Wath 29 Wetherby 26

Wath Hold On For Victory

The away side Wetherby, a place above Wath in the league made the better start and took an early 0-7 lead at Moor Road as the home side were looking to improve on last week’s performance. Stung by this Wath responded well and a break by Joe Bartlett put winger Sam Holt in space to score a try out wide. A successful conversion from the touchline by Jack Whitlam levelled the score at 7-7. Further territorial advantage allowed stand off Whitlam to drop a goal from slow possession and put Wath in front 10-7.

The home side’s dominance grew though the remaining 15 minutes of the first half, leading to close range tries by Luke Stead and then Joe Earp. With Whitlam’s successful conversions the Wath advantage extended to 24-9. As half time approached Steve Mason, playing in the centre made an explosive break in midfield and fed the ball to Sam Holt finish the move in style. Although the conversion drifted wide Wath were in total control and led 29- 7.

The second half saw Wath unable to regain their dominance and they repeatedly lost possession in the tackle and at the ensuing breakdowns. Wetherby’s youthful side regained their spirit as they scored a try after 50 minutes. Further tries came after 60 and 75 minutes and with all being converted they had closed the gap to slender 3 point lead, 29-26.

Wath were forced to hold on in the last 5 minutes as Wetherby had all the momentum. The relief when the referee blew the final whistle was tangible. Wath had survived to claim 5 league points but the second half performance left questions to be answered.

Steve Corns