Pontefract 2xv 10 Sandal 2xv 3

Pontefract 2xv 10 Sandal 2xv 3

"Let's do it for Kyle" was the shout as Pontefract produced their best performance of the season by beating table topping Sandal in atrocious conditions.
A much changed pack battled heroically against a lager and well drilled visitors pack, what Ponte lacked in size was made up for with stubborn tenacity and true Ponte grit.
Sandal, playing down the slope with the wind at their backs camped in the home 22 for long periods only to be constantly repelled by ferocious tacking from Steamer, Luke Banfield, Billy Coleman and Toby Field. In the storm Matty Hargreaves was a real menace disrupting everything around the scrum and ruck area.
With the forward route firmly closed the visitors went to their backs only to hit a brick wall led by Carr, Rasher and Wiggins.The tremendous defensive effort from the whole team reduced Sandal to a 0-3 lead at the interval.
The hosts used the elements to great effect as they lay siege to the visitors line.The smaller pack dominated the visitors scrum and drove forward with great purpose and determination at every opportunity. Sandals aggressive defence held on for 20 minutes before the sustained pressure finally produced a score. Tom Chester dived over in the corner after a succession of robust drives created an overlap that the backs efficiently executed to take the lead 5-3.
It wasn't a day for the faint hearted as a defiant Sandal purposely worked their way to threaten the home line only to be repelled by determined defence by Smith, Hawkins and Dedicoat. Pontefract weathered the storm and continued to batter the sandal line giving Danny Wheater the chance to scamper over at the side of the posts to extend the lead. 10-3. Carr couldn't master the blustery conditions to add the extras,
Sandal battled to the end but Pontefracts resilient defence held firm to register a well deserved victory that made a fitting tribute to the recently departed and much missed Kyle Morley.
A Brilliant all round performance but Steamer and Luke Banfield deserved special mention for a special effort.