On a dank, dismal day in North Yorkshire Wath made a very bright start. Receiving the ball from the kick off, Adam West broke through the oncoming attack and ran 70 metres before being dragged down just before the Northallerton try line. Despite some stout defending, Wath maintained the pressure and, eventually, Tom Quinn, the full back, was put into space and crossed the line after 10 minutes. The conversion from out wide was missed, but Wath were good value for their early 0 – 5 lead.
Wath continued to dominate but, despite strong carries by Sam Levitt and Aynsley Williams, were unable to add further points. After 30 minutes the home team managed to work their way downfield for the first time and, disappointingly for the Wath defence, it resulted in a try for the home team following a 5 metre scrum. The score was level on 5-5.
Wath were able to regain control and, just before half time, Jack Whitlam confidently struck a penalty to make the score 5-8 at the break.
The visitors were never able to exert continued pressure on Northallerton despite the coach making several changes to reinvigorate the pack. However, it still came as a surprise when the home team scored a converted try on 50 minutes to take the lead 12- 8.
An opportunity to strike back immediately was lost when a penalty went wide. Despite the constant sniping of the scrum half, Jack Jewell, Wath seemed to lack composure and handling errors meant chances to develop pressure were missed. A successful penalty brought Wath back to one point 12-11 with 10 minutes left, but the win eluded the away team and Northallerton finished the stronger keeping their opponents penned in their own 22 metre area.
A performance not short of effort but lacking a clinical, cutting edge left Wath with a run of three consecutive defeats and possibly in danger of getting embroiled in the relegation zone. A win against local rivals, Barnsley, at home next week is imperative to kick start Wath’s inconsistent season.

Steve Corns