Wetherby secure bonus point against Wath

After an intermittent few weeks for Wetherby in inclement weather including a tough loss the Thorne and a tight loss against Old Crossleyans, the red and whites hosted Wath-Upon-Dearne on a glorious Saturday afternoon at Grange Park. Wetherby fielded a strong side, against a team who travel to Twickenham for the national cup final in a couple of weeks.

The early stages were a cagey affair, with both sides making handling errors in attack and defending solidly. Sam Mayhew’s re-appearance was extremely helpful as he carved round the field field with George Gilbert, hitting the sizeable Wath forwards. Wath finally found a gap however and broke down the left hand wing to score in the corner and take the lead. 5-0.

Wetherby looked to play wide in attack and with farmers Boggis, Bunce and Bean from fantastic mr Fox at 9, 10 and 12 the ball was shipped to the outside halves quickly. Winger Andrew Trotman made a good break down the left hand-side as he swerved past defenders like they were pieces of garlic bread. Unfortunately his attack mounted to nothing, but Wetherby were certainly on the front foot.

After Wath cleared their lines well, Wetherby broke through the midfield again, utilising the pace of Myles Oates and some neat handling in the midfield gave Wetherby their first score with Harry Kaye getting the try. Harry really needed that try, maybe it can be the stimulus to turn his mid-life crisis into a positive thing. 7-5.

Wetherby could have had a second soon after as Myles Oates had clear grass in front of him. Unfortunately he’s got hands like moo’s milkers and spilled the ball to give Wath the scrum. Wath undoubtedly had an enormous pack, which Wetherby countered with the shortest front row possible. Matt Bartle, and Wetherby‘s latest bad-boy Adam Shaw worked well as the latter put his aggression at Saturday morning’s post to good use.

Wath started to get the better of the refereeing decisions and laid siege to the Wetherby line. The defence was heroic as James Gibson’s go-go-gadget arms stifled the source of Wath’s line-outs and terrific defence from Danny Warden and the back-row who tackled brutally. Wetherby survived a five minute onslaught and were clearly boosted in morale as they moved up-field.

With Wetherby firmly in the opposition half, Fran Ortelli created something out of nothing. The wily Argentinian slipped his way through the defence, and scored an outstanding solo try before looking over to see the hilarious scenario occurring on the second team pitch as his mate Chino found himself with two different admirers at his game! 12-5.

With their tails up, Wetherby started to throw the ball about, and used good line-out ball to work another attack from sixty yards. The off-loading and support play were reminiscent of the invincible side of 2015, as Andrew Trotman finished off the try of the season to give Wetherby a healthy lead going into the break.

Half-time: Wetherby 19-5 Wath-Upon-Dearne.

Wath had clearly got the hairdryer treatment at half time and came out fighting after the kick off. With Wath wrought with wrath, Weth watched Wath writhe through as the visiting centre stepped through the middle of Wetherby’s defence and scored the try. 19-12.

Wath are clearly no mugs, given their enviable cup run and hit back at Wetherby again as they capitalised on the home sides ever increasing penalty count. James Gibson was harshly given ten minutes for a team penalty and Wath capitalised with a driving maul which saw them claw back to within two points of the Wetherby score. Was this to be another second half collapse from Wetherby? 19-17.

Wetherby sent on the cavalry in Bryn Kitching and Bradley Mason. Think less grand national, more Adel Donkey sanctuary though. Their added physicality gave Wetherby front foot ball again and after a strong carry in the midfield from Steve Hoather, Wetherby were able to recycle quick ball. Harry Kaye turned provider this time as he put away Dale Winton’s alter ego Chris Atkinson for Wetherby’s bonus point score. Archie Youlden kicked the conversion from the touch line to add the extras. 26-17.

Wetherby again broke into the Wath half and put pressure on the visitors, forcing a penalty from the easily frustrated giants from South Yorkshire. Wetherby used Archie Youlden again, like Leeds United used Ian Harte’s free kicks in 2003. Archie’s majestic boot, belying his ungainly manner, stretched Wetherby’s lead to two tries. 29-17.

Wath hammered at the Wetherby line again and used their big ball carriers effectively against a tiring Wetherby defence. Pillsbury dough boy Rob Adair decided to jump a sinking ship and left the field with a small scratch to the head, before Wath powered over the line to close the gap. 29-24.

After learning from the million ways they’ve thrown away a game this year, Wetherby finally played sensibly and kept hold of the ball for the last five minutes, effectively killing off the game.

Full-time: Wetherby 29-24 Wath-upon-Dearne

MoM: Jonny Day/Sam Mayhew - both were outstanding in defence as they rattled the big Wath forwards.

DoD: Harry Kaye - took a lead out of the Mason guidebook to life as he turned up half an hour late.