Ripon 30 Wath 31

Wath travelled to Ripon knowing that they would be keen to avenge their last minute defeat to Whitlam’s boot in last season’s Papa John’s Final. After four convincing wins already this season Wath were hit by long term injuries to three key players; captain Sean Hopper, prop Brandon Coult and scrum half Joe Bartlett.
Despite the changes Wath turned in an exceptional first half performance. An opportunist try by hooker, James Thompson, converted by Whitlam gave the away team a 0-7 lead, after just 5 minutes. Ripon replied with a penalty after 10 minutes to close the score to 3-7.
A good team try ended with winger Alex Butterworth, crossing the line for Wath’s second and extended their advantage to 3-12 on 15 minutes as the conversion was missed.
The forwards, led by a dominant performance by tight head prop, Ant Hamilton continued to pressurise the home pack. Conceding penalties, Whitlam, the acting captain, punished Ripon with successful kicks on the 25th, 30th and 40th to make the score 3-21. Ripon scored a penalty in injury time to make the half time score 6-21.
The complexion of the game changed after half time with the home side gaining the advantage and dominating the Wath team. Holding out for 15 minutes Wath managed a great counter attack and following interplay centre Steve Mason put in his partner Pat Selkirk, to score. Wath lead 6- 28 following the conversion.
Ripon’s pressure finally told as they replied with a converted try after 68 minutes and the scoreboard closed to 13=28. With the momentum Ripon had Wath on the ropes and scored a further converted try on 72 minutes to edge closer, 20-28. A successful penalty enabled the home side to close further to 23-28 and the away were struggling to stem the tide.
With 5 minutes left the Ripon crowd erupted as they took the lead 30-28 with another converted try and revenge for their final defeat looked likely. Showing great character Wath made one last effort and a gained a penalty in their opponents half . Up stepped Jack Whitlam, Ripon’s nemesis. 5 metres the touchline, he landed an amazing kick , to break Ripon hearts with the last play of the match and snatch a dramatic victory 30-31.
Too close for comfort but a win in a situation where they may have lost last season. Credit to all players for digging deep and pulling off a fifth successive win and stay top of Yorkshire 2.
For his dominance in the scrum and several key tackles, this weeks Man of Steel was awarded to Ant Hamilton.
Steve
Pres.