Dinnington 29 Wath 34

Wath ensured promotion to Yorkshire 1 for next season with a win at Dinnington in tricky conditions. A gale force wind blowing directly down the slope proved difficult for both teams to manage and produced a very unpredictable game.
With the wind at their back Dinnington pinned Wath back but their defence held and they gradually worked their way up-field. Despite going close a relieving kick put Wath back on their own line. After 15 minutes the Dinnington forwards eventually forced their way over the line and gained a 5-0 lead.
Responding immediately Wath forwards produced many phases to move into their opponents 22. Further pressure resulted in centre Alex Butterworth proving unstoppable and levelling the scores at 5-5 after 20 minutes, as Jack Whitlam’s conversion was blown off course.
With the advantages Dinnington had territorial dominance but could only manage a penalty on the half hour to show for their efforts to regain the lead 8-5.
Wath were able to go ahead just before half time, Dominating the set pieces Wath forwards put their opposition under immense pressure and the referee awarded a penalty try as their scrum was illegally prevented from going forward by a professional penalty. Dinnington were reduced to 14 players with a yellow card and Wath move 8-12 ahead.
As expected Wath were soon able to take advantage of the conditions and put Dinnington back, close to their line. Second row Luke Stead scored near the post and Whitlam converted to extend Wath’s advantage to 8-19, five minutes into second half.
Unexpectedly for many, the home side scored next, Collecting a kick deep in their own half the lively Dinnington backs counter attacked and stunned Wath by scoring under the sticks. An easy conversion put Dinnington just 15-19 down, with 55 minutes gone.
Regaining dominance of field position Wath ran in three tries , two by winger Adam Clark split by one from replacement hooker James Dobson. The three conversions from wide out were unsuccessful but Wath led 15-34 after 70 minutes.
From a seemingly comfortable position the counterattacking Dinnington backs gave the Wath supporters a tense last 10 minutes. Running from deep they outpaced the Wath defence to score under the posts again and moved to 22-34 behind. With minutes to go Dinnington scored a carbon copy of their previous try, (except for a knock on), and closed to 29 -34, A shell- shocked Wath side were relieved to hear the final whistle and claim win as Dinnington looked to attack again.
A bonus point away win proved to be a good result and guarantee promotion for Wath with a game to go. For a second successive week , for an outstanding performance the Man of Steel was awarded to Pat Selkirk.
A celebration night will be held at the Clubhouse this Friday 29th evening and all friends and supporters are invited to join the players and coaches.
Steve