Victory on the road

Malton & Norton 2nds 17 : 22 Wath 2nds. 7/3/15

Wath travelled away for this fixture very under strength with only 14 players, 2 of which were named as 1st team subs. It was a real effort by Gnasher to manage this with the number of unavailabilities and injuries. However due to the fact when Malton visited Wath they came with 12 and we lent them 3 players it was agreed to start the game 14 a side. From the start Wath attacked well and within 5 minutes had forced an attacking scrum 5m out. The pack started a very effective drive but 4m out the debutant no. 8 Curtis Brownrigg picked up the ball and got stopped short of the line. There were puzzled expressions from the older players until it was realised he had never played grown up laws. At the next break in play he was informed that there was no restriction on the scrum going forward, ‘more than 1.5m’ was his surprised expression, its all part of moving to senior rugby. Wath continued to pressure and Jacob Mangham went over for a try out wide. 0-5 Not converted in the strong wind. Malton now had some possession but were thwarted by excellent defence, from both backs and forwards, Rory Anderson, 17 years 4 days making his debut on the wing showing he could step up. Following a penalty awarded 20m out from home teams line, Cory Cox showing good awareness ntook a quick tap, drew a defender and slipped the ball to Jim West who sprinted to the line and touched down. 0-10 conversion missed. Things were going well when there was the call from the 1st team pitch for Jonty Morrissey as they had lost a player, Jonty had been putting in some very good runs and he would be missed. Tony Kenney moved from back row into second row. Further pressure continued and from good attacking forward play Curtiss Brownrigg went over near the posts, converted by Cory 0-17. The game continued with good defence and great movement of the ball, several kicks over the line were cleaned up by Brad Taylor. Half time 0-17. The Malton captain reduced the numbers on the pitch to 13 a side at half time.
Second half started as first finished with Curtiss Brownrigg scoring his second try 0-22 not converted. The call then came for Brad Taylor to go to 1st team pitch and the team was reduced to 13 for rest of game. Malton now started to make some in roads but the cover defence up to it with Joey Minshull now playing outside centre and the pack down to 6 players. With 15 minutes to go Malton finally broke through and scored 5-22. The Wath team were now tiring and from a ball that squirted out of the side of the scrum Malton got another try which was converted 12-22. Malton were gaining in confidence and their no.8 tried several attacks which were held, however with 5 minutes left they scored out wide 17-22. The team under the posts vowed not to let this slip and through superhuman efforts in defence held out for the win. Bonus point as well. The man of the match chosen by Gnasher, even though it ‘stuck in his craw’ Jim West for his effort and cover defence. This was a display of superb effort and team work, epitomised by James Dobson (hooker) having a stormer at centre, defending and turning over ball. The two debutants showed good skills and seemed to have the two things we look for in a rugby player in plenty. Alex Dunne may need 4 weeks off now has he did full 80 minutes.
Played in a good spirit by both sides. Very well ref’d by a guy from Pocklington who talked to players and explained decisions,and seemed to enjoy it. Definitely one of the best this season.
Team; Gaz Goddard, Matt Driver, Steve West, Jonty Morrissey, Alex Dunne,Tony Kenney, Joey Minshull, Curtiss Brownrigg, Jim West, Cory Cox, Rory Anderson, James Dobson, Jacob Mangham, Brad Taylor

Written by Bob West