Weakened Rishies run out of steam

However, they put up a determined show and were in this Yorkshire Two game until tiring well into the second half.

Rishworthians started well enough with centre Taniela Bakoso, playing in the forwards, making the first of several strong runs in a man of the match performance.

But they were soon on the defensive and it stayed that way for much of the half. They made too many mistakes, putting themselves under pressure.

The home side should have had the game won by half-time. Twice they got over the try line but sterling defence prevented them from getting the ball down.

A third time the ball was dropped as a player crossed the line and only two brilliant try-saving tackles on the line, one by centre Jack Ledgard and the other by No 8 James Clarke, prevented tries.

Pontefract did score just before the break as the left winger gathered his own kick and linked well with supporting players, before crossing for a converted try.

Trailing 7 – 0, Rishworthians opened the second half well, driving into the home 22 to win a penalty, kicked by Aaron Canning.

They pressed hard, but were unable to add to their score.

The home side came back strongly and though the visitors’ defence held, a comedy of errors followed as both sides handed the ball back to each other several times before Pontefract squeezed in at the corner for a converted try.

Rishworthians continued to defend well, but the speed of the home side eventually told and they conceded three converted tries in quick succession.

However, Rishworthians restarted after the last home try with a clever kick. The ball was gathered by Ledgard and Joe Billing put replacement winger Rhys Town in for a try.

Canning converted to end the game on a positive note for the visitors.