Wath 38- Yarnbury 26

Having re-read my match report from the reverse fixture at Yarnbury I am tempted to cut and paste and just change the scorers names. Although brimming with confidence following their huge win the previous week the visitors knew the would be facing a much more daunting task up against the powerful Wath side who would aim to deny their opponents much possession for their talented backs.
On a pitch in remarkably good condition, considering the recent weather Yarnbury received the kick off. Showing their intent they ran the ball and through pace and excellent handling scored from 80 metres. With the successful conversion the away side were 0-7 up, in the first minute.
Although stunned the Wath side was able to respond with its own game plan. Gradually increasing the pressure on the Yarnbury side through maintaining possession and strong running by both forwards and backs. Having drawn in most of their opponents, Wath were able to pass the ball wide for winger Rory Anderson to power over , for a try, An excellent touch line conversion by Jack Whitlam , put his side level, 7-7, after 10 minutes.
With skipper Sean Hopper spurning a simple penalty chance Wath scored from a 5 metre lineout through the mighty second row , Luke Stead as the home team maintained its stranglehold. Despite the missed conversion Wath took the lead 12-7 after 20 minutes.
Continuing to deny their opponents any quality ball Wath scored another close range try when scrum half , Josh Bird needed no second invitation when he spotted a gap close to the Yarnbury line and dived over the line. The Whitlam conversion extended Wath’s advantage to 19-7 , just after the half hour and the score remained the same until half time.
Sean Hopper opened the scoring in the second half when in the 50th minute he broke from a 5 metre line out to touch down. Wath moved 24-7 clear with the missed conversion but had the try bonus point.
Whether the home side relaxed with a 17 point lead or the Yarnbury side upped their game, things changed quickly. Gaining more possession and territory the Leeds team responded with 2 tries in 5 minutes, one of which was converted and after an hour Wath’s was cut dramatically to 5 points as the scoreboard read 24-19.
Thankfully for everyone’s fingernails Wath were able to get back on top and scored two further close range tries. A second try from Stead was followed by a second from Hopper. Both converted by Whitlam put Wath 38 -19 in front with 10 minutes left.
The resilient Yarnbury side continued to compete and were rewarded with a try in the last minute that gave them a bonus point and the conversion brought the final score to 38-26.
A great all round performance by Wath, in a must win match kept them on top of Yorkshire 2 and put them 9 points clear of Yarnbury, in third place.
Man of Steel for his two tries and overall influence on the game was awarded to Luke Stead.
Steve
Pres.