Pontefract fall short in an exciting game

Pontefract under 14s welcomed Leeds side Roundhegians to Moor Lane, where the home side showed some true grit in a very competitive game . Right from the start Pontefract from themselves under pressure where Roundhegians went through the phases to give themselves great field position, then it was fantastic handling across the back line for the winger to score in the corner. Then only 8 minutes later they crossed the line once again extending their lead to 0-10 to the visitors. Pontefract struggled to get to the pace of the game not matching the speed and power of the opponents but Pontefract then burst into life challenging more for the ball which gaining more possession, it was Longstaff's vision that produced Pontefract's first chance with a cross field kick where Alfie Abbot was just inches away from collecting over the line. The next phase proved to be more fruitful where centre Ben Mason crashed through a number of tackles two score in the corner. Just as Pontefract got back into the game Roundhegians found their stride once again scoring 2 tries and a conversion before halftime, leaving Pontefract in a very uncomfortable position being 5-22 behind.
The score didn't reflect the efforts of Pontefract but as the second half began there was renewed vigour in the their play and it wasn't long before second row Alex Wilson showed his raw power to cut through the defence to crash over, Ethan Grant add added the conversion closing the deficit to 10 points, but this wasn't to last long as once again Roundhegians winger broke clear to score. Marshall Brown, Jamie Jex and Ben Mason showed that Pontefract defence wasn't going to leak anymore points pressurising the visitors inflicting some thunderous tackles to the point where penalties started to come Pontefract's way and it was the quick thinking of Jex with a quick tap catching the defence off guard to force his way over the line, Grant converted giving Pontefract a sniff of victory. More pressure came through the boot of Longstaff and strong ball carrying from Tom Webley helping Mason break away putting Abbot clear to race over in the corner. Time ran out for Pontefract and the score remained 24-27 to the visitors, in a game that was thoroughly entertaining. Kier Woodfield was the unsung hero of the day with his tireless work in the ruck, strong tackling and direct running made him Pontefract's man of the match.