Pontefract 2XV 0 - 62 Wath 2XV

Wath 2XV travelled to Pontefract with the team on a good run and fielding a pretty strong side. There were some players who remembered the last visit 2 seasons ago for a friendly, when we were on the end of what could only be described as a stuffing. So a hard game was expected. Pontefract started brightly with a deft chip over the defence and were very close to scoring. From the 22 dropout they again gained possession and tried the same move, Wath were ready this time and defended well. With the ball in hand Wath started to drive for the opposition line, from a ruck 20m out Adam West picked up and drove over the line out wide. From then on the power of the forwards and skill of the backs launched attack after attack. Pontefracts players were falling off tackles regularly, when they had possession they got isolated and lost it. Debutant George Martin made some good runs and tackled well. The backrow of Max Reader, JP Waltier and Adam West were in control of the breakdown and also creating links to the backs. Tries continued to come from the incessant attacks, with Jason Cotton, Max Reader and George Martin scoring. After 25 minutes Adam West left the pitch with a shoulder issue, Lewis Hewitt came into the second row for his 2XV debut and Jason Cotton slipped seamlessly to number 8. The half time score was 0 – 30. Six tries zero conversions. In the second half the pattern of play continued, Wath attacking Ponte defending and getting scraps of possession. The backs now started to use the possession and move the ball out wide, both wingers made runs, Luke Harrison stepping on the dead ball line trying to get under the posts to give Sean Power an easier kick, he will not do that again I suspect. Sam Holt went in twice and Jordan Fleming scored as well as Jason Cotton, George Martin and Max Reader. 6 more tries in the second half. The efforts in defence to keep a clean sheet were exceptional, led by Rory Anderson at centre. Sean Power had not his best day kicking but slotted the last try for his only conversion, however his play making and defence made up for it. Final score 0 – 62. Max Reader picked up the Man of The match scoring 2 tries in a great performance.
Tries;
Adam West, Jason Cotton (3), Sam Holt (3), George Martin (2), Max Reader (2), Jordan Fleming.
Conversion; Sean Power