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West made it six wins on the spin in North Two East and after their fine effort earlier in the campaign further up the M62 at Old Crossleyans, West again proved they can tough it out in close contests.
West ran in three tries at Pontefract and conceded just one as they defended with determination in what Sawyer described as "an excellent performance".
The only black spot on a bright day was that Aspatria re-claimed first place by hammering York, but West entertain the Cumbrian team this Saturday.
West began well at Moor Lane with a try on five minutes. It had an air of good fortune as it looked like a long West kick ahead would end up being a Pontefract drop-out, but instead the referee awarded a five-metre scrum. Dave Garside was hauled down short after a number eight pick-up, but West recycled the ball for Carl Robinson to drive in at the right corner.
The lead was short-lived.
A Pontefract catch and drive on the 22 metre line produced a good maul and stand-off Andy Metcalfe broke left and while he was tackled short, he reached forward to score the equalising unconverted try.
Paul Moss was wide with a penalty on the half hour and Andy Dean missed in the dying seconds of the half.
The first period had been a little fractious and the referee spoke to both captains after the half-time whistle.
A penalty by Dean shortly after the re-start gave Pontefract a three-point lead but West scored from the re-start.
Robinson went to ground to secure possession and the ball was moved left for Greg Edwards to make a great run to find Peter Hodgson who was stopped just short. But he found Darren Thomas who ran in the try which Moss added the extra points to.
Dean's second penalty on 61 minutes reduced the deficit to 12-11, but it only served to make West re-double their effort.
Six minutes later, the attack went left and then right and after Gavin Painter was stopped milimetres short, Jonny Boatman was on the spot to dive over next to the corner flag.
Would a six-point lead be enough?
Despite a couple of line-outs in the West 22, Pontefract did not get near to the away line.
West played out time and there was plenty left as the referee found six minutes and 42 seconds of stoppage time.
But West tackled extremely well and never gave Ponty a further opportunity.
It was a good team effort and top marks to the subs who also made great contributions, Brett Cullinane, Neil Howe and Henry Tones.
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Author: Dave Stubbs Lawyer
Date: 22-10-07 09:59
This wasn't an easy game and Pontefract will win the majority of their home games as they have a well drilled pack that can secured them enough ball. However the catch and drive seemed to be their only potent weapon.
Tom Dixon was outstanding in the lineout especially on their throw and stole three or four crutial balls in our 22.
They expected us to fade in the last quarter and were suprised that we were the stronger team at the end which resulted in our last try.
Derek Eves tried to ref the game with some success.
All in all a very good win.
Looking forward to next week already
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Author: Dave Picken
Date: 22-10-07 10:49
Well done boys - brilliant result.
I spent Saturday wandering round the moors out of mobile contact. It definitely put a spring back in my step when I finally got a signal and received a flood of texts with the final score. Thanks to all who sent me the result.
Also many thanks to our special reporter who did the match report this week. Very much appreciated.
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Author: West Park Allotment
Date: 23-10-07 10:38
Came across this on the Pontefract site. Bit different to our reports.
Pontefract returned to league action against early season title contenders West Hartlepool. With conditions at Moor Lane absolutely perfect both sides put on a show of uncompromising rugby for the surprisingly small crowd.
From the kick off West Hartlepool began aggressively and it was clear that the visitors big pack was going to take some subduing. Pontefract welcoming back Andy Smith in the front row held firm and the game evened up with no side having a clear advantage in the loose play or territorially, West’s holding sway at the scrummage. First try went to the visitors through Prop Mike Robinson after a knock on by young flanker Jake Brady surrendered field position. With the conversion missed Pontefract came straight back up field from a short kick off. Good work by Rich Scott and Derek Eves allowed Rich Fletcher to supply fellow half back Andy Metcalfe running straight to break the tackle and cross for the try. Andy Dean missed the conversion. Leaving the score at 5 apiece.
Pontefract then lost elusive centre Matt Hargreaves after a mazy run left him concussed at the bottom of a ruck. Young Tristan Hibbert came on at full back with Bateman moving to wing.
With slow ball for both sides the game developed into a tight arm wrestle. Pontefract doing well at lineout and driving mauls, West’s having the edge at the scrummage. Half time arrived with no further score after missed penalty attempts from both teams.
After the break Pontefract started brightly and took an early lead with a Dean penalty after West’s pulled down a maul. After a number of such penalties and warning given the attacking position probably merited a yellow card.
West Hartlepool came straight back and snatched the lead with a try from centre Greg Edwards. A missed tackle in midfield with good support allowing West’s to get behind the home defence for the first time.
Dean then kicked a further penalty to narrow the gap at 11-12 and set up a tight finish.
Pontefract immediately squandered a golden opportunity at an attacking scrummage, Carl Smith was caught offside at the resultant ruck and West cleared their lines. Play then went up field and after another missed tackle centre field John Boatman scored to secure the win for the visitors.
Pontefract ended the game on the attack but couldn’t break the stubborn West defence. The visitors probably deserving their win.
Solid game of rugby played in excellent spirit again well refereed. Best for Pontefract were Bateman, Eves, and Brady.
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Author: west girl
Date: 23-10-07 12:51
not sure about the well refereed - he was a bit whistle happy and didn't let the game flow for either side :-|
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NEXT FIXTURE
Rochdale
VENUE
Friendly - Away kick off 3.00
DATE
Saturday August 30th
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