Wath 36 Barnsley 21

Wath 36 Barnsley 21

This game was the fitting finale to 2017, local rivals Barnsley had asked to play their home fixture at Wath, I suspect they intended an early start to the festivities. Wath started well and kicking downhill put Barnsley under pressure, but stoic defence by the visitors frustrated the efforts. After 5 minutes a box kick from Jim West was chased and Jordan Fleming went over for a try, conversion missed. For the next 10 minutes the game looked like there was going to be only one winner, however Barnsley thought different. Moving the ball quickly to their fast winger they went over for a score which was converted. From the kick off the Wath team stood and watched as the ball was again moved quickly through the hands and Barnsley went under the posts. Wath now seemed to recover their composure and eventually Chris Duffy went over for a try which was converted by Sam Jones. Half time score 10-14.
The second half started very well for Barnsley, with the assistance of the slope they put instant pressure on the home teams line, eventually going over for a converted try. 10-21. Some on the visitors team were heard to mutter ‘we have got them’. However the Wath team were now goaded into action. The forwards started to exert extra force and the backs stopped kicking the ball away and putting through hands. Jordan Fleming went over for his second try followed very quickly by his hattrick. Wath were now truly in the ascendant. From a very good lineout drive Jonty Morrisey touched down at the back of the maul, Barnsley were not happy and there was a bout of handbags. Unfortunately the young referee went straight to the red card, in a game without any malice and sent off a player from both teams. This did not deter Wath who continued to attack, and Lewis Hewitt went over for the 6th try from short yards.
A game pulled back from the brink against a very determined and improved Barnsley side.