Sheffield Engineers vs Wath Upon Dearne 2XV

Wath 2XV travelled to what they expected to be a stern test at Sheffield Engineers with a much changed squad from last week. An entire backrow had been called up to the 1st XV due to injuries and cry offs. Game kicked off with a very strong wind blowing across the pitch in front of a good visiting support of 25. The engineers started brightly and showed their intent to try and use their very impressive backs, who were big and quick with good hands, their forwards were no slouches either. However after some initial scares the Wath pack started to utilise the pick and drive game to great effect, grinding their way upfield into the opposition 22, the home side were always combatitive at the breakdown, so it was hard work. After 10 minutes Chris Jones went over from short range and Sean Power putting last weeks kicking game to the back of his mind slotted the extra 2. The game continued with some bright Engineers moves which lead to Wath conceding a penalty in easy kicking distance 3-7. More forward pressure and on 20 minutes Wath got penalty in opposition 22 for a ruck infringement. Power slotted 3-10. After the restart however Sheffield started to really attack out wide and put pressure on the backs, Wath seemed to think the game was won and relaxed their grip. The outcome was a converted try to tie the scores 10 -10. The students were now really up for the game and played some great rugby, the visiting team pulling all the stops out in defence. In the second half the Sheffield 10 started to mix his game well, using his impressive centres and also turning Waths back with some clever and accurate kicking. This lead to 2 more tries one converted in the opening 20 minutes of the half 22- 10. The home team looked like they wanted it more. The jubilant celebrations as the third try was scored seemed to fire up the Wath pack again. The front row was now Gaz Allott, Rob Higgins and Sam Levitt, they now started to work over the opposition front row and the scrum became a very potent weapon, having been adequate to this point. With Steve Clegg and Chris Duffy adding grunt in the row any scrum was now Wath ball. With this good ball Jim West launched the backs, good runs from Power and Sam Holt made yards and again the pack started their pick and drive. The pressure lead to Jason Cotton playing at 8 to score conversion slotted. A glimmer of belief in the visitors and of doubt in the home team showed in the following passages of play. More pressure and Todd Bailey on the wing received the ball from some slick hands in the backs and scored out wide, game tied 22-22. The Wath team were now really fired up, but the Engineers defence was still stoic. With 2 minutes to go Wath had a penalty 20m out and skipper Jim opted to go for a scrum. The scrum drive split the home pack and went over the line, unfortunately the ball was not grounded properly so no score. However a penalty had been gained as the Engineers back row had disengaged. The ref informed the teams this would be the last play, Jim opted for a scrum again, but the opposition claimed their hooker was injured and they would have to go unopposed. The referee asked Wath what they wanted to do. The decision was to tap and the forwards drove the ball towards the line, at the ruck the ball was passed quickly down the backs and centre Sam Holt dived over to score the winner out wide. Final score 22-27. The game was well fought with two contrasting styles. Sheffield Engineers on this performance will cause some pain in the league this season. Well reffed by a veteran official who controlled ruck area superbly and stamped on any ‘chat’
Man of Match; JP Waltier
Tries;
Chris Jones, Jason Cotton, Todd Bailey, Sam Holt. Conversions; Sean Power (2) Pens. Sean Power (1)