Wath 28 Hemsworth 17

Due to the downpour from storm Babet, Wath had to move on to the pitch on the other side of Recreation Road as the cricket field had transformed in to a boating lake. The meeting with their local neighbour Hemsworth was the first meeting at 1st team level since January 2004, almost 20 years. Following promotion from Yorkshire 3, the visitors have had a mixed start but were sure to provide a stiff test for the league leaders.
After 5 minutes had a line out on their opponents 5 metre line and were held up as they tried to maul the ball over the line. Releasing their backs they were also held up but on recycling the ball second row, Luke Stead was found lurking in the centres and powered over from 10 metres. An easy conversion by captain Jack Whitlam put Wath 7-0 ahead.
Wath continued to stay on top but the large Hemsworth forwards proved hard to break down. After 15 minutes another line out in their opponents 22 was released to the Wath backs and a move between Whitlam and centre Steve Mason, gave full back Adam Clark an easy run in. Whitlam made the score 14-0.
A period of sustained pressure close to Wath’s own try line followed as the Hemsworth forwards kept possession and recycled well. Several drives went close but the Wath defence stood firm, tackling well and eventually managed to force an error and clear the danger.
On half time, a third try followed a line out near the Hemsworth line. Following a catch and drive being successfully held up, scrum half, Alex Roebuck , found the perfect pass for winger Rory Anderson to cross the line unopposed. A more difficult conversion proved no problem to Whitlam and the home team went into the break 21-0 ahead.
Following a period played mainly in midfield, Hemsworth found space wide on the right wing and manufactured a good try. After 50 minutes the score moved to 21-5 as the conversion was missed. The away team continued to frustrate the league leaders but a turnover near the half way line led to a Wath attack featuring both forwards and backs , stretching their opponents defence, The move eventually resulted in Luke Stead again using his size and determination to crash over and give his side a bonus point. Whitlam maintained his 100% success off the tee to put Wath 28-5 with 10 minutes left.
The stubborn Hemsworth side continued to prove a tough opponent and scored a converted try with 5 minutes left, bringing the score to 28-12 and an unconverted try in the 80th minute making the score 28 - 17 and giving concern to the Wath spectators. Fortunately for the crowd , the referee blew to end the game before the restart.
Not a convincing performance by Wath but a bonus point win was enough to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. As for Hemsworth they are a determined side and will continue to improve.
Man of Steel, for his all round performance was winger Rory Anderson.
Steve
Pres.