Wath 28 Northalerton 14

Wath Takeover
Wath 28 Northallerton 14

Northallerton, unbeaten for 38 games and leading the league, were the visitors to Moor Road on Saturday. Their large following knew they were in for a tough test but confident of the outcome. Wath immediately overcame their recent issue of being slow starters.

From the kick off they carried the ball through many phases and Northallerton were forced to give away a penalty in their own 22. A kick to touch and clean line out ball gave scrum half, Joe Bartlett, an opportunity to display his strength and determination as he forced his way over the try line. Jack Whitlam converted and Wath had a 7-0 lead after just 5 minutes.

The away team appeared undaunted and began to play the home team at their own game with big forwards taking the ball forward. The Wath defence were able to withstand a constant barrage and, eventually, Northallerton made an unforced error. Centre, Ash Rothery, pounced on the loose ball and a superb counter attack, supported by Luke Pendlebury, ended with Joe Earp scoring underneath the posts. Whitlam added the conversion and Wath had a 14 – 0 advantage.

Still not rattled, Northallerton, buoyed by their vociferous supporters, continued to play the style of rugby that has obviously been so successful for them. Eventually, deciding to involve their backs more looked to be a wise move. Just before half time a searing break by their centre looked certain to result in a try but a magnificent last ditch tackle by centre, Andy Hopkin, brought him down and Wath cleared the danger. Half time: 14-0.

The battle up front was re-engaged after the break and a powerful half break by key forward, Luke Stead, was followed up by a charging run by prop, Anthony Hamilton, who latched on to the pop up pass to crash over the line under the sticks. The score was improved to 21 – 0 by Whitlam but, still, Northallerton refused to yield.Allowing the ball to bounce from the restart resulted in Wath putting themselves under pressure.Northallerton’s forwards kept possession from a number of breakdowns before spinning the ball wide for their winger to score. An excellent kick from the touchline brought the score to 21-7 after 50 minutes.

The home team responded well and, creating their own period of pressure, had a scrum 5 metres from their opponents’ line. Dominating the scrum, Wath were awarded a penalty and, whilst most players and fans expected another scrum, Joe Bartlett had other ideas. Taking a quick tap, he battered several defenders to touch down over the line. At 28- 7 on the hour, following the Whitlam conversion, Wath were still not home and hosed.

Refusing to give in and with a winning mentality, Northallerton came again. Wath’s well organised and determined defence was put to the test but held firm. With ten minutes to go a yellow card to the opposition No.8, for a late challenge on Jack Whitlam, did not help their cause. A late score from their infamous rolling maul was converted and when the referee blew the final whistle Wath’s delight was obvious. A 28-14 bonus point win meant that Wath have leap frogged their opponents to top Yorkshire 2.

Despite their disappointment, the visiting players and spectators spent a good while in the clubhouse and were excellent guests, no doubt waiting for their opportunity to gain revenge later in the season.

Ant Hamilton
Another performance topped off with a magnificent try, adding to his developing cult status.

Andy Hopkin Update.
Sporting a new hairstyle the fashion icon made another grand (late),entrance..After having a quiet game last week, by his own admission, Andy was determined to put in a big performance.
To leave no one in doubt of his brilliance he pulled off try saving tackle that was possibly the turning point in the game.

Steve Corns.