L 7-33

By Charlie Hopper

Scarborough RUFC fell to a 33-7 defeat at Pontefract on Saturday with the home side securing their promotion to Regional One North East courtesy of a bonus point win.

On a rainy afternoon at Moor Lane, Matty Jones’ side arrived at the league leaders in hope of spoiling the promotion party, but his side got off to the worst possible start. In the 3^rd minute, the Pontefract scum picked up momentum and Number 8 Sam Millard collected the ball and bundled over. Fly-half Liam Kay added the extras. The home side then found themselves playing with 14 men after Jack Beddis made a late tackle on Joel Little and received the games only yellow card. But Scarborough didn’t make the advantage count and found themselves 12-0 down in the 16^th minute. The ball was flung wide, and Millard collected to double his scoring tally. It was soon 19-0, with Millard completing a hat-trick, after powering through the Scarborough defence to put his side on the brink of a vital bonus point.  The final scoring action of the first half came in the form of a converted try from Millard. He scored his and his sides fourth try of the afternoon. Kay adding the conversion to stretch his sides lead to 26-0.

Scarborough responded well in the second half and went close in the 53^rd minute but a knock-on halted the progress. They continued to show fight and got their reward just four minutes later. Winger Joe Davies kicking the ball along the floor before collecting and scoring to the left of the posts. He stepped up and added the extras for 26-7. The chance of an unlikely comeback were squashed six minutes later after Pontefract ran in their fifth try of the match. Fullback Richard Dedicoat running a strong line, collecting the ball and finding a gap to run in under the posts for 33-7. Scarborough continued to push hard late on and went close through both Jake Lyon and Will Vasey but neither player could find their way over the line.

The win means Pontefract are crowned Regional Two North East champions, pipping Moortown to the title. Matty Jones’ side will find out who they play in the Papa John’s Cup on Monday as their league season is almost over.