Dinnington RUFC 2nds v Pontefract RUFC 2nds

Match report, Dinnington RUFC 2nds v Pontefract RUFC 2nds, game played Saturday 28.01.17 at Dinnington, kick off 2.15pm. Pontefract 2nds dogged persistence payed off in a tough encounter against an able, combative, as expected Dinnington 2nds. The home sides big pack set the tone of the game and made the most of early possession , Pontefract were penalised for off side and quick play caught the visitors out, resulting in an early try from Dinningtons number 15 which was goaled. 7-0. Pontefract replied, keeping hold of their possession, Brodie Mathews again excelling in the line outs and number 8 Scott Hawkins and number 9 Matt Hargreaves holding together the pack against massive opposition. Dinnington were penalised at the breakdown, from an Andy Smith throw and Brodie Mathews take off the top, Dave Webb and Liam Hawkins set up the drive, the home side piled in to hold the play and Andy Coleman spotted the space to crash through for Pontes first try no goal. 7-5 . Both sides competed to try and get the upper hand but a high tackle count from both sides prevented a further score. Dinningtons forwards carrying the ball with confidence but the visitors always managed to produce the stop tackle. Fly half Kieron Tucker and the Coleman brothers to the fore in the middle of the field . Half time score 7-5. Ponte made an effort to reduce the unforced errors in the 2nd half to keep possession. Producing some 2nd and third phase rugby. A confident Harry Cartwright off loaded to the mobile Tad who brushed off the tackler to get into the clear. Excellent support play from winger George Smith, side stepping the final cover to score the try at a key point of the game. No goal 7-10. Ponte were in the lead but Dinnington were breathing down their necks. Again and again The visitors forced errors and made the tackles count. Kieron Tucker kicked to touch and from the catch and drive the Ponte pack drove to the line, Matt Hargreaves controlling the effort, hooker Andy Smith went in low for the try but Dinnington swamped the effort but Smith put the ball back, Hargreaves pushed the ball out and the ever present Andy Coleman drove through the half gap to score the try and then kick the all important goal to stretch the score to 7-17. The weather changed to driving rain which had an immediate effect on the rugby. Dinnington gave away a penalty in front of the posts and Andy Coleman kicked the goal. Final score 7-20. A tough game for Ponte and a great overall team win. Tad was man of the match for his relentless effort throughout and playing at lock, great carries and turn overs. Andy Colemans two smash and grab try's alongside the goal kicks and new player George Smiths try won the game and made the hill too high to climb for the home side who kept up their determined play until the final whistle. Captain Scott Hawkins work rate was exemplary.Matt Hargreaves having his best game and pulling the strings. Dinnington holding the 1st half and Ponte the 2nd half. Pontefract 2nds are away to Sheffield Engineers Saturday 04.02.17. Ponte 2nds need to keep up the momentum