Pontefract 2xv 34 - 26 Sheffield Engineers

Pontefract 2xv 34 - 26 Sheffield Engineers

Pontefract continued their winning run with a hard fought victory over a youthful Sheffield side. The enthusiasm of youth swept the visitors into an early lead after some adventurous rugby 0-7. It took the hosts a while to respond but did so in style as Spiers out flanked the defence to power over out wide to cut the lead to 5-7. Pontefract's larger and more experienced pack got a foothold in the game and began to dominate with some storming surges from Senior, Winn and Fenton. Simpson capitalised from the forwards graft to scamper over to take the lead with a converted try 12-7. The visitors briefly rallied but stern defence from Morgan, Scott and Dedicoat repelled the threat and marched forward to camp on Sheffield’s line which was finally breached when Winn crashed over for his first PRUFC try. A well deserved score for a young man who is improving game by game. Converted by Carr 19-7. The visitors battled heroically up the slope for a well taken try that went unconverted 19-12. The final score of the first period came from a solid line out drive claimed by the impressive Fenton 24-12.

A rejuvenated Sheffield’s expansive game was soon rewarded with their third try to reduce the arrears to 24-19. A casual home side responded with a forward onslaught with Fenton, Morgan and Bennet to the fore resulting in another score after a dynamic line out claimed by Fenton for his second try. 29-19. Fenton completed his hat trick with an audacious solo effort from 30m beating several defenders before acrobatically crossing the whitewash at the base of the corner flag.34-19.

The never say die attitude of the visitors engineered a final say when the referee decided to award a penalty try at the final whistle to give the score that fairly reflected the game 34-26. Great entertaining game of contrasting styles that was a credit to both sides, however, the hosts cannot be as nonchalant when league rugby resumes next week.

MOM was Joe Morgan with special mentions for Stu Dedicoat and try monster Fenton