Horden and Peterlee 17 Wath 22

Wath made the long trek to coast of Durham to play the Champions of Northumberland and Durham 2, in the 2nd round of the Papa John’s Championship. Despite a warm reception from the club officials the home team players were not as welcoming.
Putting pressure on the usually solid Wath scrum H. and P. took the game to their visitors and it took a great cover tackle by Wath’s Joe Earp to prevent them from scoring the opening try. Despite further strong tackling led by Arran Tasker, H. and P. did score first, with a simple penalty after 10 minutes to gain a 3-0 lead.
Gradually Wath imposed themselves on their opponents and following several phases of play close to the H. and P. line, second row Luke Stead, picked a great line and crashed over for a try. Whitlam’s conversion came back off the post but Wath went in front 3-5, after 20 minutes.
Maintaining their grip Wath were awarded a penalty try after 30 minutes when the Horden defence were guilty of conceding too many offences close to their line and the referee went under the posts. Awarded 7 points Wath moved 3-12 clear. Just before half time Wath suffered a blow as captain, Sean Hopper sustained a knee injury and was forced from the field. The score remained 3-12 at the break.
Good defence by both sides kept the score the same but Wath did not make the most of a couple of half chances. Whitlam extended his sides advantage with a penalty after 60 minutes, as Wath moved the score to 3-15.
A period of pressure from the home side resulted in a converted try and cut Wath’s lead to 10-15, going into the last 10 minutes. Responding strongly the Wath forwards dominated the game and a short range try from prop Brandon Coult, capped an outstanding performance. With Whitlam’s conversion the game seemed over, going in to injury time 12 points clear, 10-22

As Wath pressed forward Horden and Peterlee intercepted a pass and scored under the posts, moving to just 17-22 behind. Following the restart the referee blew for full time at the first breakdown and Wath were winners 17-22, having overcome a tough, stubborn opponent on their own patch.

Stand off Jack Whitlam was chosen by Horden and Peterlee as Wath’s Man of Steel.

In the Quarter Final Wath will host Veysians this Saturday 27th , kicking off at 3pm.

Steve