Wheatley Hills 29 Wath 20

The game was played with superb conditions underfoot and a clear blue sky above. Wath had made the short journey without several key and influential players due to injury and unavailability and were soon under pressure as Wheatley were first on the scoreboard with a simple penalty after just 5 minutes.
The score remained at 3-0 as both teams shared possession and territory until Jack Jewell made a good break and created a penalty chance as Wheatley infringed at the breakdown. Jack Whitlam levelled the score 3-3 from under the posts after 15 minutes.
On 25 minutes Wath backs went close but, in an exciting passage of play, Wheatley counter attacked and some tired tackling resulted in a try for the home team. The conversion gave Wheatley a 10 – 3 lead. Strong, direct running led by the outstanding No. 6, led to a further score for Wheatley before half time to take their lead to 17-3. As Wath bravely attempted to stem the flow of these attacks, they suffered several injuries and their resources were severely stretched. However, just before the half time whistle went, Wath bounced back off the ropes.
Another excellent, quick and determined burst by scrum half, Jewell, from a ruck on Wheatley’s 22 resulted in him touching down beneath the posts. Whitlam closed the score to 17-10 at the break.
Given time to compose themselves, Wath started the second half well and were able to get within a try of Wheatley as Whitlam’s successful penalty made the score 17-13.
The home team’s direct approach had softened the Wath defence and tackles continued to be missed. Tries for Wheatley after 55 minutes and 60 minutes put the game beyond Wath. With one successful conversion the gap had grown to 29-13.
Despite physio Alice Smith spending more time on the pitch than some injured players, Wath again showed their courage and team spirit. Battling back, Wath were the last to score as, with 5 minutes left, Sam Holt, the left winger, scored a try following a period of pressure. Whitlam’s fine conversion from the touchline resulted in a final score of 29-20 to the home team.
A deserved win for Wheatley but credit to Wath who returned home battered and bruised but their pride still intact.
Steve Corns