9/9/06  Pontefract v  Keighley 

Pontefract commenced their Yorkshire one campaign with a high scoring win over opponents Keighley. Pontefract from the kick-off took the game to Keighley. Keighley strayed off-side and were attempting to slow the ball down to stay on terms.Initially the visitors managed to contain the home side, but one too many offsides tested the referee`s patience and prop Evan Griffin was yellow carded. From the penalty with eight minutes on the clock winger Michael Bateman went over in the corner, the conversion was missed. Pontefract`s front row of Dave Laverick, Andy Smith and Matt Williams dug in at the scrums to contain their opposite numbers weight advantage. Pontefract prop Dave Laverick broke through the defence making ground but was adjudged by the referee to be holding onto the ball in the tackle. Keighley converted from the resulting penalty with thirteen minutes gone. Keighley`s no7 was sin -binned, And Pontefract`s forwards created the next try with a drive to the line and Matt Williams crashed over for the try. Andy Dean converted. Mathew Cox for the visitors scored a second penalty.Pontefract`s line out possesion was a highlight and Lock Carl Smith rang the changes to good effect.Pontefract`s no 8 Derek Eves exploited the slow cover and made the break from the base of the Scrum opened up the defence and centre Tommy Archer raced forty metres to score the try in the corner.
Half time Pontefract 17 Keighley 6.
Lowery received from the lineout,  Smith, Eves, and Scott combined to set up the drive drawing in the flanks to leave Pontefract`s backs  to move the ball out to winger Bateman who scored the try, Dean converted. The home sides organised effort further diluted the visitors resolve. Lock`s Carl Smith and John Fradgely along with the back row made deep inroads into the Keighley half and opened up the flagging defence
the back row support put in Tommy Archer to score the try . Nick Dykes came on along with Andy Merkin and prop Richard Maw , who added fresh impetus.Archer went through the gap with full back Andy Spears on hand to complete the move and score the try under the posts. Andy Dean scored the conversion. Andy Merkin made the half break from a keighley offside ith winger Michael Bateman scoring his hattrick
and with Tommy Archer scoring the final try for his hattrick with Micheal Bateman scoring the goal.
 Pontefract 53 - Keighley 6

16/9/06 Malton & Norton  v  Pontefract
Table topping Pontefract produced a resolute performance against determined opposition to make it two wins from two in Yorkshire OneMichael Bateman`s third try  treble of the campaign was the feature of a fine victory over newly promoted Malton.Ponte punishedMaltons nervous start within three minutes, with winger Mathew Hargreaves going over in the corner after good support play from Lock John Fradgley, with Andy Dean converting. The visitors pack took the initiative and made good ground from third and fourth phase , when halves Rich Fletcher and Dean spotted the cover commited, switching the play wide paid off with Bateman`s first try of the game. Malton were heavily reliant on stand off Chris Crebber ,when Ponte`s backs over cooked the effort,the Aussie looped around to send in fellow countryman Cameron Madden at the corner. It Prompted Ponte to tighten their grip in the midfield, with John Lowery, Rich Scott and Derek Eves pestering Malton`s halves.   And on 25 minutes the lead was extended as centre Nick Dykes half break sent in the supporting No8 Eves crashing over. Dean`s conversion made the score 19-5.   The home side staged a big effort to keep in contention, particularly through there front �five , and the visitors front row of Dave Laverick, Andy Smith and Matt Williams had their hands full, as did full-back Simon Spears.   Malton finished the half on top but could not profit and when Lowery took clean line �out ball and Eaves drove up-field to isolate full-back Madden,  Bateman was in support for a try under the posts.  A touchdown in the corner cut the gap to 16 points but Ponte, with fly-half Dean producing some punishing kicks, were not to be denied.   Rich Taylor and hooker Andy Merkin added fresh legs off the bench before a Dean penalty and a third try for Bateman, who intercepted to race in from 40 metres, completed the scoring. Pontefract host Old Brod`s at Moor Lane on Saturday. The visitors   strengthened during the close season   with   former  rugby  league  pro  Jamie Bloem.

