Otliensians 14 Wath 37

A visit to the genteel market town of Otley was the last away fixture for Wath in the 2018-19 Yorkshire 2 campaign. It was also Old Otliensians’ last home game in the Division as they were already doomed to relegation. A very low key atmosphere before the game must be a far cry from the euphoria within the club just a year ago when they won promotion and won at Twickenham.

Wath went close in the first minute, but the adventurous Otliensians’ backs ran the ball from deep to outflank the Wath defence and take a surprise 7-0 lead. Wath responded by totally overpowering their opponent’s forwards and producing a blitz of four tries in twenty minutes through full back, Tom Quinn, stand off, Jack Whitlam, and a brace from Number 8, Joe Earp. Jack Whitlam, having a rare off day, was unable to add any extras but Wath still had a healthy 7-20 advantage.

Just before Earp’s second try a series of bad tempered exchanges had led to the referee yellow carding a player from each team and the home supporters reacted poorly to Wath’s dominance. The game eventually calmed down and the score remained at 7-20 until half time.

The second half was similar in pattern to the first half with Otliensians scoring first. Following dazzling footwork by their left winger, who gave a simple pass for a player in support to score a stunning try. As the score closed to 14 -20 it looked like a comeback may have been on the cards.

Almost immediately Wath replied with a fine try by winger, Sam Holt, gathering a chip from Whitlam and racing over the try line. Whitlam’s conversion restored the away team’s advantage at 14-29. As the home team backs continued their adventurous approach, Wath centre, Anthony Barrett, pounced on a mistake and added another try and the score moved on to 14-34.

The highlight of the game was Wath’s seventh and final try, scored by second row, Jonty Morrisey. Receiving the ball 50, 25, 10, 5 metres from the opponent’s line, he dummied the winger in front of him and spectacularly launched himself over the try line.

The game ended tamely but with Wath achieving a bonus point win with a score of 14 – 37, much to the dismay and disappointment of the home team spectators but to the delight of Wath’s travelling support.

Steve Corns