On a dreary, wet day at the Pightle PJF and O Emanuel shared the league points. O E's struck first in the early stages of the first half. After seven minutes of pressure on the PJF line O E's crashed over near he posts. The try being converted. During this phase much of the pressure on PJF was largely self inflicted as loose passes and poor choice of options presented O E's a lions share of the ball. The opposition's large pack keeping PJF in their own half. PJF eventually managed to settle and started to string together passages of play that forced OE's onto the back foot. As the pressure ratcheted up from the home side so the mistakes from OE's increased. Eventually, a dropped ball was kicked on by Chase Thompson who pursued the ball to great effect eventually touching down close to the posts. The conversion was charged down and OE's clung onto a narrow lead. Ten minutes later a sweeping backs move saw PJF cut through the OEs three quarters with Joey Casartelli finishing in the corner. The conversion was missed. In the dying minutes of the half OE's manage to work their way up the field and win a penalty in front of PJF's posts which they duly converted. All square at half time.
The second half saw PJF dominate territory and possession coming close on a number of occasions before landing a penalty close to the posts, Dan Wilkinson converting the penalty. The game continued to be played in OEs half until 10 minutes from the end OE's worked their way into PJF's 22 and were awarded a penalty which OE's gratefully slotted to square the game. The final minutes saw PJF come close but the game petered out and the league points were shared. OE's were pleased with their points, but PJF were disappointed with their share.
There were many positive signs from PJF. A solid defence that denied OE's any try scoring opportunities after the opening few minutes. Some flowing backs moves and an enthusiasm for the game which saw the PJF players genuinely enjoying themselves. It is early days yet but there was enough of an indication to suggest the PJF are going to enjoy this season.