Thirsk  v Pontefract Pythons

Pythons made it three league victories out of three but once again they were pushed all the way by determined opponents. Thirsk themselves unbeaten prior to this match were always in the game as Pythons failed to take full advantage of their domination of possession.

Pontefract made a bright start forcing the home side onto the back foot with the kicking game of John Laws, as it was to do all afternoon troubling the Thirsk defence.

From the very first scrum of the game scrum half Duncan Saul scorched down the blind side within an inch of the touchline to score a fine try , well converted by Neil Williams.

With their opponents in a state of shock the visitors stepped up the pace and only last ditch tackles prevented surging runs from both Kev Day and Jimmy Cain adding to the scoreline. Mark Cook dominated lineout possession for the visitors and Tom Bateman tackled Thirsk to submission but as in recent weeks Pythons failed to really kill off the game. Only a penalty apiece troubled the scorer further before the break.

Thirsk had their fair share of the ball in the second half but great defence especially from Colin Swift and Mark Armstrong ensured the score remained unaltered.

Pontefract eased clear when Man of the Match Saul repeated his blind side trick of the first half to score in the corner. Robust defence from Richard Hardisty, Andy Eastell and Steve Hill plus the fresh legs in attack of replacements Brandon Stockport and Simon Bickerdike kept Pythons in control until the home side scored from a charge down 10 minutes before time.

Thirsk launched a last attempt to rescue the game and only a superb covering tackle from Andy Walker prevented an unpalatable recovery. A penalty from Williams finally calming the nerves.

Pythons are now joint top of Yorkshire Six but captain Steve Smythson will want the team to really hit top form and end the nail biting way each victory has been achieved thus far.