Pontefract RUFC V Dinnington RUFC

Match report Pontefract RUFC 2nds v Dinnington RUFC 2nds, game played Saturday 09.04.16.

At Moor Lane. Kick off 14.45pm.

Pontefracts tremendous team spirit sustained their never say die effort to snatch an important league win from a game which Dinnington 2nds looked to have done enough to prevent the home sides astonishing come back. Coach Richard Dedicoat had to re jig Pontefracts side particularly in the pack with stalwart Matt Hargreaves leading the way at number 8, Aitor Gonzalez going to prop,Hose, James Griffin, Martin Pashley, Hugo and Jonny Mathews making up the pack. Pontefract kicked off and won early ball for fly half Liam Kay to set up an early attack, Dinnington piled in at the breakdown of play and the home side were awarded a penalty. Matt Hargreaves took the quick one but was blatantly obstructed as he went through the gap into space. A further penalty gained ground but the ball disappointedly came loose to give the visitors a much needed respite. The game then swung Dinningtons way as Ponte could not streamline their possession. Dinnington having a long spell with the ball and the home side valiantly defending wave after of wave of attacks. Ponte were penalised for going in at the side of the ruck, Olly Williams kicking the penalty goal. 10 minutes on the clock. The game drew its breath after the opening frantic play from both sides. Dinnington starving the home side of much needed possession and on occasions Ponte were caught in two minds and spoiled their own play. Hooker Martin Pashley took the ball against the head 5 metres out and Liam Kay kicked to clear. Jonny Mathews was penalised and yellow carded for being off his feet when scrabbling for the ball and Dinnington made the most of the extra man. Wes Meese finding space to go in for the try. Olly Williams kicking the goal. Half time score 0-10. Pontefract had the upper hand in the scrums but initially we're not competitive in the line outs. The half breaks came but lacked sufficient support against a well organised and much fringing Dinnington defence. The visitors centre Olly Williams was a key player and scored an early try in the second half. Pontes Liam Kay and Rich Hossack got the play into the visitors 22 but again a loose ball allowed a pick up and a breakaway against the run of play allowed allowed Steve Thompson to score Dinningtons 3rd try. Pontefract now trailing by 22 points. Hose rallied the team under the posts and Pontefract started to turn the game. The effervescent Jonny Mathews starting the fight back with an unstoppable try when he was fired through a gap in the defence from a perfect Liam Kay pass. Ian Mattison goaled 7-22. The visitors were yellow carded for a high tackle,scrum half Dan Wheater scurrying through the tiniest gap and raced over the the line for the try. Ian Mattison goaled. A further penalty card opened up the game as Pontefract consolidated their attack. Ben Dunn- Birch diving over for a try in the corner. Ian Mattison again kicking a most difficult conversion straight through the middle of the posts to get the extras. Pontefract had the game by the scruff of the neck but not yet won. Richard Hossack making the half break, weaving his way around the stretched defence and having the presence to hold up the ball and score under the posts. Mattison again kicking the goal 28-22. Dinnington were stung and aggressively played to gain the win from the restart but Pontes pack with prop James Griffin securing the ball into the contact. Matt Hargreaves guiding the closing plays and shepherding ball possession until the final whistle. Final score 28-22. Ian Mattison was man of the match for his overall strategic play at full back and his key and vitally important on the day goal kicking. A Stand out was hooker Martin Pashley. Mathews, Wheater, Dunn- Birch and Hossack scoring the all important try's by seizing the all important opportunities which turned the game around. Pontefract 2nds are at home this coming Saturday 16.04.16 against Moortown 2nds. Kick off 15.00 hrs. All welcome.