Pontefract travelled to Bradford Salem on Saturday. The Bradford club who are in their centenary year are on something of a role having achieved a notable triple last season of winning promotion, The Papa John’s Cup North Plate, and the Yorkshire Shield. They have assembled a formidable squad with overseas representatives from Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand, and Australia playing alongside their home-grown talent. With plenty of Superleague and NRL experience in the squad Salem will be amongst the favourites for the championship season.

The conditions were almost perfect, with a breeze across the field, and there was a big partisan crowd at Shay Lane. Ponte played down the slope in the first half, with both sides probing the opposition to find an opening. The home side showed their power especially in the back line, but time and again the Ponte defence was up to the task, although they were unlucky to lose powerhouse second rower Calum Rogers with an arm injury after just 15 minutes.

Kieran Thornton who recently signed from Hemsworth came on for Rogers and picked up where he left off against Brod's last week with some strong carries and big defence. This gave Ponte field position which allowed full back Liam Kay to register the first points of the game from a penalty.

After the restart Ponte immediately returned to the home sides 22 and following great work by the forwards Kay pounced over the line from short distance for a converted try to make it 0:10 after 28 minutes.

Soon after that Salem were down to 14 as a yellow card was issued for hands in the ruck have given a string of penalties away as Ponte piled on the pressure. Moments later Ponte had scored again. An attacking line out led to a breakdown on the line and Thornton forced his way over from close range. The conversion made it 0:17 after 34 minutes.

With Milthorpe joining the sin bin for a deliberate knock on just before half time, Salem scored an impressive try following a long-range flowing move instigated by the full back who fed the winger to go in at the corner. A touchline conversion made it 7:17 at half time.

The score line was impressive but well deserved for Ponte, who had pressed their advantage, particularly in the line outs where the Matthews brothers dominated. It was no time for complacency however as Salem had the pace to be dangerous from anywhere on the pitch.

It wasn’t long before Salem found their form and scored a second try in the corner. This time the post denied the conversion to make it 12:17. Despite Ponte’s commitment in defence Salem were playing some outstanding rugby at this point and scored a converted try within ten minutes to make it 19:17.

With Salem hitting the front for the first time, Ponte steadied the ship, and pressured the Salem line, resulting in a Kay penalty to restore the one-point lead. (19:20.) The rest of the match was a nail-biting affair for both sets of fans as Ponte set about defending the slenderest of leads. Special mentions are due to Coleman, Webley, Ketteridge and Beddis all of whom put in big shifts.

Unfortunately, the pressure was too much and with just five minutes left on the clock Salem once more took the lead with a try in the corner following some powerful running and slick hands. The conversion took the score to 26:20.

Still believing that the game was in their grasp Ponte continued to attack in the final minutes with Cooke, Nyanjoya and Milthorpe to the fore. Alas they could not make the last pass stick, and the final whistle brought cheers of relief from the home side. Salem recorded their fourth bonus point win of the season, whilst Ponte had to be content with a valuable losing bonus point.

There was disappointment amongst the Pontefract players who felt this game escaped them, and they will look forward to the return fixture at Moor Lane. Match Official David Rhodes had a good game managing two aggressive and committed sides well.

Our 2nd XV ran out winners against Cleckheaton 20:5 and travel to Keighley next week.

Next week the 1st XV are in Yorkshire Cup action on Friday evening taking on York away. Provisional kick off time is 7:30 but please check before travelling as this may be subject to change. The next home game for the 1st XV will be Malton & Norton on October 12th.