Second half slump proves costly

The first game of 2016 for Wath upon Dearne RUFC 1st XV was a trip to Pontefract Wath had beaten the West Yorkshire men at the start of the season and so were well aware that they would be eager for the win this time.

Wath started the game well, inside the first five minutes they had their first shot at points, Jordan Fleming was on target to give Wath an early lead.

The home side hit back almost immediately scoring a well worked try out wide 5-3. The game continued to Yo-Yo, Wath were next to score, strong approach play gave Wath good field position and the ball was spun wide for Fleming to stretch out and score in the corner 5-8.

Wath pushed on, youngsters Alex Baldwin and Curtis Brownrigg in the back row were really impressing with their work rate and it was again from good approach play that Wath were able to score again. From a five metre lineout the Wath pack drove over the line and prop James McCarthy popped up with the ball. 5-13.

Early in the second half Wath further stretched their lead, stand off Martyn Bray intercepted a pass and raced into the opposition 22, he was hauled down inches from the line but Wath spun the ball wide and wing Ben Cairns sprinted over, Adam West landed the touchline conversions 5-20.

However from there Ponte began to get a grip of the game, strong running in the backs would prove difficult for Wath to deal with as they went on to score 24 unanswered points in the closing 30 minutes of the game. A disappointment for Wath not to get any points from the game following such a promising start.

Man of the match, Alex Baldwin, a superb performance by the youngster on his 1st XV debut.

Final score Pontefract 29 Wath 20.