Another Local Derby Victory for the Club

Wath upon Dearne RUFC’s Development XV are flying as high as their 1st XV counterparts. Top of Yorkshire Merit League 2 after only being promoted from Merit League 3 last season, they enjoyed a storming win over fellow promotion chasers Cleckheaton 2nds last weekend. This Saturday saw them entertain local rivals Barnsley at home in a weekend friendly, but local derbies are always a keen contest and much to everyone’s delight Wath came out on top. Wath made their intentions clear from the start pressing early on and gaining a penalty which was slotted by full back Tom Quinn, who would go on to enjoy a good day with the boot. Barnsley seemed keen to drive the ball through the forwards and the physicality of the game was very high, Wath absorbed any Barnsley forward play and when they chose to spread the ball out wide, it would prove fruitful. Fine hands in the midfield by outside half Joe Thompson and Centre Andy Hopkin saw wing James Phillips aka Harry Potter with space out wide, he managed to outstrip the covering defence and go over in the corner. Barnsley fought back with a well taken penalty of their own, which was shortly cancelled out by Quinn’s boot. Wath continued to press with a workmanlike performance from veteran Number 8 Craig Sanderson as he lead the way for the pack, however Barnsleys defence would hold out. Barnsley attacked with wide ball and the failing drift defence by Wath saw Barnsley go over in the corner for a try of their own. Wath would not back down and the front row of Myers, Lazenby and Clegg steamrollered the opposition scrum close to the line resulting in wing Harry Potter coming close again but being denied by the touchline. Fly half Joe Thompson sent a kick into the corner of the Barnsley 22 and Potter set off in pursuit, the bounce was favourable to Wath and he pounced on it to go over again. Wath’s other winger Jason Wong, was not going to be outdone and close to the end of the first half he would show pace and strength to break through two tacklers close to the line and go over. The half ended Wath 25-8 in the lead. The second half would not prove as entertaining for Wath as Barnsley valiantly fought back into the game. Centre Hopkin moved to the flank and impressed with his work rate as 1st XV head coach Lee Bird made his token once a season appearance and somehow survived without getting sent off, much to everyone’s surprise. Wath would only have a Quinn penalty on the score sheet in the second half but had done enough in the first half and the game ended with another victory over their local rivals! Final score 28-20 to Wath. On the other pitch Wath 3rd XV faced Wortley and showed true sportsmanship as they lent 6 players to the opposition in order to ensure a game could be played. It must now be re-iterated that the strength of the 1st XV this season is in considerable part down to the strength in depth that the club is enjoying of late, not many clubs can boast a 1st and 2nd XV who are at the top of their respective leagues and Wath undoubtedly is a great place to be at the moment.