Wath 32 - WPL 34

Wath made a disastrous start to the game and, following a disrupted warm up, they were hit with a three try blitz in the first 10 minutes by the young, speedy West Park Leeds team. At 0 – 17 down Wath were almost blown away but did find a way back into the game.

Led by the experienced trio of Joe Bartlett, Joe Earp and Matt Burrows Wath’s competitive nature kicked in. On 15 minutes a powerful scrum close to their opponents line gave Burrows the opportunity to start the fightback. His try was converted by Jack Whitlam and Wath were on the scoreboard 7 – 17.

A period of relative calm followed as the contrasting styles fought for dominance. WPL kicked a penalty on 25 minutes to increase their lead to 7 – 20 but Wath’s forwards-orientated game was successful in pulling them back into the game before half time. From close range, the Wath hooker, James Dobson, forced his way over the WPL line twice with the support of his team mates. One successful conversion by Whitlam made the score 19 – 20 at the break, a scoreline the home team and supporters were not expecting after the opening salvos.

Wath went in front after 5 minutes of the second half; Whitlam’s successful penalty put his side 22 – 20 up. The away side replied immediately with a converted try created by some hard running and quick offloading that the Wath defence could not handle. WPL retook the lead: 22 – 27.

After 65 minutes a try by winger, Sam Holt, created by good handling in the Wath backs meant the home side drew level, but Whitlam’s conversion was unsuccessful from wide out and the scores were tied at 27 – 27. With 5 minutes left the away team scored another try created by their offloading game. Crucially, it was touched down under the post and an easy conversion made the score 27 – 34.

Showing great attitude, the home side refused to accept defeat. Another try near the touchline by Sam Holt, left kicker, Jack Whitlam, with a difficult conversion attempt. As it drifted just wide WPL remained in front 32 -34.

As the Wath superior pack attempted to make their dominance count the game ended in some confusion and controversy as injuries to the opposition front row meant the referee had no option but to allow uncontested scrums. The final score was 32 -34 to WPL but Wath’s spirit and determination after a dreadful start was appreciated by loyal supporters.

Steve Corns