scott standouts.