23/9/06  Pontefract v Old Brodleans 
Pontefract notched up a further win against newly promoted Old Brodleans in a closely fought game at  Moor Lane.Pontefract made an uncharacteristically sloppy start leading to early pressure from the visitor�s big forwards. It was clear from the outset that the rucks and mauls were going to be closely contested. This lead to the referee being quick to produce yellow cards as a result of infringements in this area. Brods Jackson and Pontes Taylor the first to have ten minutes respite. The game moved from one 22 to the other with both sides unable to retain position and possession. Hooker Andy Merkin picked out lock Carl Smith at line out which was pulled down, Ponte then losing possession from the subsequent penalty. Brods enjoyed an extended period of possession with Shaw at scrum half spreading the ball wide before darting over himself near the posts. Jamie Bloem converted to make the score 0-7 to the visitors. Pontefract responded immediately with Fletcher at Scrum half getting his forwards moving forward. Brods hooker Townend was the next for the sin bin after diving over to kill Ponte ball, deserving of his subsequent yellow card. The following scrum led to Pontes first score from player coach and number 8 Derek Eves on 31 minutes. Andy Dean levelled the scores 7 apiece with his neat conversion. With Andy Dean spinning the ball wide Tim Williamson�s half break lead to a further penalty to Ponte for offside. Dean took the three points, which was quickly countered by a Bloem penalty at the other end for a 10-10 half time score. After the break Fradgely, Scott, Lowery and Smith all made good yards for Ponte leading to another penalty for offside. Matt Hargreaves quick tap penalty lead to another infringement this time in kicking range. Dean took advantage making it 13-10 to the home side. Bloem at outside half for Brods kicked for territory in the second half with the wind behind him. The game moved from backwards and forwards with Ponte always seeming to have the upper hand.  Replacements for Ponte were Matt Williams and Andy Smith at Prop and hooker, a late replacement saw Thorpe taking the place of Tim Williamson at centre. Carl Smith was very obviously pulled down at an attacking line out leading to the final penalty points by Dean. Some late pressure was applied by Brods with Spears pulling off a fine try saving tackle in his own 22.The game petered out with Pontefract controlling the match in Brods   Territory but not able to kill the game with the final score 16-10 to the home side.
 Pontefract 16 v Old Brod`s 10 

30/9/06 Pontefract v  York

Pontefract�s continued improvement under head coach Derek Eves allied to good team spirit gave them a platform from which to gain an important  victory over fellow league contenders York Both teams had early opportunities from penalty kicks, York narrowly missing and Pontefract opting to kick for position. York �s heavier pack withheld the home teams efforts as they relentlessly attacked the gain line. A turnover and succession of errors gave York the opportunity at attack and Yorkscrum half Arkle darted over for the score after seven minutes of play McClure converted to give the visitors a 7 point lead. Simon Spears running hard from full back returned a Yorkkick for territory a full fifty metres to put Pontefract back on attack. Good work from stand off Dean lead to interchanges between Nick Dykes, Derek Eves and Jonny Lowery to put Spears in the open for a well taken try from distance. Dean�s conversion levelled the scores.The Pontefract front row of Maw, Smith and Laverick worked manfully to subdue the heavier York front row, Matt Williams and Carl Smith carried the ball well to take the pack forward. Pressure from the forwards led to a further penalty for holding onto the ball, Dean adding the 3 points to give Ponte the lead 10-7. Good line out ball from Carl Smith driven hard by the forwards to suck in the York defence gave Eves the opportunity to put scrum half Richard Fletcher over near the posts unchallenged. Dean�s goal gave the home side a 17-7 half time advantage. York began the second half brightly testing the home defence, Matt Hargreaves tackling well on the flanks. Again errors from the home side whilst trying to force play gave York a chance out wide for a try converted by McClure giving Yorktheir final points.The home side were gaining an upper hand at this stage with superior fitness a factor. Fletcher moving the ball well from scrum half allowed Fradgely, Lowery and Eves to create space for Spears at pace from full back. Spears timed his pass perfectly to winger Bateman who finished in style. Substitute Tim Williamson missed the conversion leaving the score at 25-14 to Ponte.Spears, archer and Williamson created further opportunities and Bateman finished the scoring stepping inside the cover and crashing over near the corner.
Pontefract 30 v York 14.

