27/04/08 Pontefract u17s vs Barnsley u17s

Pontefract travelled to Heath Rugby Union Club to compete against Barnsley in this years vase final.
With heavy rain at the start, Pontefract had to dig deep as Barnsley applied early pressure, superb defence from Pontefract’s pack led by James Brownsword, Ben Morris, Mick Padget Jack Plant Tom Elmey, and Matt Dunnell kept the division four side at bay.
With the Barnsley half’s throwing up high ball Richard Hossack Pontefract’s fullback showed his excellent handling and positional kicking time after time in only his second outing in the fullback slot and continually thwarting the Barnsley attack.
Pontefract now started to make inroads into the Barnsley half with James Fox giving good ball to Chris Sant who was ever probing with some superb touchline kicks,
The Pontefract line –out was working well with Adam Rivers and the impressive Ben Morris taking good line ball or disrupting the Barnsley effort.
A loose ball from Barnsley, and kick through by James Fox saw Jacob Anderton gather and supply Ben Morris who drove to the line only to be held up
Pontefract were penalised in there own half for killing the ball and Barnsley opened the scoring with a penalty from twenty five metres. Both sides tried to dominate, but Pontefract’s backs were now coming into the game and good handling from Craig White, Nathan Spencer, Nathan Grace and James Armstrong constantly pressured Barnsley’s backs into errors.

Half time came, and the rain continued. Score 3-0.

Pontefract started the second half with Jack Clayton replacing James Armstrong due to illness. With Pontefract’s Coach Owen Peacock issuing his words of wisdom. Pontefract re-started in a higher gear with good rugby from both backs and forwards, Pontefract were now starting to take control, a passage of play saw Jack Clayton race over in the corner for Pontefract’s first score and with Chris Sant converting from the touchline Pontefract‘s double looked possible, having already been crowned champions by winning there 5 East league
Barnsley’s discipline was starting to fray and were punished with there first sin-bin.
Pontefract made substitutions with Dan Curtis coming on for Craig White.
Both sets of forwards were defending superbly, with the conditions worsening, and with play shifting from one side to the other. Barnsley where then penalised for again killing the ball and suffered there second sin-binning, Dan Curtis converted from thirty metres to give Pontefract a seven point lead with fourteen minutes to play. The Pontefract pack dug deeper and defended superbly, Ben Morris was sin-binned for (messing about) according to the official.
The fourteen men continued to keep out the Barnsley side forcing errors and ret-aining good ball possession, which in turn crowned another great team performance from all eighteen on duty.
No man of the match was awarded individually, but all Pontefract‘s players can be proud of there efforts in a very tough game against a very good side.

FINAL SCORE PONTEFRACT 10 BARNSLEY 3

6/4/08  Bradford & Bingley 7 Pontefract 38

Pontefract's season came back to life with this display against Bradford & Bingley in the Yorkshire vase semi-final, Pontefract dominated the early play and soon started to play there brand of open rugby, with  captain James Brownsword leading by example picking up and driving over from ten metres to open the scoring .

After good handling work from the backs  space was created  for utility pack man Adam Rivers to slide through to score a try converted by Chris Sant. After a good return kick by man of the match Richard Hossack playing his first game at full back applied pressure on the opposition causing them to fumble the ball on many occasions giving pontefract the possession they needed. The home side fought back but were met by big tackles from Nathen Spencer, Craig White , James Armstrong and the impressive Ben Morris. Strong  running from the pack saw Pontefract return with favour, and Mathew Dunnel and Michael Padget gaining good metres over the gain line ,with the ball then being spread through the back line towards Nathen Grace who  was tackled just short of the try-line. Pontefract started the second half ,as they finished the first  with Nathen Spencer bumping through to open up the scoring in the second half. The home team had a good spell of play and opened there account with a try under the posts this was converted and would be there only score of the game. Pontefract came straight back with substitue Jack Clayton crossing over in the corner ,but a swinging arm offence from Bradford's stand off on the half way-line saw the restart turn into a penalty to Ponetfact , a good touch finder from Chris Sant set up more continued pressure from Pontefract's forwards resulting in a final score 7-38. Pontefract will now play the winner of Malton & Norton V Barnsley or Baildon on the 20th April at Heath Rugby Union Club.

