Wath win

Morley 2nds 14 : 22 Wath 2nds 21.3.15
In the home fixture in November both teams scored 3 tries but Morley won by converting all 3 while Wath missed 2. So it was with revenge in mind that Wath travelled to Scatchard lane. With call ups to the first team there were only 7 backs with both subs being tight five players. The weather was fine and the young backs looked forward to playing on the huge 1st team pitch, not sure the forwards felt the same, you can actually see the curvature of the earth across it. Wath kicked off and immediately Morley showed their intent moving the ball slickly through hands to the wide players, however Wath defence showed good speed itself to cover and block any attacks, Jacob Mangham playing out of position at fullback really looked the part with good tackling. With the ball in the forwards Wath started to move forward and release good ball to the backs where Yorkshire U17 scrum half Reece Tingle was having his debut at 10. He brought his centres into play regularly and the hard lines punched holes in the Morley defence regularly. Following a period of strong forward pressure on the Morley line Reece took a short pass from skipper Jim West and went in under the posts, Try on Debut. The noise from the stands was deafening as the ball was touched down. (His mum was watching). Due to the lack of volunteers to kick Danny Lord took the kick and unlike in the friendly at Moortown where he hit the post, he got it straight between the sticks, unfortunately under the bar. 0-5. The game carried on with the pattern of determined defence from Wath and powerful attacks, Ben Cairns demonstrating his hand off effectively several times on the Morley defence. The forward pressure and direct running was telling on Morley backs and Ben Myers set up a great attack when he ran over the opposition 10 leaving him looking groggy. The next score came from prop Gaz Goddard who went over 15m out from posts, much post match discussion took place over the distance he move to score, Gaz wasn’t sure he took a step while others thought he took at least one. Conversion duties taken over reluctantly by Andy Linton who put it through the posts 0-12
That’s how the half ended. For the second half Morley introduced a very tall very fast centre and started to use him as an effective line breaker, however the defence held. From a ruck turnover in the Wath 22 scrumhalf Jim West side stepped 2 defenders and pinned his ears back to run 75m to score leaving all in his wake. Still got the speed, just needed 5 minutes before he could breathe again. Up steps the newly discovered kicking sensation Andy Linton who duly missed, back to the drawing board. Morley’s big centre started to punch holes and They scored near the posts, 7-17.
More Wath pressure and from good pick and drive work Callum McNally stepping up from the 3rds went over for a try out wide, 7-22. Morley now really piled on the pressure and with 5 minutes to go scored another converted try. 14-22. The referee was very good kept up with play and reffed the break down well, communicated with the players and looked to enjoy it. This win was built on the tremendous forward effort and good running of the backs. Great debut for Reece Tingle who played 10 then 9 for last 20 minutes with Jim West going to centre.Also good debut from Chris Jones stepping up from 3rds for first time. Notable defence, Sam Holt showing pace and power in covering breaks. Ollie Stirling was MoM for a totally dynamic performance in attack and defence.
Team; Jacob Mangham, Sam Holt, Dan Lord, Andy Linton, Ben Cairns, Reece Tingle, Jim West, Ben Myers, Ollie Stirling, Steve West, Gaz Goddard, Jonty Morrissey, Tony Kenney, Callum McNally, Chris Jones, Dan Andrews, Matt Myers.

Written by Bob West