Ponte narrowly miss out on away win

Pontefract 2nds can take masses of positives from a tough encounter with Beverley 2nds. In front at the half way point 10-3. but
at the final whistle pipped 11-10. Beverley were unable to send a side earlier in the season to Pontefract so the return game was more of an unknown challenge. Ponte fielding an overall young side. Both sides struggled to get any continuity with heavy conditions and a slippery ball.

Beverley had the more experienced side and the early encounters were not for the faint hearted. Gritty Pontefract competed at the breakdowns as the home side tried to boss the play. The visitors were penalised for off side and this prevented the early opportunities. Pontefract had the edge at the scrums and line outs, eventually managing to break away from the pile ups and get over the gain line. Richard Hossack and Jonny Hill showing their potential with surges of play which Beverley only just managed to contain. A scrum reset went against Ponte and number 10 Jamie Gill kicked the penalty goal for the home side.

Pontefracts sure fire opportunity came Pontes Rich Heaton and Josh Hough getting the go forward, scrum half Jonny Mathews put the ball wide to Jonny Hill who then offloaded to fly half Richard Hossack who side stepped into space to then score at the side of the posts, Jonny Hill kicked the goal. 7-3. Beverley continued with their flooding of the ruck and ultimately were penalised, Richard Hossack kicking the goal. half time score 10-3. The second half was turned on its head somewhat, on came the cavalry for the home side with fresh legs and Ponte struggled to win any of the set piece. Beverley managed to create more second and third phase play, the visitors having to work over time to hold out the home side. Number 10 for Beverley managed to get on the end of good ball and was tackled comfortabley short of the try line but found momentum and was awarded the try, no goal. Pontes gallant young bucks kept at it but were having to defend more, with minutes to go Pontefract were penalised for not rolling away and Jamie Gill kicked the penalty goal to snatch the win for Beverley 2nds.11-10. Pontefracts youngsters will have learned from the experience. Beverley finishing stronger with the fresh legs and Ponte 2nds having to double their effort in the second half. All the team fronted up in a tough encounter, however Man of the match was Richard Hossack, stand outs Danny Hupson, Craig Pugh and Jonny Hill. Pontefract 2nds are at home to Hull 2nds Saturday 28.02.15.