Wetherby 24 Wath 17

Wath Fury In Defeat

Wetherby 24 – Wath 17
Wath Fury In Defeat
Wath travelled to Wetherby hoping to get back to winning ways following three close defeats.
They totally dominated territory and possession for the first 20 minutes but never created any clear cut chances. The home team, who had defended stoutly, broke from defence and landed a “sucker punch”, as they scored a try on their first attack to take the lead 5-0
Their confidence grew and they took full advantage of some poor defending to add three more tries before half time to increase their lead to 24-0. If this was a boxing match, the referee may have stopped it as Wath appeared unable to defend themselves.
Wath introduced their own pugilist, Joe Earp, for the second half and the fightback began. As Wath began to go forward with more purpose, chances were created. After increasing pressure, the home team were forced to crack. Following a wave of constant attacks by the Wath forwards, the ball was spun wide and an excellent miss pass by Luke Pendlebury put winger, Ainsley Williams, in at the corner. Despite the missed conversion, Wath were up off the canvass: 24-5.
Losing second row, Tony Kenney, to a serious shoulder injury could not stop Wath’s momentum. Continuing to land many heavy blows, the Wath pack scored again through hooker, James Dobson, who, unfortunately, injured himself in the act of scoring. A successful conversion by Ben Keen closed the score to 24-12
Coming straight back on the attack, Wath put the home team under more pressure. Despite desperate defending, Wetherby were unable to stop Wath scoring again. Tireless flanker, Curtis Brownrigg, touched down as the pack powered forward. The gap was closed to 24 -17 as the conversion drifted wide.
In to the last 10 minutes Wetherby were on the ropes, but Wath were unable to land the knock out blow. As the final whistle blew Wath knew they had lost a game they should have won but for a period when they appeared to switch off completely.
Wath will have to wait until March for the rematch.
Steve Corns