Wath 2XV 41 : 12 Barsnsley 2XV

Following a weeks rest Wath 2nds were back in action in the Merit Championship South with a game against local rivals Barnsley. Wath had a strong looking side for this fixture, and were looking forward to the first fixture between the two team in 2 seasons. The home team started very strongly and were on the attack from the start, No.8 Adam West made a good break from a ruck and passed inside to skipper Jim who fed the winger, another inside pass saw Adam go over. From the kick off another backs attack with the ball moving swiftly through hands, from the ensuing ruck 5m out Jim West threw a neat reverse pass with his brother Adam again benefitting to go over nearer the posts, converted by Sean Power. Barnsley made several attacks but were thwarted by the good defence, forcing errors and turnover ball. More fast moving rugby and winger Sam Holt goes over out wide, not converted. Pattern resumes Barnsley attacks stopped, Wath turnover, more swift hands Sean Power goes over and converts, 24-0 end of first quarter bonus point gained. For a team totally dominant Wath now seemed to commit a lot of penalties, giving possession to the visitors, from a period of sustained ball Barnsley got over out wide 24-5 . In the second half the pattern of Wath dominating and then conceding penalties continued, however the play was quick and although frustrated at some of the decisions the players kept their cool and focussed on trying to score, Barsnsley several times got within 10m of the home sides line but heroic defence lead by skipper Jim West and Jason Cotton plus good lineout spoils from the pack and the impressive Chris Jones kept the score down. When Wath had the ball they attacked with finesse. Joe Thompson releasing his backs repeatedly. Second half tries from Callum Mcnally, having one of his best games of the season, JP Waltier and a third for Adam West put the game out of the reach of Barnsley. With 15 minutes left to play loosehead replacement Gaz Allott was sinbinned at his first scrum for what he claimed was 'pushing too hard', but ref said was boring in, seemed a bit harsh but did not affect the pattern of play as Steve Clegg came back on for the next scrums. However with only a couple of minutes left to play a series of penalties against Wath got Barnsley to within 3m of the line and they managed to drive over for a consolation score which was converted. Final score 41-12. With a bit more ‘discipline’ the score could have been much higher, such was the home teams dominance. Good TEAM performance with notable self control from the players. Jim West was man of match for his tireless effort in attack and defence. Game was watched by a good home crowd in excess of 60, the players much appreciated the support.