Hopkinson Storms over for winning touchdown

Pontefract U14's defended magnificently in a 14 - 12 win at Wetherby.
Playing up the slope and into a strong wind, the visitors were on the back foot for much of the first half. They showed great character and tackled excellently, with captain Renouf, Braddish and Hughes to the fore in a stop-start game in which the referee did not allow play to flow.

After soaking up all that Wetherby could throw at them, Pontefract broke the deadlock when the forwards set up the position for the backs to move the ball to Hopkinson who beat the cover to race away for a try which was then converted by Braddley. Wetherby replied with an unconverted try before half time.
Pontefract made the running at the start of the second half but Wetherby held out and then snatched the lead against the run of play when a forward crashed over the line from close range for a converted try to give them a 12 - 7 lead.

Pontefract upped their game to regain the ascendancy. Goldthorpe and the returning Knox drove the ball in strongly to set up an excellent attacking position. Quick handling saw saw the ever dangerous Hopkinson power over for an excellent try that Braddley improved with the conversion. Wetherby applied sustained pressure in the closing stages but they were unable to break Pontefracts rock solid defence. Final score Wetherby 12 - 14 Pontefract

It was another tremendous performance from Pontefract in difficult conditions. They visit Old Rishworthians this weekend.

AC