7/10/06 Sandal v Pontefract 
There have only been two games between these two local rivals in the past 12 yrs. Pontefract were victorious in 2004, Sandal won in 1994. In this first league game between the two sides Pontefract continued they�re impressive start to the season with a comfortable away win to stay top of the table and unbeaten.Pontefract made a number of changes with Rich Taylor in at prop, Rich Scott making a welcome return at open side and Dave Thorpe appearing at outside half. The game started at a fast pace with Pontefract moving repeatedly through the phases to put Sandal on the back foot. Sandal dug in manfully and weathered the initial storm, but after seven minutes half the three quarters ventured offside to prevent a certain try. Nev Bateman on rare kicking duty kicked the ensuing penalty. Sandal then conceded a further penalty for killing the ball as Pontefract pressed. Dave Thorpe gained field position with a fine touch kick. From the resulting line out lock Carl Smith secured excellent line out ball, which the pack drove over for the try. Bateman added the extra points for the conversion.Pontefract�s enthusiasm gifted a penalty to the home side, which was goaled by fly half Tom Smith. Making the score Sandal 3 Pontefract 10.Pontefract scored a second try on 26 minutes with Rich Taylor, Jon Lowery and Matt Williams sucking in defenders to leave space for Simon Spears to race in for the first of his 3 tries. Bateman added the conversion.Pontefract�s set piece improved from previous weeks with Laverick, Taylor and particularly Andy Smith doing well in the front row exchanges. Smith�s line out work also stood out.Sandal had a second penalty by Smith after lose work at a maul by the Pontefract forwards. Pontefract came straight back at the home side and gained a penalty after Nick Dykes made a determined run. Lowery took the ball off the top from the resulting attacking line out, quick hands by Fletcher, Thorpe and Archer gave the opening for Spears to glide over for his second score. The missed conversion left the home side adrift at 6 � 22.Pontefract took their foot of the pedal and allowed the home side to come back into the game. Poor tackling allowed the half break and the home side scored to make the half time score 13-22.Pontefract always looked to have something to spare in the second half and were soon attacking in earnest. Determined work from Jon Lowery allowed Fletcher to release Matt Hargreaves who drew the cover before handing on to Spears to score his hat trick. Bateman missed the conversion attempt.Sandal never gave in and an unforced error from Pontefract gave lock John Livesy the chance to drive over from short range.A final penalty from Bateman completed the scoring.
 Sandal 18 Pontefract 35

14/10/06 Pontefract v Scarboro 
In perfect conditions at Moor Lane Pontefract continued winning ways against bottom of the league Scarboro. In an entertaining but somewhat disjointed game the home side never looked like losing but also struggled to dominate proceedings.The home pack was given a difficult time by their opposite numbers particularly at set pieces. An early shoulder injury to prop Rich Taylor impacted heavily on the home scrummage, Taylor manfully struggling on until after half time.The visitors had several players sin binned for repeated infringements at the ruck and could easily have had more sidelined for similar offences. The frequent penalties did nothing to aid any continuity from either side.Scarboro scored the first points for an early penalty at the ruck for holding on quickly negated by Andy Dean for the home side for a similar offence. Scarboro were denied the lead when a further penalty attempt hit the upright.Andy Dean having his best game this season then made an excellent break from half way before switching the ball inside to the ever present terrier like Fletcher to romp over near the posts. Dean goaled to give the home side a clear advantage.After the break an excellent midfield move from the visitors saw a converted try under the posts put them right back in the game. A well worked ball in their home twenty two by Jonny Lowery and Tommy Archer then gave Dave Thorpe the opportunity to scamper 60 metres before handing on to flying winger Simon Spears for the best try of the match. From here Pontefract never looked liked they were in trouble and were guilty of complacency allowing Scarboro into the game to score a penalty try for collapsing at the scrum.Second half replacements for Ponte were Fradgley, Hargreaves and returning from long standing injury Nick Vaughn Pontefract scored further tries from Dykes and the prolific Bateman to wrap up the game. Scarboro will certainly progress up the table with displays of this nature.
 Pontefract 35  Scarborough 24. 

