Pontefract 25 Yarnbury 12

Yarnbury discovered just how tough life can be in the highly-competitive Yorkshire One.

Forced to make six changes from the side which won their opening match against Old Brodleians, Yarnbury's resources were severely tested.

They had utility backs Jarrod Huss and Stu Wilson deputising for regular half backs Oliver Cashman and Carl Paterson.

Rob Rigby came in at full back while winger Elis Gomersall returned looking to repeat his eye-catching exploits of last season.

Yarnbury were soon on the defensive as they played uphill in the first half.

Pontefract turned their early pressure into points when former Hull Ionians stand-off Glenn Boyd ran in a try near the sticks which full back Richard Dedicate converted.

Yarnbury replied with several good runs from full back Rigby who used his pace on several occasions to clear his lines.

Gomersall also showed his power shrugging off several would be tacklers running out of his own half.

Boyd's kicking repeatedly forced Yarnbury back on their heels and they fell further behind when Yarnbury were penalised by the South African referee for going over the top in a ruck and full back Dedicoat kicked the goal.

Yarnbury managed to stabilise their scrums bringing on John Dodgson and applied pressure but without reward.

Things got worse when No8 Matt Williams got over for a try and Dedicoat kicked a penalty from another Yarnbury infringement leaving the visitors 18-0 down.Last season's Division two champions made a bright start to the second half. A quick backs move after the back row of James Barrett, Joe Bennett and Jimmy Cryan secured possession, caused chaos in the Pontefract half.

Quick passing enabled centre Jason Avieson to carve through the defensive line to touch down and Jarrod Huss converted to put Yarnbury back in the game.

Alex Clark reduced the deficit further when he managed to get over the line with two tacklers holding on to him but the conversion was missed.

The loss of second row Ian Maycock with an ankle injury saw Andy Van Heel come on in the back row and Cryan switch to lock.

Winger Gomersall got away down the left but was hauled down short by Boyd who showed good pace to catch the Yarnbury winger.

Pontefract, who added a converted try in the second half, played to their strengths in the pack and kicked the Horsforth side back deep into their own territory to claim a deserved win.

Another tough test lies in store against unbeaten Scarborough on Saturday.