Match report Pontefract RUFC 2nds v Hull Medics RUFC 2nds

Match report Pontefract RUFC 2nds v Hull Medics RUFC 2nds
Game played Saturday 03.10.15. At Moor Lane kick off 3.0pm
Pontefract 2nds were guilty of underestimating the inherent skills and tenacity of a lively and Very capable opposition and had to pull out all the stops and play rugby to their strengths to keep in the game, pulling level in the final quarter. However a tactical change by the opposition having a definite effect on the final result of the game. Pontefract 2nds 34 Hull Medics 2nds 37.
Pontefract were taken by surprise as the visitors played to the edge from the off and challenged at the breakdowns, the resulting stifled effort from Pontefract got them nowhere. Hull kept possession and play was taken wide by an excellent fly half and centre combination who had 15 points on the board with try's from number 10 Robert Bamberger and Lewis David without reply. Hull were caught out on a few occasions, Pontefract enjoying more possession and kicking a penalty goal when the opposition dived over at the breakdown of play 3-15. Pontefract were getting the upper hand in the tight, Rich Maw and Stu Haynes bullocking runs taking their toll on the tacklers. However an unforced error again coughed up the ball and Hull Medics centre Lewis David raced over the try line in the corner. 3-20. Pontefract started to play more in the visitors half fly half Richard Hossack getting the ball behind Hull and the line out combination of hooker Richard Armstrong and Andy Fenton working well. Hull were penalised and yellow carded for pulling the maul down however at the penalty re start Pontes pack combined to drive the ball over the try line, Captain Scott Hawkins claiming the try which Richard Hossack goaled, half time score 10-20. The home side excelled in the tight, two sides playing to their strengths, prop Rich Maw getting over the try line following an excellent Maul from the home side, prop Jim Cain initially holding the ball up. Scrum half Dan Wheater kept the ball within the forwards to tie in the opposition defence and Hossack getting the ball behind Hull when necessary. Always dangerous Hull in particular number 10 Robert Bamberger catching Pontefract in two minds waiting for the whistle and scooting through the gap for a try which was goaled. Richard Hossack replying with an excellently worked try as once again the forwards held the opposition in the scrum and pushed them back, the ball came back Dan Wheater put the ball out to Richard Hossack who chipped over the top, collected his own ball and scored the try at the side of the post and kicked the goal. Hull suffered a further yellow card and Pontefracts Will Story held the ball in and the pack again drove over, Scott Hawkins scoring the try, no goal. 27-27. The medics then requested uncontested scrums which had an undoubted effect on the game. Hull reverting to pushing the ball out wide as no need for a contest in the tight. Hulls Lewis David scored his third try out wide no goal. Pontefract replied with a catch and drive, spurred on and controlled by substitute Matt Hargreaves, Prop James Griffin scoring the try which Richard Hossack goaled. A missed tackle and a play on allowed Hull in for their final try which widened the score to 34-37. Pontefract were awarded a kickable penalty as the visitors went off their feet at breakdown of play but went for a kick to the corner and win the game from the try. Hull had other ideas and when Andy Fenton had his hand knocked away the ball went down to the visitors who effectively cleared the threat. Final score 34-37.
Pontefract 2nds will have gained from the contest against an astute and resourceful opponents. Pontefract playing to their strengths, as did the opposition ,providing for a challenging game. A frustrating final result. Richard Hossack was the man of the match along with Captain Scott Hawkins and Rich Maw standouts. A good day for the pack. Pontefract 2nds play Malton and Norton 2nds on Saturday 10.10.15.