Dinnington RUFC 2nds v Pontefract RUFC 2nds

Pontefract 2nds fast and furious start, alongside committed team play once again kept them on track and resulted in a 5 points to 21 points win over a rugged and uncompromising Dinnington 2nds side. A game of two halves the visitors having the edge in the first half and leading 0-14 at half time. Pontefract attacked the home side from the outset, refusing to allow them a platform to play off. The ball came loose and Dinnington hung on to be tackled over the line. Play stayed with Ponte and only commendable but desperate holding up of the ball carrier prevented early scoring chances by No.8 Will Storey and centre Toby Thorpe. Ponte were awarded a penalty in front of the posts and were distracted from going for the three points. The home side were starved of ball and from a wave of Ponte attacks, lock Guy Ibbotson burst through the final tackle to score an emphatic try which Liam Kay goaled 0-7. The home side played to their big forwards and used the maul to try and get forward momentum but Ponte tore into them with the front row of Rob Scoley, Richard Armstrong and James Griffin being thoroughly combative. A few unforced errors gave Dinnington time with the ball but from a turn over scrum half Dan Wheater fed a rampaging Scott Hawkins who burst over the try line but again the home side defenders managed to hold up the ball. no try. Number 8 Will Story made amends and from a good scrum Ponte got the required momentum and Story reached over to score his teams second try which was goaled by Liam Kay. 0-14. half time score.

Dinnington made the better start to the second half and had more effect with the rolling maul and breakdowns, Ponte allowed them play to their strengths and coughed up the unnecessary penalties, losing out on the 50/50 decisions. Ponte lost their own scrum feed and then were penalized, allowing the Dinnington pack to trundle over the try line and score their first points, no goal 5 -14. Ponte tightened up their effort, minimised the unforced errors and tackled to free up the ball. A penalty was awarded to the visitors, the home side not rolling away at the tackle, however the kick by Liam Kay was cruelly blown to the right of the upright by a gust of wind. Sustained pressure from Ponte caused the ball to come loose. From the set scrum Dan Wheater put the ball wide and fly half Liam Kay hit centre Toby Thorp on the burst to crash over the line for the try. Liam Kay goaled. Final score. 5-21. A game played in good spirit by two competitive sides.
Key moments during the game. Pontefract set the pace and then Dinnington staged their come back, and played to build on their score. Ponte having the upper hand in the final quarter. Will Story was mom for the visitors with Guy Ibbotson and Billy Coleman standouts. Dan Wheater and Liam Kay at half backs controlled the game for the most, prop Rob Scoleys contribution to the game was exemplary. Ponte 2nds are in the pool next week 19.10.15.