Match report Pontefract RUFC 2nd v Selby RUFC 2nds

Match report Pontefract RUFC 2nd v Selby RUFC 2nds, game played Saturday 24.11.18. at Sandhills Lane, kick off 2.15pm. Pontefract 2nds played Selby 2nds away in a much welcomed friendly fixture. The home side were the first to score with just two minutes on the clock. A slow charged down kick gifted Selby opportunity possession and Shaun Campbell went in for the easy try. No goal. 5-0. The visitors were immediately stung into action but were frustrated by their fragmented play. Pontefract subsequently camped on Selbys line. Scott Hawkins setting up a push over try only to be penalised for getting a nudge on the opposition front row. Then Rich Hossack characteristically spilt the defence to go over for the try but lost control of the greasy ball. Selbys continuing fringing defence effectively for periods neutralised the visitors play. However as Selby held ball possession at the mid field point. Find of the season centre Nathan Grace intercepted a long looping pass and then raced away 40metres to score near the post. Richard Hossack goaled. Half time score 5-7. Selby pulled clear again early in the second half. A line out mix up coughed up the visitors ball. Paul Randall going in for the home sides second try. Matt Savage goaled. 12-7. A rugged effort from both sides produced a series of stops and broken play. The advantage going back and forth. Towering lock Andy Fenton charged down a Selby tactical clearance kick. Pontes forwards recycled the ball, fly half Cieron Tucker played quick ball and fly half Richard Hossack latched on to good ball to score the try and kick the goal. 12-14. Rich Hossack switched play to the left and then to the right and wing Danny Milburn raced in for the next try. 12-19. No goal. Both sides had to use the bench as the overall effort took its toll. Richard Hossack scored his second try from an interception which effectively slammed the door shut on the frustrated home sides comeback. Final score 12-24. Pontefract needed the win against a fully committed Selby. Pontefract’s opportunists finally grabbing the win. Standouts on the day. Leo Harrison, always in the thick of the action. Richard Hossack and Nathan Grace key try scorers. Danny Milton finishing a good spell of play for his try. Good to see a massively fit all rounder Joe Morgan playing for his club.