16/03/08 Mawden Park u17s vs Pontefract u17s

Pontefract’s unbeaten run came to an end at Darlington Mawden Park, in this National area semi-final with a rule change before kick off (NO BRIDGING AT RUCKS) and a penalty count of 20-10 along with some contentious refereeing decisions, after saying that Mawden Park where the better team on the day.
Pontefract started with a ten minute spell of defence, which ended with Mawdens first score under the posts and a successful conversion.
Pontefract made their first attack count with a quick tap and go from James Fox with the ball being shipped out through Chris Sant, Ben Dunn-Birch to James Armstrong who scored in the corner Chris Sant failed to convert. Ponte from the kick off drove and mauled there way towards Mawdens try line Jack Plant picked up from the base of a ruck and drove over, only for the referee to disallow the try for not grounding the ball.
Ben Morris, Mat Dunnell, Tom Barton, James Brownsword, continued to take the ball into Mawdens half with good defence from the Home side. Mawden used the rolling subs well, keeping the pack fresh, Ponte with only one forward in reserve did not have the same options. Half time 7-5
Chris Sant had to be led from the field after a clash of heads, and the re-shuffle saw Luke Czirok , change with Adam Rivers Craig White moved to centre and Mathew Hossack move to fly-half. Luke Czirok was mysteriously penalised and the resulting penalty saw Mawden score under the posts making the score 14-5.
From the kick off Mathew Hossack received the ball and sent Ben Dunn-Birch in to score 14-10 and Ponte were starting to gain some momentum strong running from Tom Elmey took Ponte back into Mawdens half, but continued penalties and handling errors allowed Mawden to gradually drive there way back into Ponte’s twenty two, and after some resolute defence Mawden scored wide out and now led 21-10, after the conversion.
With five minutes remaining Ponte’s Ben Dunn-Birch set of on an eighty metre run jinking his way past four Mawden defenders and planting the ball under the dot the try was converted leaving a final score 21-17.

Best for Pontefract Jack Plant, Tom Barton, Craig White and Ben Dunn-Birch.

Final Score Darlington Mawden Park 21 Pontefract 17

02-03-08 National Trophy Pontefract u17s vs. Waterloo u17s

Pontefract went into this game still unbeaten and relished the challenge from across the Pennines.
Pontefract started unusually slowly and soon found themselves mauled back into there own five metres, from the breakdown of the maul Ponte broke out with James Fox distributing good ball to Chris Sante who sent Ben Dunn-Birch and Jordan Plange on a superb run into Waterloo’s twenty two the Ponte forwards made quick ground led by James Brownsword Ben Morris and Jack Plant to re-cycle the ball and maintain attacking pressure, which resulted in Ben Dunn-Birch opening the scoring with a try in the corner, the strong wind made the touchline conversion impossible.
Both packs of forwards defended superbly, and the only other score of the first half came when Waterloo killed the ball and the resulting penalty was converted by Chris Sant whose constant line breaking and tactical kicking earned him the man of the match award.
Half Time 8-0
The second half came to life straight away Ponte were awarded a penalty, a quick tap saw Ben Morris drive forward and score under the posts, with Chris Sant converting to make the score 15-0 .
Ponte now started to dominate the game in both defence and attack ,good distribution from James Fox constantly threatened to set Ponte’s backs into there usual free flowing style of rugby . Big defence from James Brownsword again broke down the Waterloo attack, and with the ball quickly re-cycled the Ponte backs created an opening for Ben Dunn- Birch to score his second try, Chris Sant converted to make the score 22-0.
Pontefract where put under pressure through a series of penalties which culminated in Waterloo taking a tap and driving over from ten metres.
Pontefract had the final say in a hard fought match when Ben Morris broke the Waterloo defence to score his second try and Chris Sant converted to make a final score of 29-5.
Final Score 29-5

