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Wath Step Up With Big Performance
michael scherdel4 Nov - 16:14
WEEKENDS RESULTS
Following a disappointing performance in their previous game Wath needed to improve significantly as they travelled to play Harrogate Pythons, who sat one place above them, 5th in the league.
After 15 minutes of sparring the home side went ahead. Gathering the ball on the half -way line from a Wath kick, the Harrogate winger showed great pace and was able to find space to put his team - mate in for a try. The conversion failed but Wath were down 5-0.
Good defence by both sides meant there was no further score before half - time but Wath needed a last- ditch cover tackle by scrum half, Ollie Winstanley, to prevent Pythons adding to their lead.
Directly from Wath’s restart Python’s made a handling error in their own 22m area. A strong Wath scrum offered clean possession for centre Pat Selkirk to make good ground and Ollie Winstanley was at the breakdown to pick up and scoot over the try line. Whitlam added the conversion and Wath took the lead 5-7.
Pythons recovered from their mistake and gradually put pressure on their opponents. Despite excellent tackling by Wath the pressure increased on their line, Pythons were awarded several penalties and following one quick tap the impressive right wing beat the Wath defence and scored near the posts. Making no mistake with the conversion, Pythons regained the lead 12-7 after 15 minutes into the second half.
Using the bench cleverly Wath were able to maintain their energy and intensity and bring their backs more into the game. Moving the ball wide to the left wing, Wath threatened the Python’s line and went close after 70 minutes. After a good carry by Joe Earp the quick ball went wide again and full back Anthony Davies made the extra man in the line and gave the perfect pass to winger Matt Jenkins who raced over in the corner. An excellent conversion by Jack Whitlam from the touchline meant the lead changed hands again as Wath went 12-14 in front with 5 minutes left.
Wath scrum was gaining increasing dominance and after a crooked Python’s line out Wath had a scrum 8 metres from their opponents try line. The scrum immediately started to go forward and it was up to No.8 and captain to control the ball and touch down as the ball crossed the try line. Another successful kick by Whitlam extended his team to a two score lead 12-21 as the game went in to added time.
Python’s showed great spirit to score another try but the referee blew for full time as the conversion went over, leaving Wath with a 19-21 win and leapfrogging Pythons to move into 5th place in Yorkshire 1.
Wath showed great team spirit and played for one another with purpose and desire. A hard - fought victory away from home against a well organised side was in my opinion by far , their best performance of the season, and proof they are a Yorkshire 1 side.
Jack Whitlam earned the Man of the Match for his control of the game and for his immaculate place kicking.
After 15 minutes of sparring the home side went ahead. Gathering the ball on the half -way line from a Wath kick, the Harrogate winger showed great pace and was able to find space to put his team - mate in for a try. The conversion failed but Wath were down 5-0.
Good defence by both sides meant there was no further score before half - time but Wath needed a last- ditch cover tackle by scrum half, Ollie Winstanley, to prevent Pythons adding to their lead.
Directly from Wath’s restart Python’s made a handling error in their own 22m area. A strong Wath scrum offered clean possession for centre Pat Selkirk to make good ground and Ollie Winstanley was at the breakdown to pick up and scoot over the try line. Whitlam added the conversion and Wath took the lead 5-7.
Pythons recovered from their mistake and gradually put pressure on their opponents. Despite excellent tackling by Wath the pressure increased on their line, Pythons were awarded several penalties and following one quick tap the impressive right wing beat the Wath defence and scored near the posts. Making no mistake with the conversion, Pythons regained the lead 12-7 after 15 minutes into the second half.
Using the bench cleverly Wath were able to maintain their energy and intensity and bring their backs more into the game. Moving the ball wide to the left wing, Wath threatened the Python’s line and went close after 70 minutes. After a good carry by Joe Earp the quick ball went wide again and full back Anthony Davies made the extra man in the line and gave the perfect pass to winger Matt Jenkins who raced over in the corner. An excellent conversion by Jack Whitlam from the touchline meant the lead changed hands again as Wath went 12-14 in front with 5 minutes left.
Wath scrum was gaining increasing dominance and after a crooked Python’s line out Wath had a scrum 8 metres from their opponents try line. The scrum immediately started to go forward and it was up to No.8 and captain to control the ball and touch down as the ball crossed the try line. Another successful kick by Whitlam extended his team to a two score lead 12-21 as the game went in to added time.
Python’s showed great spirit to score another try but the referee blew for full time as the conversion went over, leaving Wath with a 19-21 win and leapfrogging Pythons to move into 5th place in Yorkshire 1.
Wath showed great team spirit and played for one another with purpose and desire. A hard - fought victory away from home against a well organised side was in my opinion by far , their best performance of the season, and proof they are a Yorkshire 1 side.
Jack Whitlam earned the Man of the Match for his control of the game and for his immaculate place kicking.
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