Hull RUFC 2nds v Pontefract RUFC 2nds

End to end rugby was an edge of the seat feature of the Pontefract 2nds encounter with Hull 2nds, a game played in very windy conditions. The home side played to their strengths and used all their experience , however gutsy Pontefract refused to take a backward step and played some productive to turn round in front 19-27 at half time.

Hull staged a determined fight back in the second half to narrow the scores to a point. Pontefract creditabley holding on and then fighting back, finishing the game strong ly camped on the home side line. Pontefract deservedly ending the winners 26-32.
Hull kicked off and lock Aitor Gonzalez sailed into the air to secure the ball and make the first drive into the oppositions defence. Ponte maintained possession and the forwards drove on into a solid wall of Hull defenders. Flanker Joe Perkins looked to stride over the gain line but the ball went to ground. Hull feed at the scrum however Ponte’s pack exerted a massive drive and pushed them back but the home side used their experience to clear ball from the base of the scrum to set up their first attack . The visitors defended well with strong tackles from Will Story, Andy Smith and Scott Hawkins. Hull recycled again but were held up by John Fradgley and James Griffin. The pressure continued and Hull number 3 Paul Sewell crashed over for an try which Jake Goodman goaled 7-0. From the restart start Pontefract settled to produce good ball from the scrums and line outs. Good support play and a final half break from Liam Kay feeding on to full back Ben Dunn Birch who rounded the defence to score the try to get the first points for the visitors. 7-5. Two minutes later, again Ponte were in possession and centre Ross Shand chipped the ball on for Tom Chester to make the most of the opportunity and stay on his feet scooting out of the tackles to score the try. No goal. Pontefract’s purple patch continued, wing Stuart Dedicote going in for a terrific try following Liam Kay's kick down the flank, centre Harry McAllister picked up sucked in the defender and passed on for Dedicote to score. Hull went down to 14 men and Ponte kept up the pressure. Andy Smith took the ball in and quick ball from scrum half Matt Hargreaves allowed Liam Kay to find the space for centre Harry McAllister to surge through the outside channel and score a well worked try.7-20. Perhaps Pontefract were guilty of taking their foot of the pedal and a few unforced errors crept in to allow a frustrated Hull to get their hands on the ball. A Ponte ball went loose at the scrum and Hull played into to space with ex Ponte player number 4 Tom Hicks selling the dummy pass, changing direction to race away and score a much needed try to get back in contention. Centre Jordan was a key player for the home side but lack of possession had stifled his effort. However half a chance was good enough to allow him to score the important try which was goaled to get Hull back on terms. Pontefract then stretched the score again when prop Jonny Scholey benefitted from quick ball to go crashing through the defenders to score the try near the posts. Liam Kay kicked the goal. Half time score 19-27.

Pontefract needed to regain their shape and win the second half contest. Hull made to minimise Pontes opportunities effectively attacking the ten channel and Tom Hicks went in for his second try of the game which was goaled to take the scores to 26-27. Pontefract upped their game with Jonny Fradgley, Liam Kay and Joe Morgan creating chances but the opportunities were not completed. Ross Shand was then tackled short. The visitors got their second breath and continued to keep play in the home side 22 for the final phases of the game, Hull killed the ball but Liam Kay's kick to goal went wide. Ponte kept the pressure on forcing the home side spill the ball . The Ponte pack pushed the opposing pack over the try line and scrum half Matt Hargreaves scored the try. Ponte took the restart ball back into the home side 22 and finished the game in attack. Final score 26-32.

A good win for Pontefract, an enjoyable game with end to end rugby, Ponte having the best of the first half and then getting back into the game with effect in the final quarter. On the day,goal kicks could have consolidated the visitors lead and three or four missed opportunities could have had the game out of site. Hull kept at it and narrowed the score, threatening at one stage to take the win. A magnificent effort from the whole Pontefract team finally deserved the win.

Harry McAllister was man of the match, having one of his best games for the club, with stand outs Tom Chester and hooker Andy Smith. Pleasing to see try's from Jonny Scholey and Stuart Dedicote and Aitor Gonzalez was everywhere. Pontefract 2nds are at home to Sheffield Medics 2nds on Saturday 14.11.15. Kick off 2.15pm