Wath 2s travelled away for this game on a pleasant warm autumn day hoping the effects of ‘freshers’ week had taken there toll on the opposition. The team welcomed back several players but lost last weeks 2nd row to the 1XV.
The game started poorly with the Wath forwards pinged for offside from the kick off, so straight on the defensive. The Medics as expected were quick to the breakdown and were well controlled by their skipper and scrumhalf. Wath defence held out for several phases before a chip over by the fly half gave possession to the visitors. Wath forwards with the ball controlled play with impressive pick and drive and good close offloads, when the ball was released the backs showed pace and Andy Lintin crashing through the defence and offloading caused the home team lots of problems. The defence held out until the 9th minute when from forwards pressure the ball went through the hands of the 3/4s to winger Rory Anderson try out wide. The conversion was missed. From the restart it was Medics turn to express themselves. From a clearance kick that did not find touch the Flyhalf collected the ball and seeing a gap sprinted through the Wath line showing a clean pair of heels and going 45m under the posts, converted. 7-5.
This was a good warning that inaccurate play would be punished. The pattern settled into Forward domination and powerful 3/4 play. This eventually led to Rory Anderson again going over out wide to regain the lead. 7-10. The home team continued attacking when they had ball with speed through the hands, but seemed to kick the ball away early trying to turn the defence or gain field position. From one chip over the clearance kick from fullback Sam Jones was charged down and a fortunate bounce to hand saw a Medics player under the posts, 10-14. Just before half time prop Gaz Allott suffered a game ending calf tear and Max Reader moved from back row to loosehead. Sean Power returning from an achilles injury had come on from the interchange and put in some big tackles on the opposing centres and made some good runs so the team were not discouraged.
At half time the team discussed the strengths and issues, and what they needed to do. The second half display was one of increased intensity, the forward pods working hard and the backs making incisive attacks. The home team seemed surprised that the fitness levels of the Wath did not seem to diminish. The pressure eventually told with a try from winger Jordan Fleming, converted by Adam Clark. 14-17. The game was not won however as the home teams speed was always a threat. Following a defensive ruck Ainsley Williams had to leave the field following an elbow to the temple from one of his own team. The team were very concerned for his health, this was his return to play following his serious head injury last year. The game was resumed and the Forwards were finally on the score sheet as Chris Jones scored and Adam Clark converted. 14-24. This was the first bonus point win of the season, but against the most challenging opposition. The man of the match was a difficult choice in a tremendous team performance. However Andy Lintin edged it for his robust defence and powerful driving runs and offloads.