Baildon 14 Wath 10

High on a hill above Baildon, on a pitch saturated by weather and in persistent rain, Wath went down in a close game that was eventually decided by just 4 points. After it was decided the game could go ahead Wath made a slow start and were caught outnumbered in the backs following a quick breakdown, allowing the Baildon full back to score. His own excellent conversion in the slippery conditions put the home side ahead 7-0 after 8 minutes.
Wath began to dominate possession and territory but a well drilled Baildon defence was aware of their opponents tactics and their line speed and solid tackling caused unforced errors. However, Wath finally did score from their favourite play, the 5 metre line out. A clean catch and drive resulted in captain, Sean Hopper touching down. Whitlam’s difficult conversion was wide but after 15 minutes Wath were just 7-5 down.
For the rest of the half Wath had the better of things but more handling errors and being regularly penalised meant they were unable to add to their score despite making several half chances.
Following the turn round the pattern of the match remained the same with the Baildon defence snuffing out the Wath threat. After 20 minutes of the second half Wath were piling on the pressure near their opponents line but a dropped pass gave the Baildon winger an 80 metre race to the line for his sides second try. Another good conversion put the home side 14-5 ahead.
Baildon continued to slow down Wath’s attacks and also neutralised their most potent weapon, the line out. With 10 minutes left Wath created a ruck close to the Baildon and an accurate pass from replacement scrum half, Joe Bartlett, gave winger Adam Clark the space to force his way over, near the corner flag. The conversion went just wide but Wath were now just 14-10 down.
Following more pressure Wath moved into injury time with a scrum beneath the Baildon posts. As the ball came out on the Wath side the referee blew for a reset and then penalised them for an early engagement. Baildon cleared the danger and as the final whistle blew the last play had summed up Wath’s afternoon.
The defeat leaves North Ribblesdale clear leaders of the league but Wath are still in a strong position for promotion. The manner of the loss will be a concern to team managers and if they do make Yorkshire 1 they will meet more well coached and determined sides next season.
For his dominant scrummaging and powerful breaks, Man Of Steel was awarded to prop, Brandon Coult.
Steve