Wath 14 : 11 Leodensians

Wath Upon Dearne 14 Old Leodiensians 11
On Saturday Wath faced an improving Leos at Moor Road. Again Waths team sheet looked un familiar due to their long continuing injury list. Joe Bartlett playing at full back gave Jim West a chance to shine at scrum half and this he did with great aplomb. Jason Cotton had to be almost hijacked to play lock after more than a decade since his last first team appearance
Early pressure by Wath signalled to the visitors their determination eventually thanks to an interception by Adam West playing his now preferred position No 8 dashed towards the try line and found himself with the support of Anthony Barratt a quick pass, try. The visitors responded with constant possession but only achieved a penalty, Wath then continued to be punished for being off side constantly a situation the coaching staff must address’
Just before half time James Thompson struck the first of his three strikes against the head. This clean possession gave Anthony Barratt a chance to score what could be Waths try of season from some 50 m out he defeated the whole of Leos defence to score a converted try HT 14-3
After half time Wath should have used the benefit of substitution more to create a defensive pattern of play. Leos managed to reduce the deficit with a penalty and a try bringing the score to 14-11 The referee called last play Waths defence became like an octopus with seven arms, Leos had 9 plays in hands. The final whistle was greeted with a sigh of relief as a cheer of euphoria

Geoff Scherdel