Saturday's game saw a battle of the backs against Leeds Medics & Dentists. After a narrow escape seven days previous against a big Northallerton pack, Saturday's opponents on paper brought a very different threat. The return fixture saw Wetherby produce their most complete 80 minutes of rugby this season against an under-strength Leeds Medics & dentists side.
Saturday's game started as a cagey affair with an error-strewn first ten minutes meaning that neither side settled well into the game. After the entire province of Ulster were in uproar over Conor Sheridan's performance last week, he returned to form with a slick finish down the left to give the game it's first try. #SUFTUM
With neither side dominating the set piece Wetherby's second try came from a fortuitous bounce as LMD tried to clear their lines. Rob Adair capitalised and trundled his little spherical frame over the line.
Wetherby's third try came from and individual bit of brilliance from the real Jim Shady, James Greenwood. Pouncing on the loose ball to show great speed and better footwork to get the ball over the line from 40 yards out. Connor again added the extras with Danny Warden throwing a mini paddy on the touch line and sulking. "How does he doooo that?"
Wetherby capped off the half with a bonus point try after a tackle-busting run from the impressive Jack Kaye. After dodging training this week because of girl problems, everyone thought he'd created a weak Bradley Mason style excuse. Having reviewed the evidence on his phone though, I can confirm his story was true, and he did indeed get binned by girlfriend! Half time 28-0
As the pitch got boggier in the second half and legs started to tire, both teams opened their game plans up, making for a very enjoyable second half of rugby. Two early scores for Jack Kaye in the second half sealed his hat-trick. Take THAT she who must not be named!
The medics then staged a mini fight back with two tries orchestrated from lovely hands in their back-line. They showed they were prepared to play from anywhere, and with Myles Oates' and Rob Adair's tackling worse than a Tom Edwards team talk, they pulled back two tries. Tackling was hardly the Wetherby strong point as Bradley Mason got door matted before Rob Adair decided he needed another rest. A lack of arms in the tackle earned him his second yellow card in as many weeks. "Don't they know who I am!?"
The inevitable return of Myleypoo's girlfriend induced another ropey performance from the Wetherby outside centre with dropped balls and thin air tackles a prominent feature, but he still managed to get onto the scoresheet after a nice move in the backs. Cuddly wuddlys for myleypoo.
Again the medics hit back by finding gaps in the tiring Wetherby defence and capitalising on errors. Trying to rally the troops, substitute Steve Hoather reminded Wetherby, "we've made three mistakes in five minutes to give them that try. Granted they were all mine but..."
Wetherby capped off another good performance with two more tries. Conor Sheridan grabbed his second before the familiar sight of second row Tom Bottomley loitering on the wing capped the afternoon off for the red and whites. Final score: Wetherby 61-17 Leeds Medics & Dentists
With three home games at the club on Saturday, there was a great atmosphere in the bar after the game. Thanks to LMD for the late venue change, and for everyone who came down and watched all three of the games.
MoM: Jack Kaye - it's only fair to give him credit. The Wetherby news will give his hat-trick to Harry Kaye anyway!
DoD: Danny Warden - who do you play for again Danny?