Pontefract away to Old Brods

Right from the first whistle Pontefract were on the back foot. Old Brods were finding gaps in the Pontefract's defence , their control of the ball made Pontefract work hard in defence but the shear power of some of the carries left Pontefract inevitably wanting. Some determined tackling from Will Smith and Captain Jamie Jex stopped almost certain tries. With the loss of Louis Wan to injury it allowed Tom Webley to move into the front row showing some good scrummaging skills to compete with a much heavier pack. Kier Woodfield and Quinn Haigh made up the rest of the front row and they all battled hard. For Quinn it was his Pontefract debut and he gave a great account of himself tackling very hard. It was into the second half when Pontefract started to win some good quality ball with second row partners Brown and Fairburn competing more aggressively, eventually it allowed Pontefract to build up some pressure with a cheeky chip over the top of Old Brods by Jude Longstaff to allow Alfie Abbott to touch down unfortunately Ethan Grant was unable to add the conversion. Pontefract's work rate had stepped up and opportunities went begging, the final execution was going to be Pontefract's enemy but try as they may they would only cross once. In this half the defence was resolute and refused to be broken down. With some strong runs from Ben Mason, Zane Tam McMillan and Marks, tireless work from Bailey and Goodall Pontefract showed good team spirit. Will Smith and Woodfield again showed their defensive capabilities stopping Brods in their tracks and were the standout players on the day. In the final seconds pontefract defence was broken leaving them beaten but not disgraced. Positives from the game came in may way of discipline, the pressure in the tackle area earned Pontefract numerous penalties and a strong second half performance. On the whole this is a another step in their development and what they can aspire to.