21/10/06 Wheatley Hills V Pontefract
On a perfect day for rugby on a pristine pitch Pontefract had hoped to impose there free flowing brand of rugby on the home side. Wheatley with their usual vigour and doggedness had other ideas and made the table toppers work every inch of the way for victory.Pontefract had first use of the slope, wind and sun pressurising the home side into repeated penalties in a disjointed first half. After the sin binning of their young prop prior to half time Pontefract took advantage, Andy Smith scoring in the corner after good mauling from an attacking line out. Andy Dean tagged the conversion added to two penalty goals to make the half time score 13-3. The repeated stoppages for unforced knock ons from both teams and frequent infringements provided poor entertainment. Both teams had a player sin binned before half time for foul play.The second half followed a similar pattern. Wheatley worked hard and edged the half 15-10. The best try of the half was an excellent solo effort from Simon Spears from 40 yards after Tim Williamson handed on after a neat side step to give Spears room on the outside to manoeuvre.Wheatley�s best work was reserved for the final 10 minutes with Pontefract down to 14 after Derek Eves was sin binned. Pontefract were never behind and always looked like winners.
Best for Pontefract were Spears and Williamson behind the scrum, Scott at open side and Richard Maw making a welcome return in the front row.
 Pontefract 23 Wheatley Hills 18

28/10/06 Pontefract V Sale FC
Meeting Sale FC for the first time in the EDF Senior Vase competition 2nd round Pontefract continued their unbeaten start to the season. On a perfect autumn day both sides played expansive and ambitious rugby which was not reflected in the final score line. Sale who play in the Lancs./Cheshire league one have enjoyed a reasonable start to the season remaining unbeaten at home. Standing 5th in their league this tie was always going to be a difficult fixture for the home side.Pontefract started well and failed to take advantage of two early penalties in front of the posts. The option to run instead of taking three points proved misguided when the Sale defence held out on both occasions. This was a sign of things to come with the defence on both sides dominating. With half backs Fletcher and Dean demanding quick ball Pontefract repeatedly ran the ball well especially from deep through graceful full back Simon Spears. Several times the home side were denied short of the try line with Spears, Thorpe, Williamson and Archer all denied reasonable chances through good defensive work from the visitors.Matt Hargreaves was an early casualty, leaving the field on 15 minutes with a dead leg. Michael Bateman was the replacement and having the clubs leading scorer returning after injury hardly weakened the home side.First score to Pontefract came via Spears. Nick Vaughn and Rich Scott supplied quick ball from a drive by Dean, once Spears had the ball with 5 metres spare to the touchline a score was inevitable. Spears was denied a further first half score by a superb chase back by one of the Sale speedsters. Despite a regular tidy supply of ball from the forwards the only other score in the first half was a penalty to the visitors leaving the score at Half time 5-3
The second half followed a similar pattern. Pontefract definitely had territorial advantage but failed to get the early score required to open up the game.Pontefract scored an excellent try from a set piece move when number 8 Eves peeled round the front taking a well caught ball from Carl Smith and diving over in the corner. The failed conversion left the game open. Matt Williams then had a disallowed effort for a double movement before Dean closed the game with a well-taken penalty. A late score by Christian Lilley gave Sale the final say in entertaining game played in excellent spirit by both teams.Best for Pontefract were Nick Vaughn Eves and Scott up front, Dean and Williamson combined well and Spears was outstanding. 
Pontefract 13  Sale FC 8

