Brave Performance Limits Losses

Wath travelled to Leodiensians with some trepidation as the home side were on a run of 9 consecutive wins and played on a pitch that was regularly difficult underfoot. Playing with the advantage of the strong wind, Wath were soon put under pressure by the highly motivated home team.

Withstanding the early pressure, Wath were the first to score when winger, Jack Jewell, made a fine interception and went the full length of the pitch after 10 minutes. Jack Whitlam’s attempt to convert was taken wide by the wind but Wath led 0-5.

Leos reacted positively and regained territorial advantage. Wath were forced to defend almost continuously as the lively and well drilled opposition attacked through both forwards and backs.
Despite the well marshalled defence, Wath conceded two tries before half time, both eventually scored from close range. The Leos’ influential stand off was successful with both conversions and the home team led 14-5 at half time.

Leos maintained their dominance and scored two tries early in the second half, one of which was converted, extending their lead to 26-5. The floodgates could have opened at this stage but the Wath team showed great team spirit and determination to stay in the game.

Wath even took the game to their opposition and had a spell of ten minutes near their opposition’s line. Despite Leos conceding four penalties in quick succession, Wath were unable to punish the home side and the pressure was eventually relieved.

The scoreline remained at 26-5 and the home team deserved their win, but the Wath team put in a remarkably brave and honest performance against a team that will surely be playing at a higher level next season.

Steve Corns