Wath 29 Halifax Vandals 13

Wath 29 Halifax Vandals 13

The last home game of the season against a team already relegated turned into an entertaining affair as Halifax Vandals showed great spirit and sufficient skill to suggest they will quickly return to Yorkshire 2.

With the opening 20 minutes an even affair in terms of possession, Vandals had accrued a 0-6 advantage with two successful penalties. For the remainder of the half the Wath forwards began to dominate and, eventually, the pressure told as prop, Anthony Hamilton, crashed over the line to score his maiden try for the home team. Jack Whitlam’s conversion attempt slid outside the far post but Wath had cut the deficit to 5-6.

A yellow card to the away side at a ruck aided Wath’s cause and they took 12-6 lead into half time as second row, Luke Stead, crossed the try line and Whitlam converted.

Wath continued to dominate in the second half. Good handling by the backs, and a timely intervention into the line by full back, Tom Quinn, allowed him to score a try out wide.The difficult kick was missed but Wath had extended their lead to 17-6.

A two try burst in the middle of the half secured a bonus point win for Wath. Another backs’ move gave early ball to the lethal finisher, Sam Holt, who did the rest. The conversion from the touchline was again unsuccessful but Wath’s advantage had extended to 22-16.

Immediately from the restart Luke Stead caught the ball and crashed through the onrushing Vandal’s forwards. He made 30 metres before passing the ball to Hamilton, who, in turn, made another 30 metres before drawing the last defender and passing on to Tony Kenney to score. Whitlam’s successful conversion was Wath’s last score as they moved out to 29-6.

At this stage the Vandals could have folded but they showed great character and refused to give in.
A yellow card for a deliberate knock on by the Wath captain gave the away team further encouragement and they finished the game with an interception try as Wath tried to run it from deep.The successful conversion meant the game ended 29-13 to Wath.

With Wath’s final at Twickenham just a fortnight away, they showed a willingness to develop their game and pose their opponents, Saltash, problems in all areas.

Steve Corns