PONTEFRACT 9 – SANDAL 15
Sandal picked up a first away league win of the season at local rivals Pontefract by scoring the only two tries of the game.
Playing into a strong wind in the first half, Sandal found themselves under early pressure but a well drilled defence held out until the 15th minute when the home full back, Dean, kicked a penalty from 30 metres.
Sandal quickly hit back when the home side were penalised at a ruck and fly half Greg Wood made no mistake to make the score 3 –3. A second Pontefract penalty soon followed with Dean again successful but Sandal were to take the lead for the first time in the game when excellent play by the Sandal backs created an overlap for speedy wing man Simon Frewin to score in the corner. Although the conversion was missed Sandal were now 8 – 6 up.
The second half saw Sandal use the conditions well and continually pin back the home defence who were continually penalised by the referee for questioning his decisions. Sandal were unable to capitalise on the infringements with three kicks at goal being missed.
Sandal pressure eventually told with full back and man of the match Tom Coad breaking a number of tackles to score beside the posts. This was an especially sweet try for Coad as his father played for Pontefract for many years. The conversion was successful and Sandal were two scores clear.
Dean kicked his third penalty for Pontefract but resolute Sandal defence held out and the final whistle saw the visitors taking the spoils.
This was an all round team effort by Sandal who deservedly held on to win and find themselves in 5th place in the league table, one place above Pontefract.
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