Pontefract
W 17-22
League
28-03-2026
Scarborough - 1st XV
By Charlie Hopper
Scarborough RUFC made it 13 league games unbeaten after they battled past Pontefract at a sun-drenched Moor Lane on Saturday afternoon.
Playing into the wind, Ben Foden’s side took a while to get into the game and found themselves trailing 7-0 after Jayden Field picked the ball up from the back of the scrum and reached for the line. Liam Kay made light work of the conversion. Pontefract went close to extending their lead in the 24th minute only for Tom Papworth to be bundled into touch by a brilliant tackle from Tom Harrison. On the stroke of half-time, Scarborough had their first real attempt of reducing the deficit and it didn’t take long before they crossed over. The ball found its way along the line for Euan Govier to twist in the tackle and dive to score. Ollie Carroll’s conversion attempt sailed wide to leave his side trailing at the interval.
Scarborough started the second half on the front foot and took the lead for the first time in the 48th minute courtesy of Joe Davies. He collected the ball out wide and made light work of the finish. Pontefract, who are languishing close to the relegation play-off places, then started to turn the screw and when Kay kicked a penalty before Papworth finished off a try, they found themselves with a 17-10 lead heading into the final 20 minutes. But it wasn’t to be, as Foden’s side responded emphatically, scoring back-to-back tries to wrestle back the momentum. First, James Long finished in the corner before Rufus Pollard, who is enjoying an impressive season, finished closed to the posts to open a narrow 22-17. With the clock ticking towards the 80th minute, Kay had a golden opportunity to kick a penalty into the corner, but he watched it sail into the arms of Long, who kicked it into touch to secure a 13th win for his side.
Scarborough return to Silver Royd in two week’s time as they host Bradford Salem for the final game of the season.