Match report Pontefract RUFC 2nd 15 v Hull Ionians RUFC 2nd 15

Match report Pontefract RUFC 2nd 15 v Hull Ionians RUFC 2nd 15, game played Saturday 15.09.18. at Moor Lane, kick off 3.0pm. Pontefract 2nds notched up their second win of the new season following a tough encounter with Hull Ionians 2nds. The visitors fielded a strong and competitive side who continually challenged and countered the resolve of the home side until the final whistle. From the kick off Pontefract grabbed the initiative but the Ionians held firm and the arm wrestle could have produced a score from either side. Pontefract's pack tried to get momentum but on occasions a fringing defence held up John Fradgley and Andy Fenton who pounded the gain line. The visitors made the most of their ball time, however once again Pontes team defence which was well led by Scott Hawkins and Billy Coleman negated the effort and even held up the ball carriers over the line. Home side winger Rob Smith received his share of the ball as the opposition kicked down the flanks. Broken play created the the opportunity for Pontefract. A kick through from the opposition half backs created loose ball, number 13 Charlie Hanson collected, chip kicked behind the defence, the ball popped up perfectly for him to re gather and race in for much needed try. No goal. Half time score 5-0.
Pontefract made the changes and the visitors renewed their vigour to remain competitive in such a tight game. The Ionians key players, numbers 9 ,7 and 4 started to punch holes in the home side defensive line. Full back Stu Dedicoat and flanker Leo Harrison having to put in some cover tackles to disrupt the attacking play. A request was made by the visitors for uncontested scrums and the complexion of the game changed as the Ionians enjoyed more unfettered ball possession. A string of home side penalties got the visitors into a good position to strike, and number 7 bundled his way over from the back of a scrum to score a determined try which was goaled. 5-7. Pontes forwards re grouped tackled more aggressively and started to get some go forward play. Andy Fenton, Kev Foster and Kyle Morley pushed on, scrum half Dan Wheater got quick ball and shipped on to fly half Kieron Tucker who put centre Ollie Jameson into space. Jameson made the half break pulled in the cover, winger Ben Jones took good ball and scootered down the outside to score the try and take the home side back in front with seven minutes remaining on the clock. Ponte played the tight game and pinned the visitors in their half. Ponte attacked again but the ball was smothered at the breakdown. A penalty goal kick was a good option but the ball was kicked out of play. Final score 10-7. A tight game, enjoyed by all and played in a good spirit. The result could have gone either way but Pontefract on the day just had the edge. A team win, standouts were try scorers Charlie Hanson, Ben Jones and the ever threatening Ollie Jameson.