Ponte’s solid start to the season continued as they welcomed a Doncaster team who are also in transition after relegation. In hot sunny conditions both teams entertained the bumper crowd at Moor Lane.

Ponte opened the scoring early as a strong drive from debutant Shaun Simpson sucked in the defence to allow flying winger Josh Milthorpe the space to glide through and finish from distance. The try was unconverted, but Donny were soon back on terms as a great catch from kick off gave them the territory to create an overlap out wide for an unconverted try. That score was soon followed by another from a driving maul this time converted for twelve points to seven lead.

With half time looming Ponte hit back. Powerful drives from Kieran Thornton and Bailly Matthews allowed centre Andy Coleman the space to barge his way over for a try converted by Alfie Abbott. Half time twelve all.

Soon after the restart came what was to be the match winning try, and it was a brilliant individual effort. Jack Beddis picked up a loose ball and with the Donny defence at sixes and sevens, he galloped past several would be tacklers to score from the halfway line, converted by Abbott.

Donny put pressure the Ponte defence for much of the remainder of the game, but it held firm for the win, with their only success being a penalty from the breakdown.

It was a morale boosting win for Ponte with two consecutive tough away fixtures to come. Man of the match for Ponte was all action captain Brodie Matthews with Callum Rodgers and Jack Beddis not far behind. In the backs, Coleman and Sam Gilbert stood out with Harry Woolaston providing sharp service from scrum half.

Next week the 1st XV travel to Halifax to take on Old Bodleian's who are also unbeaten and currently top the table. The 2nd XV are at home against Brod's in the YRFU Championship. Both games kick off at 3pm. All welcome!