Ripon 40 Wath 12

Promise for the Future

Wath were instructed to complete their Yorkshire 2 fixture at Ripon despite it having no effect on relegation or promotion but, crucially, a week before their game at Twickenham. The team that took the field was lacking most of next week’s starting line up but full of players Wath should be proud of.

Wath dominated the early period but, despite the best efforts of hard running Danny Lord, playing at centre and the calm control of Sam Jones at 10, Wath were unable to score. Ripon took the lead with a two try burst to go 12-0 ahead but Wath, prompted by stand in captain and No.8, Luke Stead, fought back and created a chance on the blindside for Adam Clark to sprint over the line. Although the conversion drifted wide, Wath had closed the score to 12-5. Just before half time Ripon extended their advantage to 19-5 with a converted try but Wath strong running forwards: Sam Levitt, Brendan Coult, Jonty Morrisey and Lewis Hewitt remained defiant.

Student, Harry Johnson, replaced the dependable back row, Tony Kenney, and Wath started the second half well and, after a long period near the home team’s line, Jim West skipped through a gap in the defence to score under the posts. Sam Jones converted to make the score 19-12 and Wath, through backs: Luke Pendlebury, Sam Holt and Rory Anderson continued to stretch the home defence. Several charges near the line resulted in a five metre scrum but as the ball squirted out awkwardly a Ripon player pounced on the ball and sprinted 90 metres to score.

At 26- 12 down Wath inspired by the tireless veteran, Andy Bartlett, continued to compete. An excellent move from a 5 metre line out took the home team’s advantage to 33-12 following another difficult conversion. With scrum cornerstone, James McCarthy, replaced as a precaution by Bobby Lazenby, Wath refused to fold and newcomer, Max Reeder, continued to impress.

A late score by Ripon gave the flattering, final score of 40-12 to the home side. The large group of travelling spectators were all impressed by the performance of the makeshift 1st XV and many of this team will be the future of the club.

Steve Corns

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