WATH 2XV 18 MORLEY 2XV 17

Wath upon Dearne 2nd. XV 18 : 17 Morley 2nd. XV.
First game of the season in the Merit Championship South saw Wath welcome Morley to Moor rd.
Following late call ups to the 1st. XV, Wath were fielding some inexperienced players but also welcomed back some good old heads, Jason Cotton, Joe Thompson and Anthony Barratt and only 4 replacements. From the start the well drilled Morley team put Wath under pressure, however the home teams defence held out. Wath used what little ball they had well and made a few attacks, scoring 2 tries in the first half against the overall flow of the game, Jim West put in his usual hard working display to put in some crucial tackles. The back row were inspired at times in their efforts to stop the well structured Morley attacks. Unfortunately during a ruck prop Sam Levits clashed his head on a knee accidentally, the cut looked pretty bad and he was sent straight to hospital where he had 36 stitches to the wound and spent a night in a bed with a plastic mattress. His words on leaving the pitch ‘glad my mum’s not here to see this one’. The pack reorganised and the game continued with contested scrums. Luckily prop/hooker Bob Lazenby arrived just after, having been delayed at work. Half time 10 nil.
The second half Wath knew they would have to step up as they were now kicking up the slope. The pattern of the first half was repeated, some very enterprising back play from Morley diehard defence from Wath. Again some heroic defence lead to a turnover and Wath went over again out wide. 15 nil. Morley struck back quickly and scored their first try from a driving maul following a line out. Ironic as their backs had posed the threats up to now. This inspired them and a good break lead to another score nearer the posts which was converted 15-12.
Morley started to dominate as the intense defence took its toll. However Adam West excelling in his new roll as a number 8 made several breaks and some good yards. Eventually Wath were awarded a penalty in front of the posts 35m out. Anthony Barratt slotted it. 18-12. Next injury Sean Power went to hospital with cut on eyelid after accidental clash. Morley really put the pressure on and again went over out wide, Wath supporters dared not watch, but fortunately for home team conversion missed. There followed a frantic 4 minutes which saw Wath recover the ball and the never to be forgotten sight of veteran 2nd. row Jason Cotton in his new PINK boots chip kicking over the defence for Adam West and Andy Linton to chase, unfortunately they were not able to get to the ball. The final whistle went to an audible sigh of relief from the home crowd. Morley deserved there losing bonus point and both teams gave all and created a great spectacle. Many thanks to the Morley coach who helped to tape up the injured players who went to hospital.
Well refereed by young ref who controlled the players well and was always up with play.
Morley lads stayed for a drink after the game and were excellent ambassadors for their club. Look forward to return Fixture.
Tries for Wath; Fleming 2, Barratt. Penalty; Barratt. Man of Match; Adam West.
Team; Barratt, Harrison, Fleming, Power, Linton, Thompson, West J, West A, Higgins, Johnson, Cotton, McNally, Batty, Goddard, Levits, Mangham, Bedford, Lazenby, Tingle