Wath 30 Yarnbury 13

Wath dominate promotion candidates

Following last week’s disappointing performance, Wath were buoyed by the return of several key players for their home game against promotion candidates, Yarnbury. The home team started with passion and power, keeping possession and building pressure. However, The Yarnbury defence weathered the storm and, after 15 minutes, were the first to score as their backs broke through some weak tackles to score a try. Although the conversion missed, the manner of the 0-5 lead brought back a reminder of the previous week’s failures.

However, Wath responded well and had territorial advantage for the rest of the half. Although Yarnbury defended well and prevented Wath getting over for a try, the home side went in front at the break: 6-5, after forcing two penalties that Jack Whitlam kicked successfully.

Five minutes into the second half the Wath forwards provided quick ball; Steve Mason made a clean break in the centre and Tom Quinn was up in support to complete the move and score a try. Whitlam’s conversion made it 13-7. Wath continued to pile on the pressure dominating the set pieces aided by the excellent line out work of Curtis Brownrigg and the strong scrummaging of props, James McCarthy and Ben Myers.

This pressure resulted in a series of scrums near the Yarnbury line and, eventually, Wath’s dominance resulted in No.8, Joe Earp, touching down for a pushover try. The conversion from near the touchline landed short but Wath had a useful lead of 18 -5. The away team reacted with determination as the home side appeared to lose their focus. Taking advantage of Wath’s lapse of concentration, Yarnbury gained a try and conversion to peg the lead back to just 18-13.

Wath discovered a killer instinct and a try by Steve Mason and a last minute touchdown by replacement, Richard Hill, converted by Whitlam, secured Wath a bonus point win: 30-13. An impressive performance gave the home team supporters great delight, but Wath’s consistency will be tested on their visit to Ripon next Saturday.

Steve Corns