Pontefract RUFC 2s V Sandal RUFC 2s

Having not played the previous week Ponte were keen to face a very organised and motivated selby in what turned out to be a cracking local derby. A confident home side immediately launched a series of forward drives that pinned Selby on their own line and it was no surprise when 'Steamer' bulldozed his way over the line to register the first points. Goalies by Carr 7 - 0
The host's continued to attack through the backs and should have extended the lead but for some determined selby tackling, chester and simpson both going close. A dominant home side pressed hard but some resilient defence forced an error that resulted in selby superbly scampering for a long distance try which went unconverted 7 - 5
Pontefract continued to create chances but poor execution and wrong options meant that some terrific play went unrewarded with chester, wheater and simpson unable to collect the final pass. From a scrum deep inside their own half the visitors scored another excellent try through their pacy backs to lead 7 - 12
The host's responded with a period of dominance through powerful forward thrusts giving the talented backline an oppertunity to show their class with Kaye and Carr to the fore. Drives by Dyas, Deddicote and Etherton allowed Carr to dart over for a converted try that regained the lead 14 -12
The selby defence stood strong repelling some determined and prolonged attacks from the host's forcing yet another turn over that once again was finished by the illusive backs to regain the lead 14 - 19
Undeterred Ponte rolled up their sleeves and continued to attack with added vigour producing some enterprising rugby that saw Hossack and Chester being denied by some ferocious defence. Pressure produced a penalty that Kayes brilliant quick crosskick produced a try for Chester to give Ponte half time lead
21 -19
The second half started as it finished with the host's forwards immediately on the rampage providing quality ball for the backs to create a try for Hossack that Carr converted to extend the lead to 28 - 19
Having learnt from the first period pontefract tightened their game and played with more control exerting pressure on the selby line for long periods. Hargreaves, Carr and Kaye began to reek havoc creating a try for 'Cardiff' who bravely crashed over for a converted try but unfortunately earned a few stitches on his return debut. 33-19
Selby rallied again and created another beautifully crafted try that set up a grandstand finish 33-24. Pontefract had the final say as the hard working Etherton powered over to give the final score 40-24
A very solid Selby competed throughout but a powerful forward display provided a platform for the exciting backline to express themselves to produce a an all round team performance.
However, if they are to repeat the result against Otley next week they need to be more clinical with their finishing and turn pressure into points.