Wath 24 Barnsley 24

Honours Even In Local Derby

An excellent, seasonal pre-match meal for 50 members, guests and Barnsley officials whetted the appetite for the game to follow. In front of a large crowd the game immediately burst into life: Luke Pendlebury leapt up to receive the kick off and, following the resulting ruck, Joe Bartlett at scrum half broke blind. Winger, Tom Quinn, received the ball in space and made good ground before putting in a cross field kick. Support players forced a turnover and Luke Stead crashed over to open the scoring. Jack Whitlam’s conversion gave Wath a 7- 0 lead after 2 minutes.

Conceding a soft penalty for offside, Wath’s lead was cut to 7-3. However, the home team applied almost total domination of territory and possession which eventually resulted in a try by Pendlebury after 15 minutes. A further conversion by Whitlam gave Wath a 14- 3 advantage.

Barnsley fought back led by their inspirational leader, Dave Reid. His constant threat created an opportunity for Barnsley to drive over the line from close range. The successful conversion closed the score to 14-10. On 30 minutes Wath lost their captain, Adam West, to a serious leg injury.
Just before half time stand off, Whitlam, kicked a penalty to give Wath a 17- 10 lead, but that score did not reflect their dominance.

The second half was a complete reversal of fortunes. Barnsley dominated almost the entire half and, despite some determined defending, the away team scored two converted tries and moved into the lead 17-24.

A late fight back led by veterans, Hill and Bartlett, forced back the opposition into their own half and they were reduced to 14 men for the last 5 minutes following a yellow card. Wath were awarded several more penalties as Barnsley desperately defended their own line and, with the last play of the game, Bartlett scrambled over the try line. Jack Whitlam was left with an awkward little conversion but, with nerves of steel, he made no mistake and the game ended 24- 24.

Most spectators believed it was a fair result and the respect by both players and supporters was carried on into the bar in true rugby tradition.

Steve Corns