4/11/06 Pontefract v Bradford Salem
  On another perfect Autumn Saturday conditions at Moor Lane could not have been better for this top of the table clash. Many thought that  Salem were the best team we faced last year and a keen contest was anticipated. Pontefract had several changes due to injury including influential coach Derek Eves who 'benched' due to a knee problem.  From the start it was obvious that Salemwere employing a rush defence  which proved to be hard to breach throughout the game. An early  infringement by the visitors for stretching the offside rules in their eagerness to defend gave an opportunity for Pontefract. The subsequent move was spoiled by crossing and the impetus was lost.  Salemwere quickly on the attack with a well worked try by Chris Luxton from a neat Paul Drake grubber kick. A feature of the match was the tactical kicking of the visitors, which was much smarter than that of the home side. Booth for Salem added a penalty goal for a scrum infringement before Ponte hit back with a well taken try by Simon Spears after a good drive by centre Nick Dykes (an early replacement for Archer who took a knock to his shoulder). Dykes repeatedly took the ball forward over the advantage line after his introduction. The Ponte lineout was working well with Smith and Jonny Lowerey providing quality ball from Andy Smith accurate throws. The visitors were heavily penalised in the first period for killing the ball, (eventually suffering 3 sin binnings for similar offences).To their credit they defended superbly and went in 13-18 at half time after a well-worked forward try goaled by Booth. (a knock on was unfortunately missed as the referee was unsighted) After half time it was Pontes turn and the second half was dominated by the home side. Thorpe and Spears returned the defensive kicks with interest and the forwards piled on the pressure. Salem managed to nudge further ahead with neat drop goal by Booth well engineered positional by his forwards. Ponte hurled themselves forward and Dean closed the gap with a  penalty. With their first defeat of the campaign looming Eves joined the fray to steady things. From a well worked mid -field drive Andy Dean placed a pinpoint kick wide for the flying Nev Bateman to collect and scorch over in the corner. Dean missed the conversion and the score was level at 21 each.Dean had a last gasp penalty to win the match which fell short leaving the game tied on full time.
Pontefract 21  Bradford Salem 21

11/11/06 Bridlington v Pontefract

Pontefract suffered their first defeat of the season Dukes   Park to traditionally difficult opponents Bridlington. The weather conditions conspired to make playing open rugby as difficult as possible with driving wind and rain arriving as the game began.Late withdrawals due to injury of captain Nick Vaughn in the back row and outstanding scrum half Rich Fletcher disrupted preparations. Vaughn in particular may be missing for a considerable peroiod with a recuurence of a shoulder injury. Rich Scott instead of earning a rest from action returned to the back row and Dave Thorpe deputised out of position for Fletcher. Brid were first on the score sheet with a penalty from stand off Muru reliable as ever at stand off. Ponte tried to play the ball too much in the early stages whilst the home side played with the conditions much better. A missed tackle gave Brid the opportunity to score the first try converted by Muru to give them a 10-0 advantage at half time. The first half was spoiled by the weather, which dominated proceedings.Pontefract made a gritty start to the second half with good efforts by Spears and Thorpe driving on the visitor�s forwards. Townend got over the line for the visitors but failed to ground in the soft conditions. Matt Hargreaves scored first to put Ponte back in the hunt with an unconverted effort.  Not to be denied the forwards ploughed on with Richard Maw to the fore. Eves picked up from a scrum and good support from Fradgely created space for Dean to put Bateman over in the corner, not surprisingly the attempt at goal was missed. With Carl Smith starting to supply good lineout ball Pontefract began to dominate the game but came unstuck with a Spears kick into the wind held up and returned with interest by Brid before second row Alan Tupaea supporting well scored the try. The missed conversion left the score at 15-10 in the last quarter.The last ten minutes was all Ponte but the conditions and a lack of composure led to a lack of continuity and the score remained unchanged.Bridlington had the best of the first half, Ponte the second. No complaints from the visitors who will look to reverse the score line when Bridlington visit Moor Lane on December 16th.
Bridlington 15 Pontefract 10

