Dinnington 2nd xv 5 pontefract 2nd xv 21
Pontefract traveled to Dinnington and despite the dismal weather they produced a fine display of 15 man rugby. An early break by Liam Kaye set up an attacking position from which Ben Wade, the club coach, rumbled over for a try on his first outing with the ever improving second string. Kaye added the extras 0-7.
The early dominance continued as the visitors powered their way back down field resulting in Johnny Burrows smashing his way over under the posts for a well deserved try, goaled by Kaye. 0-14.
The front row of McMillan, Calvert and Lane bossed the scrums and Kayes positional kicking kept a shell shocked Dinnington under the cosh. Strong runs from the centres of Shand and Jessop forced the home side into a prolonged period of defence as they were forced back by the rampaging Ponte pack. Hill, Haines and Burrows made some ‘hard yards’ whilst Kaye and Dunn-Birch always threatened.
Dinnington rallied with a powerful drive that saw them enter the ponte half for the first time only to see Kaye cleverly intercept and race away before handing on to the supporting Johnny Burrows who collected his second try of the game. Kaye converted to stretch the lead to 0-21. Two golden chances went frustratingly amiss as, from two 5m scrums, the referee awarded the home side penalties as they were marched over their own line ensuring that the score remained 0-21 at the interval.
The second half deteriorated into a penalty fest which forced Pontefract into a rearguard action as any attempt to play any kind of rugby was futile as the penalty count mounted. Ponte rolled up their sleeves and defended with aggression and commitment to keep their line intact. A great defensive effort was led by McMillan, Sant, Burrows and Lane supported by the entire team who battled bravely as the rumbling wave of attacks by a rejuvenated home pack built momentum. The visitors were reduced to 14 men after the hard running but naive Jessop was yellow carded that the line was finally breeched after a quick tap caught out the visiting defence. 5-21.
Ponte held out comfortably for the remaining minutes and should have finished with a try as Kaye out paced the defence chasing his chip to touch down next to the posts only to be denied by an unsighted offical.
A valiant win in awful conditions which was a credit to everyone who braved the elements, with several players returning next week cannot come quick enough as they hope to build on this spirited performance and continue their winning form.
Kaye was the pick of the backs but Johnny Burrows was the deserved MOM with a gutsy and determind display.