A very determined Wath team took the field at Moor Road intent on preserving their 100% winning record at home in the League. Having overcome second and third team , Harrogate Pythons and Baildon respectively, in recent weeks, in this game they faced the ultimate challenge, against Wensleydale, the team already promoted from Yorkshire 2, as Champions.
With the wind in their favour Wath started well, with both forwards and backs handling well and having the most of possession. Building pressure on the Wensleydale defence Wath were awarded a penalty close to their opponents line. Quick thinking prop, Brandon Coult took a quick tap penalty and drove over for a try near the post, Jack Whitlam added the conversion to give Wath a 7-0 lead after 10 minute.
With high quality rugby from both teams in both attack and defence the home side maintained the majority of territorial advantage. Eventually Wath were able to add to their lead through two well struck penalties by the ice cool, Jack Whitlam. The successful kicks on 30 and 33 minutes made the score 13- 0 and Wath took that lead into the half time break.
As expected the Champions came back strongly at the beginning of the second half. Taking advantage of the wind Wensleydale were able to spend far more time in the Wath half. Pressure grew on the home side but excellent defending prevented an early score. After 10 minutes of the half Wensleydale with several strong carries, crossed Wath’s line. With the successful conversion the score closed to 13-7.
On the hour a well struck penalty by the away side closed the gap to 13-10. Despite the excellent defence by Wath they continued to be under considerable pressure, conceding a series of penalties. Wensleydale took attempts at goal from two of the penalties but fortunately for Wath, the kicker squandered both chances.
Having weathered the storm the home side came back strongly in the last 10 minutes. Keeping their opposition penned in their own 22 Wath forwards drove at the line, only to meet resolute defence. Not to be denied Wath were under the Wensleydale posts and won quick ball. Excellent passing gave time for winger Alex Butterworth the opportunity to squeeze over in the corner. Despite the conversion that was held up into the wind, Wath had an 18-10 lead in the 78th minute.
Wath secured the restart and ended the game by clearing the ball into touch. A great game between two pretty even sides was another example of the competitive and entertaining rugby at this level.
We send Wensleydale all of our best wishes for next season in Yorkshire 1, but Wath left it a bit too late, despite lowering the colours of the top three teams.
Wath begin a Cup campaign next Saturday at home against Nottingham Moderns, in the first round of the Papa John’s North Plate Competition.
Steve
Pres.