Leo's 2XV 7 - 17 Pontefract 2XV

Leo's 2XV 7 - 17 Pontefract 2XV

Pontefract took a strong but much changed team to Leeds on a murky Saturday afternoon attempting to rediscover the form that had them topping the Merit table before Christmas. The visitors made an adventurous start based on a solid forward platform allowing Tom Carr and Harry Graham to test the well organised home defence. Leo's weathered the early storm with some determined defence before working their way up the field to pressure the Ponte line, who in turn defended with passion. With four youngsters in the visitor's backline an experienced Leo's managed to outflank the defence after multiple phases to register the first score: 7-0 despite some dogged defence lead by the vivacious Stu Deddicote and rising star, Joe Knox.
The visitors responded with some fine flowing rugby directed by Tom Carr who cleverly put the influential Christian into space who found Steamer who bulldozed his way over to tie the scores 7-7. Pontefract began to gel with Knox, Fenton and Field punching downfield to put Leo's firmly on the backfoot, this charge opened the door for Heath to canter to the try line but lost his footing on the mud after a beautifully measured pass from Carr. Pontefract piled on the pressure forcing a score for Fenton after some dynamic line out work from the pack. 7-12
The hosts rallied, battering the Ponte line which was defended aggressively giving Macca the opportunity to affect an important turn over to ease the growing pressure. Some intelligent exit kicks by the reliable boot of Harry Graham cleared the lines allowing Ponte to press with the interval looming. Billy Coleman made a darting run that disheartened and deflated a buoyant Leo's. With the final play of the first period Carr produced an audacious cross kick that should have given the dangerous Ben Walker a score, but 'cold hands' couldn't gather the ball leaving the visitors with a slim lead. Better finishing would have had Ponte in bonus point territory.
Ponte started the second period on the front foot forcing Leo's into some desperate defence. The forwards were rampant, making hard yards and camping in the home 22. It seemed inevitable that the lead would be extended but a sudden bout of ill discipline continually thwarted their progress allowing the hosts to clear their lines. Despite the growing frustration, chances were created, with the best a combined effort by Walker and Graham who broke 60m only to see the final pass hit the muddy turf. A moment of individual tenacity finally broke the home resolve as Carr touched down his own chip 'n' chase to extend the lead to a comfortable 7-17 with the clock ticking. As the changes were made Pontefract lost their shape giving the home side an opportunity to get out their own half by piggy backing their way into the visitors 22 for a rare visit. A string of indiscretions reduced Ponte to 13 men who manfully repelled a late onslaught to keep their line intact.
Eventually a comfortable victory against a determined, robust Leo's that returned Ponte to winning ways after a tough few weeks. Several guilt edged chances were spurned but considering this was a 'NEW LOOK TEAM' in testing conditions the overall performance was very pleasing and entertaining. Fenton, Stu and Steamer were the pick of a competent pack with Walker, Graham and Carr adding a touch of class.