Roundhegians 16 Wath55

Wath travelled to Leeds to play the same opposition they had faced in their abandoned cup game the week previously. The conditions were warm and sunny but with a very strong, unpredictable wind.

From the whistle Wath showed their attacking intent. Awarded a kickable penalty after 5 minutes, they chose to kick for touch close to their opponent’s line. Despite almost getting over the try line, Roundhegians scrambled the ball clear. However, it wasn’t long before Wath pressure told. Quick line out possession gave the backs early ball and Jack Jewel, playing at centre, carved through the home defence. Support from Joe Bartlett, then Ash Rothery delivered the ball for Adam West to cross the line unopposed. The conversion drifted wide but Wath had taken a 0-5 lead.

Roundhegians fought their way back into the game and cut the lead to 3-5 with a successful penalty kick. Wath came back with a great response. From anther solid set piece it was Rothery’s turn to make a clean break from the centre. Outpacing the last defender, he scored between the posts.
Jack Whitlam made the score 3-12.

A major lapse in concentration allowed the home team back into the game. Poor tackling allowed the Roundhegians’ centre to drift in front of the defence and then find a simple gap to cross the line. Their reliable kicker added two points and the score closed to 10-12 after half an hour.

Buoyed by their success, Roundhegians applied further pressure and it needed a fearless, last ditch tackle from Joe Earp to deny them another try. This proved to be a turning point and Wath regained territorial advantage. Despite a penalty attempt by Whitlam hitting the post, Wath were the next to score. A blindside break by Jewel received excellent support from youngster, Curtis Brownrigg.
The ball, quickly recycled from the ruck, was transferred neatly to the opposite wing for Sam Holt to add anther try. Classic rugby! A failed conversion but a successful penalty meant the score at half time was 10 – 20 to Wath.

The home team started the second half with great determination. Keeping the ball tight, they forced Wath to concede a couple of penalties. As the score closed to 16-20 the Wath forwards became a little rattled and were unsure of the referee’s interpretation at the breakdown.

Wath restored control following quick thinking by Joe Earp. He took a quick tap from a penalty and put Roundhegians onto the back foot and in a state of disarray. Given space in the confusion, Jack Jewel’s pace allowed him to his first try. By running round under the posts, he made the conversion a formality despite the strong, gusting wind. On the hour Wath led 16-27.

From an opposition 22, Sam Levitt, on from the bench, made a great take as the ball swerved and drifted. Brilliant interplay between the forwards, Luke Stead and, then, Anthony Hamilton, also just off the bench, gave the ball to Tom Swift to score. Whitlam made the score 16- 34.

Wath were now in complete control. A try from close range by Jack Whitlam which he himself converted, extended the lead to 16 – 41. As the home team attempted to fight their way back into the game they were unable to control possession and Jewel picked up a loose ball and ran 50 metres unopposed to score his second. Whitlam took an easy conversion and at 16 – 48 the game went into injury time. Wath completed their powerful performance with another try. Anthony Barrett’s break fed winger Ainsley Williams to score Wath’s eighth try. Whitlam compounded the home team’s misery as the result recorded a 16- 55 demolition.

Wath moved in to 2nd place in the League but will face a strong challenge from Leodiensians next Saturday at Moor Road.

Steve Corns