Derby delight

On Saturday Wath upon Dearne RUFC 1st XV welcomed fellow South Yorkshire men Barnsley to Moor Road in Yorkshire League 2. The two sides had last met in 2013 when both were in the league above, Wath grabbing the narrowest of wins 15-14. The two clubs have enjoyed a great rivalry over the years with the results of the matches always very close, today was to be no exception.

Whilst the rain held out and the pitch was in good condition the gale like winds were clearly going to play a significant part in the game. In the first half Wath had the win at their backs and to their advantage and set about using this early on. Wath dominated the opening exchanges, the majority of possession being controlled in the forwards.

On the fifteen minute mark Wath had their first shot at points, from a penalty out the right full back Anthony Barratt was on target to give Wath the lead.

Wath pushed on and with half an hour played they were over for the first try of the match, Ashley Rothery made the initial break to give Wath strong field position before the pack carried the move forward. A series of pick and drives got them to within inches of the line before blindside Guy Picketts picked up the ball and swivelled out of the tackle to score, the conversion was missed 8-0. Half Time.

Into the second half and the visitors began well, maintaining possession and steadily making their way upfield. On 50 minutes they had their first points of the match from a penalty 8-3.

Wath further extended their lead on 60 minutes when Barratt lined up another penalty 11-8.

The game got even closer shortly afterwards good approach play created a gap out wide which the Barnsley wing duly exploited to race over 11-8 with the conversion missed.

The remained of the match saw both sides attacking well but the defenses of the two sides were up the challenge and there were no further scores.

Whilst it wasn't the most entertaining game, given the conditions both sides gave it their all and Wath were delighted to have the win over their loca