Pontefract to strong for Rishworthians

Match report Sunday 26th April

This match was a hastily re-arranged fixture with Pontefract an unknown quantity proving to be a mature and skilful team.

The match started badly for Old Rishworthians. Despite initial good work from the home forwards, Pontefract's backs showed their speed and strength with the ball in hand and took play straight back into the Rishworthian's 22. Quick ball from a set piece saw the visitor's No 13 slice through Rishworthian's defence and over for a well worked try which was well converted. Unfortunately, with 5 minutes of the match gone, the home team lost their influential fly-half Ledgard with a serious ankle injury.

The reshuffled Rishworthian's team took the play straight back to the opposition and some sustained pressure saw a series of penalties against Pontefract with Kelly opting to kick as soon as Rishworthians were within distance. With the score at 3-7, Rishworthians were back in the match but Pontefract were strong at set pieces, excellent with the ball in hand and ran in two further tries in quick succession - each well worked moves from a set piece.

At 3-17 down the home team could have collapsed but instead they started to play better, more intelligent rugby, keeping the ball away from Pontefract's dangerous backs. They were helped by the withdrawal of Pontefract's big No 5 as Rishworthians started to dominate the forward play with good set pieces and excellent pick and drives in the loose. The last 10 minutes of the half were played in Pontefract's 22 and credit to the away team for keeping a determined Rishworthians pack at bay. The consistent pressure nearly paid off when Broadbent went over for a try but without the benefit of a video replay, the referee wasn't in a position to award the points.

Half Time: Rishworthians 3 - 17 Pontefract

The second half started as the first half had ended. Rishworthians took the game to Pontefract, dominated possession and kept the pressure on their opponents. Pontefract always looked dangerous especially their centres with the ball in hand but Old Rishworthian's did a good job of retaining the ball, forcing Pontefract into playing out of their own half. With the score still at 3-17 half way through the second half, Rishworthian's looked like they could turn the game around particularly after Pontefract had a player sin binned and another red carded for a trip.

Unfortunately for the home team, they couldn't turn the pressure into points and as they tired, Pontefract put together some good flowing moves and ran in three quick tries despite some last ditch tackling by Rishworthians. Collett stood out for an excellent try-saving tackle in the closing minutes but the game ended in disappointment for Rishworthians as Pontefract converted a penalty on the final whistle to extend their lead.

Full Time: Rishworthians 3 - 39 Pontefract

This weeks Man of the match was awarded to Joel Broadbent..

The under 15's Crossbar Challenge

Click here to view Pontefract website

Team
	1. Fowles	2. Mansell	3. Smart
6. Hope-Collins				7. Broadbent
	4. Brierley		5. Collett
		8. Seleznev
9. Cowey
	10. Ledgard
		12. Kelly P
			13. A Watkins
11. C Floyd				14. Bottomley
		15. J Porritt
Subs
	Oates	Hurst	Norvile

Number of visitors to this page

Old Rishworthian RUFC are Registered under the Industrial & Provident Societies Act 1965 No. 29834R