Pontefract 2nds v Leodensians 2nds

Pontefract continued their perfect start to the season with a dominant 8 try victory over Leo's after defeating Ripon by a similar score the previous week. A much-changed home side saw the bench boast club stalwarts Rich Maw, Matty Williams and Carl smith on a fine but blustery Saturday afternoon. The visitors started with more enthusiasm and purpose registering a converted try to take a deserved 0-7 lead as reshuffled Pontefract floundered in defence. An injury to Rob Smith gave a 'fired up' but reluctant Carl Smith the opportunity to roll back the years and he surprised no one when he crashed over in the corner after some clever interplay from the backline for a very popular score. Conversion missed 5-7.
The hosts finally woke up with some powerful forward surges which resulted in Liam Senior bulldozing over from close range to lead 12-7 with Carr adding the extra's. Pontefract began to dominate possession and territory through some direct running that is already becoming their trademark. The front row of Senior, Hawkins and Field worked tirelessly in the set piece allowing Simpson and Carr to cause havoc with clever plays utilising the pace and power of Spires, Hossack, Pycock and Beecher who were a constant threat throughout.
A charge down from the battling visitors gave them a slender 12-14 lead that was quickly overhauled when the enigmatic Billy Coleman dummied his way over the whitewash in the corner to restore Ponte's lead 17-14. In the closing minute of the first period a deft chip from Carr saw Beecher win the race for the touchdown to give Ponte some breathing space at the break 22-14
Playing down the slope behind a dominant pack the home backline ran riot scoring three quick, unanswered tries within ten minutes to put the result beyond an aggressive Leo's. 39-14. The impressive Spiers scored all three tries, the pick of which was from halfway leaving a trail of prostrate defenders in his sizeable wake. The home side played some delightful rugby with every member of the team contributing to a thoroughly enjoyable game that should have added to their try tally. One such majestic move went unrewarded as Billy Coleman failed to hang onto the final pass with the line begging much to the amusement of the spectators and players alike.
Simpson and Pycock combined to send Lee Bennet scuttling over for a very rare try to conclude the scoring 46-14.
A comfortable victory over a lively Leo's that showed great promise for the rest of the season. An excellent start but Pontefract need to step up next week when SELBY visit Moor Lane, for what will be a much sterner test.