After a long summer break, some gruelling pre-season, and some personnel changes, Wetherby's season kicked off at Grange Park against Barnsley. Out of nowhere, the weather gods delivered a roasting hot afternoon that left the fat boys withering even in the warm up!

On a perfect afternoon, Wetherby's season started at at 15.01. The only problem for Wetherby was that Barnsley kicked off the game at 15.00 sharp. A perfect collection from their kick-off allowed their winger to run through a dumbstruck Wetherby defence and put the home side behind with 20 seconds on the clock. 0-7

After the worst possible start, Wetherby responded brilliantly. Tom Bottomley locked in the restart and the forwards used heavy artillery to earn a penalty. Paul Minns showing his dramatic side after getting his nipple chomped on by the Barnsley prop. Danny Warden put Wetherby on the board. 3-7.

The Wetherby pack, without star prop El Griffiths through injury, lost none of the dominance that has served them well in recent years. Scotty Wallis and Bradley Mason were dominant at scrum time, thanks in part to them being the size of the Clegane brothers. Despite this dominance Wetherby were inaccurate. A break through the middle from Steve Hoather opened up a three on two down the left, but the last pass went begging with Myles Oates ready to scuttle his oversized head over for the try. Barnsley worked downfield, using their very effective line-out and hit back with a penalty of their own despite some strong defence from AJ Hills and Matt Bartle in the back row. 3-10.

As the game opened up before half-time, Wetherby continued to press forward. Jack Kaye made some strong runs, powered by the bitter anger of having a t-shirt ripped the week. He batted off defenders with salty tears falling from his eyes. Joe Mason constantly won the battle of the gain line and won the home side another penalty before half time.
Half-time: Wetherby 6-10 Barnsley.

The second half started at a frenetic pace with Ron Jeremy look-a-like Steve Hoather and Tom Bottomley carrying the ball like men possessed. When Barnsley had their turn in possession they were quick to attack the fringes, but Chris Atkinson, Billy Cale and Jack Kaye stifled any attack with some solid defence. This was backed up superbly by second debutant Tom Spence, whose homework for this week is to learn how to put a pint of beer down his neck with haste!

Jonny Day was as energetic as ever at scrum half and forced his forwards around the pitch well. The greater pace created gaps in the defence, and needing no invitation Harry Kaye slipped through the defence the way his brother slips out of paying his subs. Second row Danny Warden (poor man's John Eales) added the extras. 13-10.

The introduction of the third debutant of the day Elliott Reid along with Mattie Chappell brought fresh legs as Wetherby continued to dominate. Mattie's stay was short lived however as he copped a cheap shot on the eye and leaked more blood than an episode of Narcos. Wetherby earned three more penalty attempts but only took the one. 16-10.

The home side, already plagued with injuries, were then grabbed by the short and curlies, as centres Joe Mason and Myles Oates were both forced off with injuries. Barnsley continued to put pressure on and defended admirably against the tide of red and white. Completely against the run of play they charged down a kick and ran in to close the gap with the conversion to take the lead. The conversion was missed as Barnsley missed the chance to take the lead. 16-15.

With two minutes to go and Wetherby were in possession and looked to close out the game. Guilty of hanging on too long at the ruck and chatting back, Wetherby were marched back a crucial ten metres. Strong running against tired defence bought Barnsley a penalty advantage, which the fly half took with a well taken drop goal. Heartbreaking loss after a fantastic display.

MoM: Steve Hoather - Some strong carries and solid defence.
DoD: Bradley Mason - More back chat than an episode of Kevin and Perry.