Newly promoted Wath began their 2024-25 campaign in Yorkshire One, on a dank, drizzly day at O.Rishworthians in Halifax. With new head coach, Carl Mortimer and several changes in the squad there was an air of excitement as Wath took to the field.
Early in the game Wath were forced to defend close their own line and then pounced on a mistake to launch a counter attack. Unfortunately, this broke down on the half way line as O. Rish. were awarded a penalty at a ruck. Quick thinking led to an immediate break and Wath were caught napping as the O.Rish. wing found acres of space to cross the line. After just 5 minutes Wath were 5-0, as the conversion was wide.
Responding well the Wath forwards began to dominate but clean possession was hard to produce as their opponents harried and scrapped for every ball. Following a series of line outs near the Rish. line, when the referee awarded Wath four penalties,(and no yellow card), a further penalty was given near the posts and Wath stand-off, Jack Whtlam’s successful kick got his side on the scoreboard, 5-3, after 20 minutes.
With the poor conditions making handling difficult the game became error strewn and disjointed. Wath stuck to their task and created sufficient pressure on the home side for them to concede further kickable penalties. Whitlam took advantage and gave Wath 5-9 lead at half time with successes on the 30th and 40th minutes.
Five minutes into the second half another Whitlam penalty put his side 5-12 ahead. O.Rish. replied with a penalty five minutes later to reduce their arrears to 8-12. With no try scoring opportunities created by either side the game was decided on further penalties.
Wath went 8-15 up after 55 minutes and increased their lead to 8- 18 on 70 minutes through Whitlam’s reliable boot. O.Rish’s penalty with 5 minutes left put them 11-18 down but Wath held on and that remained the final score
An away win to open the new season is a confidence boost following promotion and Wath will look to build on their performance in their home game against Wensleydale next Saturday.
Steve Corns