24-2-08 Yorkshire Vase Round 5 Beverley v Pontefract

Pontefract travelled to Beverley to compete in this 5 ^th round tie
On a perfect day for rugby Pontefract turned on the power straight from the kick off,
And after five minutes of sustained pressure from a dominant pack the ball was re-cycled Chris Sant delivering a perfect pass to Jordan Plange for him to open the scoring, and Chris Sant converted.
From Beverley’s kick off the ball was taken back into the Beverley twenty metre zone with drives from Mathew Dunnell, James Brownsword and Tom Elmey, quick handling from both backs and forwards saw Ben Dunn-Birch score with Sant converting.
A passage of complacent rugby from Pontefract saw Beverley score under the post’s making the score 7-14.
A good drive in midfield from Mick Paggett was driven on by the Ponte pack again good ball handling from the backs created the opening for Nathan Grace to score in the corner.
Again from Beverley’s kick off the ball was driven back from man of the match Adam Rivers, with Jacob Anderton in support, Chris Sante sent the ball along the backs for Jordan Plange to score his second try.
Matt Dunnell received the ball in his own twenty and set off on a blitzing run and an off load to Ben Dunn-birch to score the try. Making the score 7-31 at half time.
Substitutions at half time were Johnny fox for Luke Czirok and the returning Steve Wilson came on for try scorer Nathan Grace. Pontefract opened the second half with full back Nathan Spencer scoring a superb solo try. A mistake by the Beverley forwards in allowing James Armstrong to take a quick line-out to Nathan Spencer was taken advantage of with Spencer sprinting sixty metre’s off-loading in the tackle and re-collecting to score in the corner for a second try making the score 7-43.
Steve Wilson made two of his usual barnstorming drives taking the home side’s defence with him, his second resulting in a try under the posts. Matt Dunnell also broke the home side’s defence to score again in the last few minutes to make the final score 7-58

FINAL SCORE 7-58

Yorkshire vase round 4.

1 James Brownsword          7 Luke Czirok              13 Jordan Plange

2 Jacob Anderton                8 Tom Barton               14 Jack Clayton

3 Matt Dunnel                    9 Ollie Barker              15 Nathan Spencer

4 Tom Elmey                     10 Richard Hossack        16 Ben Morris

5 Jack Plant                       11 James Armstrong     17 James Fox

6 Adam Rivers                   12 Ben Dunn- Birch      18 Nathan Grace

Pontefract hosted Pocklington for the second time this season at Moor Lane
Pontefract winning the toss and playing into a strong wind, started well with positive forward play, from a ruck Ollie Barker brought into play his backs who then linked to put Ben Dunn-Birch clear and with Jack Clayton on his shoulder  provided an  early scoring chance which Jack clayton took scoring wide out,the conversion was missed. Within five minutes Pocklington had taken the lead scoring under the posts to lead 5-7.
Nathan Spencer was put under pressure with some high kicks catching a very strong wind, but returned the ball with credit, a smart offload to Jordan Plange saw the centre race 40 metres to be stopped by a last ditch tackle with in Pocklingtons 10 metre zone, smart work from flyhalf Richard Hossack switching to the blind side for Jack Plant to drive over . From the re-start James Armstrong gained good yards offloading to Ben Dunn-Birch to score Pontefact led 15-7 and never looked like losing the lead again.
A strong drive by Captain James Brownsword saw the ball recycled with Adam Rivers and Jacob Anderton bringing in Jack Clayton who scored again out wide making the score 20-7.
Jordan Plange made three excellent 40-50 metre breaks, only last ditch tackles by the Pocklington fullback prevented Pontefract extending there lead considerably.
Pontefract were now in control another drive from James Brownsword ,drove on by excellent binding from Jack Plant  and Tom Elmey saw the ball passed to Matt Dunnell who charged 30 metres to make the score 25-7 at half time.
Substitutions at halftime saw Ben Morris on for Tom Barton, James Fox on for Ollie Barker, Nathan Grace on for Jack Clayton.
The second half continued as the first ended with the points mounting firstly through Tom Elmey, and a quick try from Ben Dunn-Birch. Ben Dunn-Birch completed his scoring with a superb try started in his own 20metre
Luke Czirok picked up a loose ball fed to Richard Hossack who sent Ben Dunn-Birch on a 50 metre run, out-sprinting the Pocklington defence to score under the posts try converted making the score 40-7.
Pontefract now started to find some of the early season form that had been missing for the last 3 or 4 weeks, with James Brownsword leading the pack and forcing the opposition into panic rugby. Jack Plant continued to steal easy ball, the re-cycled ball flashed through six sets of hands to finish with Jordan Plange who scored under the posts.
Jordan Plange scored again after good handling from all the backs.
Next over was Jack Plant after good work from the base of a good scrum by Ben Morris, to make the score 53-7.
Pontefract then scored two tries in quick succession, the first scored by Nathan Grace after Ben Morris had kicked through, and the second after a good pick up and drive from James Brownsword saw Nathan Spencer break the line sprinting 40 metres to score under the posts and convert to make a final score of 66-7. Jordan Plange was named man of the match.
Final Score 66-7

27/01/08 Pontefract u17s v Malton and Norton u17s

Pontefract went into this re-arranged league fixture with an unbeaten record and new that a strong defence would secure a league winners position, Played at there closest rivals in the 5 East division Malton & Norton.