17/11/06 Pontefract v West Leeds 
In the 3rd round of the Vase competition Pontefract played hosts to West Leeds from Yorkshire 2. After a disappointing display at Bridlington the week previous Ponte were looking to impose their game on unknown opponents. A fine sunny afternoon at Moor Lane provided ideal conditions for a fast open game of rugby. A relatively small crowd witnessed a one sided affair with the visitors failing to bother the scorers. This was not a reflection of their effort and credit must go to the young and apparently inexperienced West Park team who genuinely tried to the very end. With several first team regulars missing Park struggled to contain the home sides expansive brand of rugby. Pontefract shook off the shackles of the intensity of league rugby and simply ran the ball from everywhere. With excellent support play to keep the ball alive there was a steady and continuous stream of tries from every possible area of the field. Spears as ever looked graceful and deadly with ball in hand, his haul of five tries could easily have been doubled. Matty Hargreaves making a welcome return replacing injured top try scorer Nev Bateman was his elusive best picking up three scores. Prop Dave Laverick will rarely run as far with ball in hand as he did for his 45-metre effort, but the pick of the scores had to be that of veteran second row Dave Brady. Derek Eves made an excellent break in centerfield, (one of many) but didn�t have the legs to go 50 metres. Judging his offload to absolute perfection he handed on to the supporting Brady to gallop over under the posts. The combined ages of both players involved in the move provided a vintage moment for the home supporters.
Best for the home side on a day when every pass seemed to stick were Spears, Hargreaves, and Eves. Once again credit where it is due to the visitors for sticking to their task to the end in difficult circumstances. Pontefract return to league action next week against Huddersfield YMCA and will be looking to up the intensity and effort to keep up the unbeaten home record this season.
 Pontefract 75 West Park 0 

25/11/06 Pontefract V Huddersfield 
Pontefract maintained their unbeaten home run in a game marred by the on field conditions. Heavy overnight rain turned the Moor Lane pitch into a gluepot, which negated any chance of free flowing and open rugby. Huddersfield provided gritty opposition and probably consider them selves unlucky not to have a share of the spoils. The visitors started well and took an early lead with a try from Number 8 Mark Eastwood converted by fly half Chris Cowling. Pontefract looked to get straight back into things but every attempt to run the ball was spoiled by dropped passes or a failure to retain the ball in contact. A string of penalties against the visitors for hands in at the breakdown and entering the mauls from the side should really have culminated in a yellow card. The referee displayed some leniency and this perhaps led to some friction between both teams. From a scrum five Derek Eves slid over, Dean�s conversion levelled the score. With Pontefract failing to secure good ball at the line the first half degenerated into an arm wrestle dominated by the conditions. Pontefract moved further ahead with a class try from scrum half Rich Fletcher. Eves picked up deftly at the back of a five-metre scrum and drew the defence before timing his pass to perfection. This was the final score of the half with Pontefract turning around 12-7 in front. The second half was disappointing from the spectator�s point of view with poor kicking being the order of the day. Stuart Morton on the Huddersfield flank scored the pick of the days tries after scorching along the only piece of reasonable ground on the far touchline to score in the corner. No conversion left the scores tied. Simon Spears was injured making the tackle and was forced to leave the field. Pontefract took the points with a converted penalty by Dean after a period of sustained pressure. Two late yellow cards for the visitors left them unable to make any impression although a late long-range penalty chance was kicked for touch rather than at goal. The oppositions scrumhalf was given a yellow card for running into a maul and throwing a punch. A less lenient referee would probably have given a straight red and his lack of discipline did nothing for his teams efforts.
A win for the home side in a generally poor game
Pontefract 15  Huddersfield 12

