Patched up Pontefract gave another very good account of themselves, but mistakes at crucial times and the ability of the opponents to punish them was the difference. A charged down kick gave Alnwick an early, superbly converted, try.

Ponte gave a debut to young starlet Alfie Abbot and after Sam Millard had been held up over the line, Alfie slotted over a penalty to reduce the arrears. Ponte also gave a debut to Sam Gilbert at full back and, after a tremendous break from his own twenty-two, he found Abbot on hand to hare in from the halfway line for a thrilling converted try.

Ponte’s tails were up but a lost line out on throw allowed Alnwick to reply with a try of their own, as their patience and ability to recycle many phases paid dividends. Ponte’s scrummage dismantled their opposites in the second half but mistakes and turnovers would not allow consistent attacking pressure and Alnwick’s superior cutting edge allowed them two more tries for a flattering scoreline.

Man of the match for Ponte was pack workhorse Stephen Reynolds (library photo as our lensman Bucko could not be with us on Saturday,) with the Matthews brothers, Jack Beddis and Millard not far behind. There were more worrying injuries in the backline as Ponte’s squad depth once again is tested to the limit.

The 1st XV travel to title hopefuls York next Saturday for what is sure to be a stiff test. But York slipped up against Scunthorpe last weekend so they are beatable. We know our lads will push them all the way.