Wetherby 37 7 Ossett

Wetherby 37 7 Ossett
Tries: Ward
Conv: Roberts

Player of Year Points
5 = Ward
4 = Burnley
3 = Drury
2 = Hanley
1 = Sprott & Karadzic

A battling Ossett were taken apart in the scrum by an impressive Wetherby pack. Without any attacking platform from the scrum the result was always ging to be a formality – it was always a question of damage limitation.

Ossett have prided itself on a solid scrum in recent years but was outpowered. No blame attached to individuals or positions – the blame lies with the entire 8 who were driven back by a bigger and more cohesive pack. Tim Roberts didn’t get a single pass off a scrum that allowed him to launch an attack. Over half of Ossetts scrums were turned over and only desperate work at the back by Burnley and Ward gave Ossett any respite.

This total dominace made the scoreline relatively one sides, however in general play the sides were much more closely matched. The physicality was much improved from last week and Ossett competetd well at the ruck by slowing and spoiling Wetherby possession.

Despite this, Wetherby tok the lead with two tries after building phases of quick ball. 12-0. A penalty took it to 15-0 before Ossett responded. As always it was Ward who took the battle to the opposition and jinked through to score under the posts 15-7.

With Ossett sniffing a way back into the game, the match started to increase in intensity. Big hits were put in on both sides with Jennings, Wray and Ward leading the Ossett challenge. Sprott was sin binned for retaliating after he was lifted and dumped after the whistle had gone. The Wetherby centre was also sin binned straight after for another offence as both teams carried on with 14 men.

A crucial moment came at the end of the half when the Wetherby centre abused the referee who had given numerous warnings already. The ref pulled his cards out of his pocket and called the player over. He looked up to notice it was the same player he had binned 15 minutes ago. Knowing that this would result in a red card, he seemed to change his mind and put his cards away and offer another ‘final warning’. Lucky boy!!!

Into the 2nd half and Ossett continued to make chances as Ward, Wray and Hanley all went close. Ossett tried to get their drive going but one successful drive was stopped by a man coming in at the back to which Wetherby were mysteriously awarded a penalty.

Despite Ossett creating chances, Wetherby were still in the ascendancy and always looked like the team who were going to trouble the scorers. Four further tries were scored as Ossett tired and dropped off tackles to make the final score 37-7.

Overall I was pleased with the effort and application. Mark Stuart gave a passionate talk before the game and I sensed we were up for the challenge. Ultimatley without a scrum platform it is very rare a team can win a game of rugby and considering the dominance Weherby had, we did well to create chances and keep the score below 50.

We move on to Hornsea at Southdale next week where it is vital we kick start our season with a win.

Sprott