Wath 25 Ripon 24

Wath 25 – Ripon 24
Wath Escape Punishment

Wath made a superb start to their first home game of the year against lowly Ripon. A solid scrum, good driving runs by the forwards and quick handling by the backs resulted in full back, Tom Quinn, crossing the try line after just 5 minutes. Jack Whitlam added the conversion to give Wath a 7-0 lead.

It was soon apparent that Ripon’s league position did not reflect their current team’s ability but a slow start to the season caused by an unprecedented injury list. Wath continued to play quality rugby but the Ripon team defended well. Wath lost Joe Earp to the sin bin on 15 minutes for a shoulder charge but Wath continued to press forward. On 20 minutes the home team extended their lead to 10-0 with a penalty by Whitlam.

As Ripon dogged their way back into the game the Wath forwards were guilty of a lack of discipline in the rucks. Not heeding to the referee’s warnings, he resorted to his yellow cards and Wath were soon down to 13 men as Luke Pendlebury, first, and then Jonty Morrisey, after the briefest of appearances, were sent to the sidelines. Ripon capitalised on extra numbers and drove over the line to earn 5 points for the try.The conversion was missed but the Wath lead was cut to 10-5, which it remained until half time.

Still playing with 13 men, Wath hoped to hold out until they were back to full strength, but the opposition sensed their opportunity. A good break by Ripon isolated a forward in the Wath backs and the mismatch lead to another try. With the successful conversion the away team took the lead 10-12.

A moment of individuality by stand off Jack Whitlam got Wath back into the game whilst still playing with a numerical disadvantage. As he chipped the ball over the onrushing backs, he followed up his kick and, as the opposition hesitated, he touched the ball down under the posts. Adding the conversion restored Wath’s lead to 17- 12. Back to full compliment Wath may have considered they had overcome their sticky patch but Ripon were the next to score and, on the hour, they retook the lead 17- 19 with a converted try.

In a ding dong battle Whitlam kicked a penalty to give back the lead to Wath 20-19 and, as Ripon lost their discipline, they were reduced to 13 men by the referee on 65 minutes. A try by James Dobson looked to seal the game, but the missed conversion meant Ripon were still within one converted try at 24-19.

Into added time, the Wath backs tried an expansive move, but a wayward pass led to an interception try. However, Wath’s desperate defence did force the try scorer slightly away from the posts. Wath players and spectators feared the worst but the conversion went wide and Wath held on to a 25-24 victory.

Next week Wath travel to Settle to play North Ribblesdale. A coach has been organised and supporters are invited to join the team on the journey. See Website for details.
Steve Corns

Andy Hopkin Returns
After a long break due to injury and other commitments the “legend” made a highly influential comeback. His dynamic running and tough tackling made a huge impression on the Ripon backs, especially their 13 who had to leave the field following his decision to go head to head with him.
Andy played a full game on his return ensuring a win for his team.