There was a feeling of a proper rugby occasion as a large crowd assembled to witness Ponte take on higher ranked opponents in this Yorkshire cup quarter final. Ponte were depleted up front but all the team got stuck in from the off and opened the scoring early as Lucas Betteridge finished off in the corner following a brilliant offload from fellow winger Josh Milthorpe.

Ponte’s forwards were up against a highly rated York pack, but Ponte’s patched up eight performed heroically to stem the home sides stream of attacks. Despite this effort, York managed to punish any missed tackles and build a lead of twenty-two to five by half time.

The second half was much the same, with Josh Beddis pouncing for a converted score to give Ponte hope. York wrapped up victory with more scores, but the Ponte backs looked really dangerous with Andy Coleman, Sam Gilbert and Will Cooke making eye catching breaks.

Man of the match was a difficult pick, but up front Tyler Smith, Ethan Potts and Brodie Matthews put in a gruelling full eighty with Tad Nyanjowa, Joe Knox and young Tom Webley also impressing. The backs looked more than a match for their opponents which bodes well for the return of league rugby next week. Special mention goes to to young Tom Greensmith, who made his first team debut as scrum half substitute.

Rugby returns to Moor Lane this weekend with the 1st XV entertaining Malton & Norton at home. The 2nd XV also at home face the same opposition. If you cannot wait that long our Vets are taking on Huddersfield at home on Friday evening. Kick off time to be confirmed via our social media in due course.