It was difficult to understand the change in tempo of Wetherby’s game. They started badly leaking 2 early tries in the first 20 minutes when the home winger was given enough space to score wide out. Though the Reds came back for a period before half time they wasted two scoring chances before a good catch at a line out by skipper Gibson allowed the pack to drive Olte over. The half time score was 17 points to 8 to Halifax.

Coach Pawson laid the law down at the break and his side followed his instructions to the letter becoming much more aggressive with Hogan in particular adding the aggression. Tactical kicking to the corners and frequent line out steals enabled the Reds to cut loose.

With Oates scoring 4 tries and Edwards 3 the previously confident Halifax side were cut to ribbons by a marvellous display. The match was marred by three serious injuries to Wetherby players. Veteran Aiden Pound going off to hospital with a shoulder injury. New Wetherby Vet Paul Martinski and Young David Adair acquitted themselves well on there first team debuts.

Following on from last week’s 62 – 5 victory over Ossett the Reds now top the table on points difference and look forward to hosting Harrogate Pythons at Grange Park next Saturday.