NEW College progressed through to the semi finals of the Carnegie Colleges Cup at the expense of Wakefield College on Wednesday. It was the third meeting of the two sides this season, with the score one victory a piece prior to the game. With NEW College having the home advantage, and a good crowd watching, both teams had all to play for, and a lot of pride at stake between the two rival colleges. Pontefract started the better, and two early tries from Rob Hallas and Ben Wilkinson, were both converted well by Nathan Fozzard. This put the home side 12 points up, and in control up to the twenty five minute mark. Wakefield were gaining in confidence though, with an inspired performance by Oliver Wood in the centre. Wood went over for the away sides’ first try of the match. Good defensive play by both teams kept the game tense, but NEW Colleges’ pressure late on in the half proved too much for Wakefield. After receiving a second set of six tackles 10 yards from the try line, Hallas went over for his second, and Fozzard converted to give Pontefract a 18-6 lead at half-time.

The second half saw Wakefield come out fighting, and an early try from them put the pressure back onto Pontefract. With the home side looking nervy, only mistakes in Wakefields’ attack prevented them from getting a second try. NEW College weathered the storm, and substitutes freshened-up their attack. Forward Danny Thorpe came on and made some good yards. Further tries from Ben Wilkinson (2), Josh Hardcastle, Tom Holder gave Pontefract a 42-6 lead. Wakefield got a late consolation try through good wing play. Time ran out for the visitors, and a man of the match performance from Pontefracts’ Ben Wilkinson inspired the team. NEW College will play Huddersfield NEW College after Easter in the semi final.