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.