Knaresborough took an early lead with a Stevenson penalty and the first quarter of the game went to and fro without either side getting on top, though both Wetherby’s wingers Jonny Wheatley and Henry Morgan made threatening runs . Wetherby scored the opening try. First Andrew Trotman, later voted Man of the Match, kicked ahead gave chase and nailed the Knaresborough defender.

From the ensuing phases Wetherby were awarded a penalty which was cleared but they came back immediately through Jonny Wheatley who was hauled down illegally. Skipper James Gibson took a quick tap penalty and plunged over from close range. Myles Oates converted. Veteran Nick Oates put in a clever box kick for Jonny Wheatley but with the field clear in front of him the bouncing ball evaded him. Almost on half time Myles Oates kicked a penalty which went over after bouncing on the cross bar to give the Reds a 10 – 3 lead.

Borough’s second half tactic was to use their heavier forwards which proved effective. A series of pick and drives and solid scrummaging put Knaresborough on top. The pressure finally told when the visitors were awarded a penalty try which Stevenson converted to square the game at 10 all. Wetherby began to get more ball now thanks to the efforts of Tom Bottomley and Tom Edwards.

The Red’s good inter passing took them to within 10 meters of the Borough line. They won a scrum and a clever flick by James Gibson to Nick Oates allowed him to put Henry Morgan in at the corner.

Wetherby now began to put on the style, thrilling the crowd with some brilliant interplay. Their support work and offloading should have brought them 2 more tries but excellent defence by
Knaresborough kept them out. It was a hard won and exciting game between 2 teams with contrasting styles. The home side’s more adventurous play probably deserved them the victory.

Wtherby are at home to Old Grovians next Saturday in another league fixture. The visitors are in mid table below Wetherby who have not beaten the visitors for several years. It will be an
Important indicator of Wetherby’s prospects for the season.