2/12/06 Pontefract v Ilkley

Pontefract travelled to Ilkley looking to improve on their recent poor away form. Lacking two key figures in coach Derek Eves along with top try scorer and  stand in skipper Simon Spears responsibility for leadership was a key factor in this latest defeat.From the kick off Ponte looked disjointed and lethargic. The Dalesmen looked exactly the opposite and well up for the contest. An early attack repulsed by good forward defence led to an early chance to break out for the visitors. A poor pass to nowhere gifted the home side five points with two minutes on the clock. It was a lead that never really looked like being threatened.Hooker Andy Smith had the best of the scrummages winning an early ball against the head. This lead to a period of pressure from Ponte resulting in a string of penalties. Failure to take the points allowed the home side to dig in and eventually regain possession to clear the threat.Ilkley played the conditions better than the visitors repeatedly kicking for position to good effect. The heavy conditions were not helpful for Pontes open running style and the home side capitalised by piling numbers in at rucks and mauls further stifling the game.A penalty for holding on in the tackle allowed a converted penalty to give the home side an 8-0 half time lead. Dour fare for the spectators.In the second half both teams infringed with regular monotony at the breakdowns. Ilkley managed to break the shackles with a good passage of open back play to cross in the corner for an unconverted try. Pontefract�s only points then came from Dean with a penalty for diving in on the ball. There was only one winner on the day with a long kick sticking in the mud and Ponte unable to clear their line. Quick turnover benefited the home team who scored a further unconverted try. A disappointing display from Ponte full of errors and direction. Credit to Ilkley for their determination and taking their chances.
Pontefract 3 Ilkley 18

9/12/06 Pontefract v Kirby Lonsdale (EDF Vase )
Pontefract progressed in the EDF Vase competition after an entertaining and robust match at Moor Lane. Kirby Lonsdale were unknown adversaries from the North Lancs. One division where they are league leaders. Both sides played the same brand of rugby attempting to run the ball at every opportunity and quick ball the order of the day. Although the weather conditions were good, conditions underfoot remained slippy with the pitch very wet.
From the kick off the ball squirted around in the mud and gave an indication of problems to come for both sets of players. Both teams adapted well and the match wasn�t spoiled by unforced errors. Early scrummages went Pontefract�s way with the front row of Rich Taylor, Andy Merkin and Dave Laverick putting the opposition under pressure.  The early pressure culminated in an attacking five metre scrum Derek Eves worked his magic to put Richard Fletcher in unopposed. A similar try to Fletchers last effort showing the growing understanding between the two players. Dean missed the difficult conversion. Kirby were straight back into the game with aggressive intent from the kick off. The opposition stand off for some reason saw fit however to continually kick away possession to the corners. A period of Kirby pressure led to an offside penalty gifting the visitor�s three points.
Tim Williamson had a personal dual all afternoon with his opposite number Barton and it took a good cover tackle on him from Jonny Lowerey to prevent a try after a break at outside half. One of the few occasions Williamson wasn�t on hand to nail his opposite number. Derek Eves then made an excellent break before handing on to Andy Dean. The supporting Simon Spears looked certain to score but his pace was blunted by the sticky ground allowing a good tackle by his opposite number to stop him in his tracks. A penalty for handling at the resultant ruck was kicked by Dean to give the home side an 8-3 advantage. From this point the home side never looked like being beaten. Immediately from the kick off Pontefract applied the pressure and hands in the ruck led to a yellow for the visitors Blind side Simon Dowker. The reliable Dean took the 3 points. With Matt Hargreaves and Nick Cooper stranded like flies on sticky paper the game became a midfield arm wrestle. With Eves in the side it was only a matter of time before a gap appeared around the fringes for him to stride over for a typical personal try. Half time Ponte 21- Kirby Lonsdale 3.
The second half was a more even contest with the home side taking their foot of the pedal. This allowed the visitors to enjoy some decent passages of play. Resolute defence prevented any score however and against the run of play Dean made a break before handing on to Williamson to stroll over. A late effort by the visitor�s winger completed the scoring.
Best for Pontefract were Eves, Fletcher, Fradgely and the front row. Credit to the visitors who played an attractive style of rugby and never gave up enjoying the last word.
Pontefract 26 v Kirby Lonsdale 8