Pontefract started slowly and allowed malton to dominate possession resulting in the home side scoring out wide after 10 minuets even though the linesman had signalled that the player had gone into touch before grounding the ball. The Pontefract pack, lead by Captain James Brownsword, defended heroically. Malton continued to attack and scored again wide out and converted to lead the game by 12-0.
Pontefract's jack plant had a try disallowed the referee deciding the ball had not been grounded. Pontefract continued to squander chances by drop ball and taking the wrong options.
Half Time 12- 0
Ponte started the second half with man of the match jack Clayton returning the ball with suburb runs into the Malton defence. Which created the opening for the backs through Ben Dunn-birch James Armstrong and Craig white to offload to jack Clayton who opened Pontefract�s scoring, conversion was missed.
Pontefract made changes Johnny Fox on for Jacob Anderton, and Richard hossack took the place of jack Clayton. Pontefracts kicking game increased and the Malton side where put under immense pressure and finally put together  a stint of good rugby which came with some good link play that came between the backs culminating in Jordan plange scoring Pontefracts second try which was also converted.
 Pontefract then took control and Malton should have been reduced to 14 men after a blatant trip which the home side referee failed to punish the next passage of play saw Pontefract produce there normal attacking flare. With quick ball from a ruck from Tom Emly and Matthew Dunnel saw Tom Barton make good yards and off loads to James Fox who brought into play James Armstrong with a good pass to Ben Dunn-Birch saw him break the Malton defence, and score to the left of the post but unconverted which gave Ponte the lead for the first time in the match at 17-12
This victory made Pontefract the undefeated league 5 east champions.
Final Score 17- 12

13/01/08 PONTEFRACT u17s v BEVERLEY u17s

Pontefract started this second round cup match against Beverley, playing uphill and into a strong wind.

It took Pontefract only a few minutes to open the scoring Chris Sant scoring wide out; attempting to convert any try's proved almost impossible due to the strong wind.

Once the Beverly defence had been broken the inevitable high score commenced with quick try's from Jack Plant and James Armstrong, Pontefract's pack  was well led by captain James Brownsword, with strong defence also from Matt Dunnell Tom Barton and Tom Emly.

Nathan Spencer; Nathan Grace and Ben Dunn-Birch got on the score sheet with Dun-Birch scoring his hat trick.

In the second half the Pontefract squad seemed to take the foot off the pedal with Beverley having most of the possession bringing the game they lacked before hand to Pontefract. But strong defence all round stopped the opposition scoring. But Pontefract's lack of structure to there attacking game failed to be the force it was in the first half with returning scrum half James Fox making his impact scoring a try along with back row of Luke Czriock and Johnny fox scoring in the corner. The final score was 83- 0 to Pontefract, with man of the match being James Brownsword and Matthew Dunnel

Pontefract 83 Beverley 0.

11/11/07Pontefract u17s v Hull u17s Away

After observing a minutes silence by all present Pontefract started at full pace with acting captain James Brownsword moving to loose head prop, and driving his forwards on, the pressure soon took its toll when Jack Plant scored after five minutes.
Soon followed by a second try from Nathan Spencer both conversions were missed.
A good line call followed by a superb catch and drive led to Ben Dunn-Birch scoring
And converting his own try leaving a bewildered Hull side trailing 17-0 after less than Ten Minutes.
It took Ten Minutes for the first scrum and Pontefract's Luke Czirok picked up and set of on one of his trademark mazey run's that saw him score in the corner  making the score 22-0.
Pontefract secured a scrum against the head, Matt Dunnell Pontie's loose man raced over from 30 meters. Pontefracts next score came from superb inter passing between Dunn-Birch and Chris Sant, and Dunn-Birch scored his second try conversion missed.
Half-time 32-0
Pontefract continued with the same effort into the second half, the forwards continuing to battle for every ball, and providing sound ball for James Armstrong to unleash the try hungry back's. Dan Curtis was the next scorer supplied with superb ball from Chris Sant.
37-0 Pontefract's kicking boots were left at home.
Pontefract conceded a try after good defencive work 37-7.
Dunn-birch completed yet another hat trick, picking up a dropped ball from the now tiring Hull attack, and scored under the posts, this was converted by Sant.
A good all round team performance led by man of the match James Brownsword.
Final Score Pontefract 44 Hull7

21-10-07          Pontefract u17s v Malton u17s

 Pontefract hosted Malton in the battle of the undefeated. Two large packs locked horns and each tried to dominate there opposition.

