Wath in Senior Vase Final

Following a downpour overnight a group of players and volunteers worked with forks and brushes to remove standing water from the Moor Road pitch to allow the game to go ahead.The away team had travelled over a hundred miles to take part in the RFU Senior Vase and were accompanied by a large number of supporters. The large home crowd added to the atmosphere as the two teams met with the prize of a final at Twickenham for the victors.

Wath opened the strongest and forced two kickable penalties which Jack Whitlam turned into a 6-0 lead after 10 minutes. The visitors, playing a very similar style of rugby to Wath, battled their way back into the game. For over 20 minutes the St.Ives forwards dominated territory and possession.The hosts defended heroically but a break from around a ruck eventually found a gap and St. Ives took a 6-7 advantage with a converted try.

The home team responded immediately. However, they lost the ball close to their opponents line and a dropped pass in the dead ball area gave the ever aware Joe Bartlett the opportunity to dive onto the ball to be awarded a try after the referee had consulted with his assistant. The conversion drifted wide but, approaching half time, Wath had an 11-7 lead. Just before the break Wath were reduced to 14 men following a yellow card to Richard Hill for an offence at a line out.

A series of interchanges by both teams at the start of the second half showed Wath’s greater strength in depth. On their return to 15 men they turned the screw on their determined opponents.

After being held up over the line Wath were not to be denied and centre, Steve Mason, produced a powerful burst to the line that carried two of the St.Ives defenders with him. Whitlam’s accurate kicking extended the lead to 18 -7 with his conversion and Wath’s domination produced two more penalties for him to kick increasing the home team’s lead to 24-7. St. Ives continued to offer stubborn defence but a last minute try by Richard Hill from close range sealed their fate.

The game played in trying conditions was played in great spirit but the home team squad, a blend of youth and experience, were eventually able to outplay the opposition at their own game.
St. Ives and their supporters deserve huge respect for their contribution to a great spectacle but, with their 29 – 7 victory, Wath return to Twickenham on Sunday 6th May, where they will meet Saltash.

Steve Corns