Wetherby start 2018 with win at Yarnbury

After a fairly mediocre 2017 for Wetherby sights were set on better fayre for 2018, with most of the team opting to take part in dry January after the wettest December since records began. After two big training sessions to blow the cobwebs off Wetherby travelled to promotion hopefuls Yarnbury, who scored a last minute try to snatch a try in the reverse fixture.

Despite the Yarnbury officials deciding that the brisk January weather was better suited to beach weather, and putting us in the rugby pitch shaped sand-pit behind the clubhouse, Wetherby made a strong start. Captain Danny Warden led his forwards with grit and determination as Wetherby set the early pace.

Unfortunately the early possession and pressure couldn't be converted into points. Despite Yarnbury's constant infringements around the breakdown, the mystery decision wheel was generally very kind to the home side when the wheel was spun. The two shots at goal Wetherby had went wide from long range and the game remained scoreless.

Wetherby fell foul of the mystery decision maker again as they annihilated the Yarnbury scrum, only to be penalised for something ridiculous. It all got a bit too much for Steve Hoather whose toys flew out of the pram like confetti. Yarnbury played quickly from the line-out and tore through the Wetherby centres to score the first try of the game against the run of play. 7-0.

Another ten minutes provided more contentious decisions. Daffyd Thomas look-a-like Bradley Mason was next to be penalised, as Yarnbury moved up the pitch. In an almost identical try, the Wetherby defence committed themselves too early and again found themselves under their own posts, despite having the lions share of possession. 14-0.

As Wetherby chased to get back into the game before half-time the back three kicked into action. Andrew Trotman came close to beating the ball to the dead ball line after hacking through, but couldn't quite get there. The resulting 22 drop-out soared into the air, and our very own Brian Blessed, Harry Freeman screamed for the ball. Harry's catching technique left a huge amount to be desired as he ringed his arms like holding an imaginary atlas stone and the ball sailed through the middle.

Half-time: Yarnbury 14-0 Wetherby

The talk at half time was still positive, but Wetherby seemed to be struggling on in first gear. Coach Andy Gair decided to solve this solution with dynamite, by putting Jonny Day on at scrum half and sparking the forwards into life. Rob Adair had his best game of the season, with his deformed yoda-like hands using the force to power away defenders.

Five minutes into the second half, the tempo from Wetherby was too high to cope with. Brutal running from the half-back murdering Bryn Kitching gave fast ball. Adair fed Hoather, who looked well at home in the outside centre channel. His pass was handled brilliantly by Chris Atkinson on the right wing, to put Avox from the hunger games look-a-like Jonny Day in for the try. 14-7.

Wetherby have played phases of good rugby throughout the season, but generally only in patches. The spectators on the sidelines must have been awaiting the inevitable mistakes but they weren't to come. A fine break from number 8 Rhys Thomson took Wetherby out of their half again and the pressure was back on Yarnbury. The front row of Mattie Chappell, Scottie Wallis and Steve Hoather were used as cannons in attack. After the latter went close, the ball went wide to Myles Oates (Katness Everoates) to take all the glory for other people's hard work like J-Law in the hunger games. 14-12.

With the wind in the red and white sails, the performance levels were the best seen this season. Despite second team captain Sean Lally's best efforts, Myles Oates is still with his girlfriend. Fortunately she was busy on Saturday and without her white noise, he played his best game of the season. Danny Warden and AJ Hills were dominant in the line-out, and Harry Kaye purred when playing with better options.

Wetherby came close to taking the lead down the left hand side as a hack through by Jack Kaye, whose mood suffered from withdrawal symptoms of a temporary halt in his quest for z-list celebrity status. Despite an obvious obstruction, the decision went against Jack, who showed glimpses of Kayeman past with some strong running.

Another big burst from the impressive teenager Rhys Thomson put Wetherby on the front foot. The heavy artillery again did the damage near the line, and with Wetherby keeping the ball tight they had the perfect opportunity to take the lead. Andrew Trotman used all of his magical reappearing skills to appear at the back of a ruck to score a snipers try. What he was doing anywhere near contact I'll never know, but the visitors took a deserved lead. 14-19.

As Wetherby entered the dreaded last ten minutes, Yarnbury fought for their lives to get back into the game. Rob Adair's mammoth double tackle stopped a certain try, before debutant Sam Mayhew put his cannon-like arms to use by turning over a maul. Slowly but surely Wetherby made their way down field. Captain Danny Warden broke the line but spilled with one defender to beat. Luckily for him, a gargantuan scrum from Bradley Mason won the penalty to seal the game and deny Yarnbury a losing bonus point.

Final Score: Yarnbury 14-22 Wetherby

A well deserved victory, and the most complete 80 minute performance Wetherby have played in a long time, ahead of next week's mid-table clash against Ripon.

MoM: Rhys Thomson - looked at home at number eight. Like giraffe Vs lion from planet earth II.

DoD: Harry Freeman - Dry January lasted less than a week. That's called a drinking problem.