Pontefract were put under pressure from the opening whistle, with Malton moving the ball well from forwards to backs, creating confusion in the Pontefract defence.
Pontefract conceded the first points allowing Malton to go over in the corner, the conversion was missed. This brought Pontefract into life with superb work from the forwards, creating the opportunity forJonny Fox to dive over from close range, converted by Sante. Brownsword and Plant were beginning to make inroads into the Malton defence with Dunnell and Emley in close support. Pontefract continued to create scoring chances but failed to control the ball. A string of penalties allowed Malton to score again.   Plant had a try ruled out for a supposed double movement.
The second period continued with improvement from Pontefract, forced substitutions  Rivers on for Dunnell, and debutant  Jack Clayton replacing tryscorer Fox.
Spencer Pontefract's fullback was brought more into the game as Malton's pressure finally told and Pontefract conceded another try and conversion.
 Pontefract started to apply more pressure and the Malton defence started to crumble superb back play from Curtis,Plange and Dunn-birch orchestrated by Sante, saw Dunn-birch score the first of his two tries, Malton surged back into attack and only resolute defence  stopped Pontefract going behind further, then  with seven minutes left  Dunn-birch scored his second try to give Pontefract a very hard fought victory, and to secure the man of the match tag for himself.

This game was a fantastic advert for junior rugby.

Final score Pontefract 21 Malton 17

14-10-07 Pontefract  v  Pocklington

After last weeks winning performance against Morley away it was the turn of Doncaster 2nds to visit Moor Lane and face a full strength Pontefract.
From the very first whistle this match looked evenly matched as both sides put in strong running and tackling. The packs were evenly matched in size and strength and it was clear that Pontefract would have to be at their best.
After 7 minutes Jordan Plange got on the end of turnover ball and ran through a gaping hole in the Doncaster defence which up until that time had remained strong and compact. This opened Pontefract's account and seemed to settle their nerves. A short while later, a well worked blindside move involving Ben Morris and Luke Xerok led to Pontefract's second. Despite going behind, Doncaster pressed hard and had many opportunities to cross the Pontefract line, but the determined defence of  Chris Sant, Tom Plant and in particular Nathan Grace thwarted their efforts. Indeed from one turnover ball close to the Pontefract line Jordan Plange sprinted the full length of the pitch to score his second and Pontefract's third try.
At the turnaround, Pontefract continued with greater confidence and soon had their fourth try with speedster, Ben Dunn-Birch,outpacing Doncaster's defence cutting a very acute line through. Unstoppable!
The final try was duly delivered by Nathan Spencer who had worked hard all match for his reward.  Doncaster's heads had gone down and so with them the chance of scoring any points. Man of the Match went jointly to Jordan Plange and Jack Plant .
Next week sees Pontefract's unbeaten team travel to Pocklington. Bring it on!

30/09/07 Pontefract u17s v Morley u17s

Pontefract took a depleted side to Morley, for this friendly fixture.
Playing on Morley's first team pitch, Pontefract started in top gear scoring in the first few minutes through Dunn-Birch, and converted by Chris Sante.
The Pontefract forwards led by skipper Brownsword were dominant in all the loose play.
Defence was excellent and attack was superb throughout the game, with superb performances from Barton, Rivers, Brownsword, Czirok and man of the match Johnny Fox capping a try scoring debut.
The backs continued with the confidence shown against Hull the previous week, Nathan Grace, and James Armstrong putting in a super performance on the left and right wings respectively. Barker playing at scrum half supplied Sante with plenty of ball who in turn prompted his backs into superb attacking play, Dunn- Birch completing another hat trick of tries showing his blistering pace.  Plange , Sante Spencer ,  and Czirok also crossing  for tries.
Final Score Pontefract 54 Morley 10