Encouraging Performance

Wath 1st needed a confidence boost at the start of the new year and took the field with young athletic team. After a cautious start Wath pack turned on the power and drove the Sheffield Medicals back over their line and gave Adam West the opportunity to score,
which he accepted with aplomb.

The opposition replied with a period of pressure which eventually resulted in an easy penalty to cut the lead.However, Wath soon were in charge again and following several penetrating drives close to the Medics. line Wath were awarded a penalty try, duly converted by Jack Whitlam.

Following several long kicks driving the defence deep Whitlam produced an exquisite chip over the advancing centres into the space he had created. After recovering possession from his own kick the forwards recycled the ball several times before Whitlam produced another excellent cross field kick to allow winger Jordan Fleming to score in the corner. There was no further score before half time and Wath led 3 – 17.

The second half started poorly for Wath, giving away too many penalties for handling in the ruck. The referee eventually lost patience and yellow cards were produced on a regular basis, leaving Wath playing with 14 men for long periods. The opposition took advantage of the situation and closed the gap to 7 points, following a converted try.

Wath regained their composure and really began to dominate in the last quarter.
Further close range tries by captain Adam West, veteran prop Simon Butterworh and the tireless Joe Earp completed the scoring with Jack Whitlam converting the last.

This encouraging result was due to very good teamwork, with effective forward play and great game management from Wath No.10, Jack Whitlam.

Steve Corns