Roundhegians 55 Wath 10

Unhappy New Year

Wath travelled to Roundhegians to gain revenge for a home defeat earlier in the season. Unfortunately, they made a sluggish start and from a line out in their own 22 Bartlett’s clearance kick was charged down and the home team scrambled over for a try. The conversion was missed but Wath were 5-0 down after 5 minutes. Roundhegians continued to dominate and, following a series of penalties near Wath’s line, they scored again out wide. An excellent kick from the touchline increased their lead to 12-0.

Wath appeared to steady the ship and a period of possession resulted in Jack Whitlam kicking a penalty to get Wath on the scoreboard at 12-3. The home team had other ideas and mounted a series of attacks that resulted in another converted try from near the touchline. With the lead 19- 3, Wath did finally respond with a try by Joe Earp, converted by Whitlam, to close the score to 19-10, after 25 minutes.

That was the closest Wath got. A dropped catch from the restart allowed Roundhegians possession and they forced a penalty from which they took the points to move 22-10 ahead. Before half time they scored two more converted tries as Wath’s defence failed to cope with the pace and intent of their opponents who moved into a 36-10 lead.

The loss of Danny Lord with a broken thumb and several other changes made by coach Simon Lines at half time failed to inspire the away team. Two minutes into the second half Wath’s missed tackles were punished with another converted try. The lead of 43- 10 was becoming embarrassing.

Wath did not capitulate but Roundhegians were in no mood to relax. After a further 10 minutes they broke through again to move to a 48- 10 score line. Roundhegians made two breaks from their own half but Wath’s pride was saved by determined chasing back, first by winger, Sam Holt, and on the second occasion by centre, Anthony Barratt.

Despite some individual heroics, Wath were never in the game and a late score by Roundhegians compounded their misery. A dejected Wath team trudged from the pitch defeated 55-10.

Steve Corns