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Weekends Match Report

Weekends Match Report

michael scherdel19 Nov - 13:40

Wath’s Challenge Eventually Overcome

Wath travelled to second placed Keighley with the belief that they are capable of playing at this level, despite several recent defeats. Starting strongly Wath maintained possession with good carries in the forwards. Keighley’s first time with the ball was from a scrum and their backs created a extra man on the blind side and were able to score try from inside their own half. The home side went 5-0 after 5 minutes as the conversion missed.
Gaining territory by continued powerful running and good work at the breakdowns Wath were successful in levelling the score. The pack drove close to the line following a line out and scrum half Ollie Winstanley picked the right pass, giving skipper Sean Hopper a stroll in. The score stood at 5-5 after 12 minutes.
Keighley restored their lead after 15 minutes. After constant waves of attacks by their forwards near the Wath line they released their backs who had space to cross for a try. Another missed kick meant Keighley led by just 10-5.
There was no further score before half time as Wath more than held their own as their defence improved. It was severely tested just before the break as their opponents battered away on the Wath try line. The whole team showed great bravery and commitment to keep them out.
From the restart flanker Owen Holbrooke made ground, breaking several tackles before off-loading to debutant Mike Fenoughty, who made an immediate impact with an excellent carry. Wath spun the ball wide and from a quick ruck, full back Dave Laycock found space to score a superb try. Wath moved level 10-10, a minute into the second half. Unfortunately Wath suffered a blow as their influential flanker, Curtis Brownrigg was injured in the attack and played no further part in the game.
Scoring a penalty from the boot of Jack Whitlam on 45 minutes Wath took the lead 10-13. Unfortunately, this was immediately cancelled out by a penalty to Keighley from the restart and the scores were level again 13-13.
A further turning point in the game soon followed as centre was yellow carded for a high tackle. Keighley scored from their next attack, the result of a catch and drive from a 5 metre line out. A successful conversion opened a 20-13 gap, after 50 minutes. Taking further advantage of the extra man Keighley scored 5 minutes later, through their winger and the conversion put Keighley 27-13 in front.
Restored to full numbers Wath made a fight back and following a sustained attack Hopper was there again to cross the line for a try. The score stood at 27-18, going into the last quarter.
Keighley dominated this phase of the game. Despite further heroic defending the home side scored three further tries. Converting two them meant the final score was a disappointing 46-18.
For the majority of the game Wath were able to match their higher placed opponents who posed many threats, especially a creative and powerful set of backs. A couple of setbacks possibly made a difference but to improve Wath will need to develop an 80 minute game.
Owen Holbrooke was chosen as Man of Steel for his energy and physicality. Definitely one for the future.
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