Wath 36 Pontefract 24

Pontefract started the game full of confidence as League 2 leaders following a run of 8 consecutive wins. After 5 minutes their creative, speedy backs outflanked the Wath defence and they scored a try out wide that was successfully converted to give them 0-7 lead. Further attacks looked threatening but a loose pass was intercepted by Steve Mason who made 50 metres before off-loading in the tackle to Sam Holt who sprinted clear to score a try that levelled the score at 7 -7 following Jack Whitlam’s kick.

Wath appeared to gain confidence as they controlled possession and denied Pontefract the ball.
The forwards camped on the opposition line and, after several attempts to break down the stubborn defence, it was eventually breached by the powerful second row, Luke Stead. The conversion from Whitlam brushed the inside of the post as it gave Wath a 14 – 7 lead.

Wath failed to deal with the restart and allowed the ball to bounce. It was gratefully accepted by a Pontefract forward who crossed the line unopposed. An easy conversion and the score was level at 14- 14. This seemed to deflate the home team and Pontefract’s confidence returned. Their backs once again looked threatening and, despite Wath’s best efforts, Pontefract gained a 14 – 21 half time lead following a try from their winger and a difficult conversion.

A period of sustained possession allowed Wath to dominate the beginning of the second half. Scrum half, Joe Bartlett, urged his forwards in the way only he can and, eventually, he created enough space from a sniping break to spectacularly dive over for a try. Whitlam brought the sides level again at 21 -21 with his kick. Wath’s style of play was proving difficult for the Pontefract team to cope with and further pressure resulted in a penalty to Wath and a 24-21 lead after Whitlam’s kick.

As Pontefract tried to get back in the game, an error allowed Steve Mason to gather the ball in again.
From deep in his own half he broke free and made good metres before finding support from full back, Tom Quinn, who cantered in to make the conversion easy for Whitlam as Wath extended their lead to 31 – 21.

Pontefract made a mighty effort to get back into the game. Relentless waves of attack from both forwards and backs met with heroic defence from Wath. Stand in skipper, Joe Earp, led his willing troops by example with several awesome tackles. With 10 minutes left Pontefract finally cracked the Wath defence and they closed the gap to 31- 28 with a converted try.

The home team responded and gained territorial advantage. Interplay between forwards and backs drew in the away defence and Wath used the space to get the ball to Sam Holt to crash over near the corner flag. Despite the missed conversion, Wath’s 36- 28 advantage was enough to secure a well deserved win.

The massive performance by all 18 players and coaches helped to produce a hugely entertaining game played between two teams of contrasting styles. It should give the Wath team greater self belief but has set the benchmark for the remainder of the season very high.

Steve Corns