Wath 40 N.Ribb. 24

Wath continued their bright start to the season with a home win against a youthful and exuberant side from North Ribblesdale. This second bonus point win has given Wath an early lead in the league standings.
Bolstered by the return of Luke Stead and Tony Kenney to the pack the home team were very secure at the set pieces and were able to play largely in their opponents half. Looking well organised in defence N, Ribb. also showed glimpses of their counter attacking style.
It took Wath until early in the second quarter to grab their first try. A contest for a loose ball was won by the determined centre Steve Mason and Jack Whitlam, up in support, received the ball and ran in unopposed. Stand off Whitlam was then able to convert his own score with a kick from the touchline, and Wath were 7-0 ahead.
The pattern of the game remained the same as Wath continued to dominate and try to add to their score. The pacey visitors showed their threat as an attack from their own half was only just thwarted by a last ditch tackle by Whitlam. Towards the end of the half the forwards won quick ball and slick handling in the backs allowed Steve Mason to act as provider again as he gave fellow centre enough space to show his pace and add a second try for the Moor Road men. Whitlam’s conversion made the score 14-0.
In a rare visit into the Wath 22 , the away team were awarded a penalty and took the easy 3 points on offer as the half time whistle blew to close the score to 14-3.
The Wath side stretched out to comfortable lead of 28 3 with two converted tries early in the second half. A first, a typical short range effort by scrum half, Joe Bartlett was followed by full back, Adam Clark, following up a high kick and winning a 50/ 50 challenge, as the ball bounced awkwardly.
It had taken the home team a great deal of effort in the excessively hot conditions and perhaps Wath subconsciously thought the game was won and therefore relaxed. North Ribblesdale had other ideas and they struck twice in quick succession with pace and skill. Going into the last 10 minutes the score was 28 – 17, and Wath were rattled.
Returning to their game plan Wath were able to re-impose their grip on the match and an opportunist try by Sean Hopper, the Wath captain, gave his side breathing space as Whitlam kicked the extra 2 points to put three cores ahead 35-17.
Right wing, Rory Anderson scored Wath’s final try with a great individual score. From his own kick ahead he showed speed and then composure to gather the ball and cross the line. A rare missed conversion left the home team on 40 -17.
N.Ribb. had the last word with another try in the last minute but Wath ran out worthy winners 40-24 against a potentially difficult opponent.
For his try and general threat in attack and sound defensive work, Man of Steel was awarded to Patrick Selkirk.
Steve
Pres.