Wath 25 - 22

Wath, bolstered by the presence of Richard Hill, began the game by imposing their size and power on the younger, lighter visitors from West Park Leeds. Tries from close range by Hill and then, Joe Earp in the opening 10 minutes, went unconverted, but gave Wath 10-0 lead. Their dominance was disrupted by the referee’s interpretation of the scrum and the away team worked their way into the game, resulting in a penalty on the half hour to make the score 10-3.

Wath responded with another try by Hill and the conversion, by Anthony Barratt, stretched the hosts lead to 17-10. They were disappointed not to extend their advantage when penalised going forward at a scrum close to the WPL line. The visitors compounded the home team’s frustration by scoring a converted try just before half time to make the score 17-10 at the break.

A quiet period of play ended after 15 minutes of the second half when WPL capitalised on a Wath error at the back of the scrum and crossed the line under the posts to bring the score level at 17-17 with the conversion. Led by charging runs of back row, Curtis Brownrigg, and substitutes, Sam Levitt and Olly Stirling, Wath gained a long period of territorial advantage. Following one missed penalty chance, Barratt remained calm and kicked a penalty to put Wath back into the lead.

Wath continued to exert pressure near the opposition line but excellent tackling and fierce competitive spirit kept WPL in the game. Following a series of scrums and penalties near the visitor’s line, Joe Earp, ably supported by the rest of the forwards, scored the match winning try as Wath moved into an 8 point lead as the conversion drifted wide.

With the last play of the game the visitors scored a try to earn a bonus point they deserved for their resilience and enthusiasm. With the 25-22 win Wath moved above their opponents in the League.

At the final whistle Wath’s day got even better. The result of the game between Whitehaven and Winnington Park meant a home fixture next weekend in the quarter final of the National Cup Senior Vase, as Wath hope to return to Twickenham. A big crowd is expected for the 2.15 kick off.

Steve Corns