Wath 2XV visited Pontefract in hope of ending the losing run of 2 games. Things started well with powerful forward drives leading to an early try by Calum McNally, his third of the season. Sean Power converted. Pontefract came straight back and from a handling error from a chip over scored. 5-7. Waths response was to stick to the formula that had worked to start which saw Chris Jones scoring and Sean converting. 5-14. From this point Wath took their foot off the pedal, Pontefract took advantage and scored a penalty, quickly followed by 2 tries both from poor handling and defence. Pontefract were on a roll and continued to put on pressure, spreading the ball wide and trying not to take on the visitors pack. This tactic lead to 2 more tries only one converted. Wath now seemed to realise that they were going to have to work for the win. The pack started to drive effectively and eventually Jonty Morrissey scored. From another period of sustained pressure Wath had a penalty 30m out. It was taken quickly but the pass from the centre was intercepted by Pontes impressive centre who went length of field to score. From the restart Wath again attacked, time was now running out, however with only a few minutes left Jordan Fleming scored out wide. 30-26.
The match was winnable but lack of concentration at vital moments, poor defence at times cost.
One moment of note was the last ditch tackle by Luke Harrison on a Pontefract player who was already over the tryline, dislodging the ball as well as winding the attacker. However it was two bonus points gained, but it should have been a 5 pointer.
Man of Match; Chris Jones