Wath 26 Baildon 48

With the water having subsided the Moor Road pitch was in perfect condition for the visit of Baildon, who finished just above the hosts in the league last season.
Starting well, the Wath team forced a kickable penalty after 5 minutes and stand - off, Jack Whitlam made no mistake in putting his side 3-0 up. Further pressure resulted in a second penalty by Whitlam to extend Wath’s lead to 6-0, 10 minutes into the game.
The home side continued to have the majority of possession and territory but they met with a well organised defence that kept it’s shape well and denied Wath any further score. Eventually Baildon came into the game and following a break from a maul inside their own half, support was on hand to continue the attack, leading to a try under the home team’s posts. A simple conversion put the visitors 6-7 ahead, just before the half hour mark.
Responding well, the Wath team retook the lead when second row Tony Kenney latched on to a pass close to Baildon’s line and touched down. Whitlam made the score 13-7.
The Baildon stand off’s tactical put his kicking in good field position and despite resolute Wath defence their opponents eventually managed cross the try line. Another simple conversion put them 13-14 ahead after 35 minutes. On the stroke of half time Wath conceded a penalty just inside their own half and the Baildon kicker launched a huge strike to put Baildon 13-17 in front.
Making a big effort Wath put pressure on their opponents and centre Steve Mason bounced off several tacklers to offload to replacement winger, Alex Roebuck to stroll in, unopposed. Despite the missed conversion the hosts were 18- 17 up, 5 minutes into the second half.
Baildon managed to put some pressure in the Wath 22 but a relieving kick looked to quell the danger. However, the kick was gathered near the half way line and the Baildon player was allowed to run through almost untouched to score. The conversion put the away team , back in front 18- 24. Wath cut the lead to 21-23 after 55 minutes with a Whitlam penalty but this was soon cancelled by a Baildon penalty and the score became 21-27.
Despite Wath still having the bulk of possession they were blitzed by 3 converted tries as the Baildon counter attacks proved to have too much pace and too many support runners for the Wath tiring defence to handle. The score leapt to 21-48 but the Wath team exhibited great pride and determination and battled to the final whistle. A long pass by Whitlam gave powerful, winger Rory Anderson just enough room to squeeze in the corner, to complete the scoring.
The score-line of 26 -48, is a bit harsh but highlights a problem for Wath, that Baildon, definite candidates for promotion, were able to exploit to the full.
Wath Man of Steel for his certainty under some testing high bombs and willingness to counter attack was full back, Tom Quinn.
Steve
Pres