16/12/06 Pontefract v Bridlington 
In their final league game of 2006 Pontefract were looking for revenge on traditionally difficult opponents who inflicted the first loss of the campaign in the away fixture. A win would also secure top spot at the turn of the year.Pontefract produced a robust display which more than matched the visitors usual aggressive and in your face style of rugby. The very first scrum was a benchmark with the big Brid 8 putting on the pressure. Pontefract held the shove and then nudged the scrum backwards laying down their own marker.
The heavy conditions and resultant greasy ball did nothing to help free flowing rugby. There was no doubt from the start this was not going to be a high scoring game. A missed touch kick from Tim Williamson was returned by Brid and a loose passage of play in their own 22 led to turnover ball for Brid to score in the corner. The conversion was missed but after only 4 minutes the visitors had the advantage.
Great work from the Pontefract pack put the visitors on the back foot leading to a penalty attempt for Dean, which went wide. With the whole side putting the effort in to stop Brid capitalising on the early score Pontefract were not to be denied however. Nick Cooper found touch from a penalty setting up an attacking line out well won by Carl Smith. Scrum half Fletcher directed his forwards in the drive for the line enabling Derek Eves to peel off and score the try. Dean missed with the conversion.
Brid number 8 Richardson was yellow carded for persistent infringement. Unfortunately Richard Fletcher then received the same punishment for showing his frustration at the visitors slowing the ball at the rucks. A further attempt at goal by Nick Cooper failed in the greasy and difficult conditions. Brid scrum half Bargh was then yellow carded for a stamping offence.
Simon Spears left the field and Nick Cooper moved to full back, Hargreaves was introduced on the wing but in fairness these two quick and elusive players were not to have any impact in the conditions underfoot. With the Ponte back row of Eves, Scott and Lowerey to the fore Pontefract deserved to score before half time but frustratingly didn�t manage the breakthrough. Half time 5-5
Pontefract started the second half brightly with a couple of good drives from Rich Maw and the consistent Matt Williams but a couple of penalties saw them defending their own line. A Brid knock on led to a solid Ponte scrum, which allowed Nick Cooper to clear the threat.A midfield break from Nick Dykes well supported by Williamson and Brid coming offside thwarted Dean. Dean took the three points with aplomb for the final score.
The home side who should have scored more points to consolidate the win dominated the last ten minutes.
Best for Pontefract were the entire pack for a sterling effort.
Pontefract 8 Bridlington 5

23/12/06 Pontefract v Knottingley (York�s Shield Round 2)
This second round game in the Yorkshire shield eventually got underway after numerous delays. It seems a considerable period of time since Pontefract played Knottingley in a proper competitive game.
Pontefract made a number of changes resting key players and due to the inevitable injuries at this stage of the season. With conditions very sticky underfoot the game was dominated by the forwards and was not much of a spectacle for the spectators. Nonetheless with Knottingley putting in a sterling effort the home side had to work hard to get the win.
Knottingley kicked off and there was no advantage to either side on a still cold winter afternoon, with the floodlights on from the start. Pontefract started well and James Parry had a couple of early runs at his opposite number making good yards. A couple of high tackles on Parry in the first half went unpunished but Knottingley had one player sin binned for continual hands in at the ruck.
First score to Pontefract came from Tim Williamson who was put into a huge gap by Andy Dean who tagged on the conversion. The continual kicking at stand off by Stanifield wasted any ball that Knottingley had. The forwards were working well however and Lowerey, Eves and Fradgeley in the back row all had to work hard defensively.
A further score from Spears from a well-worked scrum inevitably well engineered by Derek Eves picking and supplying Fletcher with time and space put the home side well clear. Dean added the goal and from here on the home side never looked like being beaten. Half time Pontefract 14-Knottingley 0
After the break Knottingley stuck aggressively to their task and the home side were guilty of taking their foot of the pedal. The home side were camped for a long period in their own half but the visitors struggled to breach the defence. Knottingley then had a player sent off after a seriously high shot on James Parry. A flurry of punches was subsequently exchanged before the red card was issued. The resulting penalty was goaled by Dean.
 Despite this set back Knottingley fought back and got just rewards with a well taken try from an attacking scrum for the final points of the game. A typical hard fought local derby dominated by the forward tussle.
 Pontefract 17 Knottingley 5