Wath 47 Roundhegians 33

In bright winter sunshine, with perfect conditions underfoot Wath played with a gusty wind at their backs in the first half. against their opponents, Roundhegians from Leeds.
With accurate kicking, stand-off, Jack Whitlam managed the game well, ensuring his side played most the first half in their opponents half. Building pressure the home side were able to score at regular intervals. Front row Brandon Coult was the first to score, when after 5 minutes he grounded the ball in the corner following a 5 metre line out. Whitlam’s touch line conversion put Wath 7- 0 up.
Second row Jonty Morrisey broke off a maul near the Roundhegians line to score unopposed after 15 minutes and Whitlam made the score 14-0 to the home side. On the half hour Wath scored a third try. Following a period of intense forward pressure, a miss pass from Whitlam gave winger Adam Clark enough space to score. A magnificent, kick from the touchline, into the wind, from put 21- 0 ahead. On the stroke off half time back row Curtis Brownrigg added a try, and his sides bonus point fourth. Whitlam’s kick blew wide but Wath led 26-0 at the break.
Despite playing into the wind Wath were able to continue dominating territory. An elusive run by centre Pat Selkirk went close but as the ball was quickly recycled hooker James Dobson slipped a subtle inside pass to oncoming second row, Luke Stead, who was unstoppable from 10 metres. Whitlam moved Wath 33-0 clear.
Roundhegians attempted to speed up tempo of the game and this was eventually rewarded. In a spell of 15 minutes between the 55th and 70th minute Wath were rocked by 4 unanswered tries and the score closed to 33-26. Fortunately, Wath were able to regain some control and Brownrigg was able to score his second close range try. With Whitlam’s successful conversion the Wath side moved 14 points clear 40-26, moving into the last 10 minutes.
Attempting to stretch their opposition Roundhegians continued to keep the game open but a risky pass allowed Wath’s centre Steve Mason to make an excellent interception in his own 22 and despite his veteran status he had more than enough pace to leave three defenders in his wake. From under the posts Whitlam completed Wath’s scoring at 47-26.
Roundhegians scored a try in injury time but Wath ran out winners 47-33, in an entertaining game containing 12 tries. A good win in their last game of the year but conceding 5 tries must be a concern for the coaches.
Man of Steel for his all- round quality, work-rate and two tries was awarded to back row Curtis Brownrigg.
Steve