The Wetherby pitch was looking pristine for the first home game of the campaign where Wath Upon Dearne were the visitors to Grange Park.

Wetherby, aided by the wind in the first half, started well with most of the possession and territory. The first try of the game came from a Myles Oates break, offloading for Harry Kaye to run in unopposed. 7-0

Wetherby’s pack were again enjoying the scrum, and with the pressure on the visitors it was only a matter of time until the ref had to send one of the Wath front row for a 10 minute rest.

On the 22 minute mark Will Atherton brought his 10/10 missus to Grange park. Unfortunately for him though, in the 19th minute he’d picked up an injury whilst choreographing an opportunity to send Alex Parrish over the line. 12-0

A string of penalties put Wath in a strong position, winning the line out and battering Wetherby’s ill-discipline defence. It took a text book chop tackle by part time knock-off boot salesman Evan Woodworth to put the turnover on a plate for Rob Adair. Wetherby cleared their lines.

At this point Wath had started to get into the game, and just before the half time hooter blew they managed to reduce the margin as their impressive centre picked a gap in the Wetherby defence before putting their left winger in to score. 12-5

Wetherby kicked off the second half into the increasing wind. Wetherby’s pack were once again getting the steps in again at scrum time. Myles Oates was the beneficiary of Wetherby’s patience in possession, powering over the line from short range.
17-5

Wath’s forwards responded with literally tonnes of pressure, getting the majority of possession and creeping at the Wetherby gain line. Unfortunately Wath’s pressure eventually told as they got over the white wash to get within striking distance. 17-12

Wetherby suffered at the hands of the ref when Jonny Day’s outrageously dangerous tip tackle was rightly punished. Wetherby’s Uber fit centre sent for 10 minutes to cool off after a physics defying spear tackle. All the best and a speedy recovery to the recipient.

Wath were getting on top at this point and a penalty in a kickable position brought the visitors within 2 points. 17-15

Needing to get a foothold back in the game, Wetherby took advantage of some broken play. Harry Kaye ducked and dodged to get him self clear of the defence. A simple 2 on 1 set Alex Parrish free who showed good pace to run under the sticks. 24-15

Wetherby managed to get back on top towards the end of the game thanks partly to some smart substitution’s but mainly to the Wath squad being as fit as baker’s dogs as they struggled with injuries.

Wath just managed to snatch a losing bonus point with one of the last kicks of the day, which was nothing less than they deserved. 24-18

A very good contest with plenty to learn for both sides. Next week Wetherby are away at local rivals Ripon.

MOTM - Myles Oates, tricky player to defend against. Trickier to be friends with.

DOTD - Jonny Day, great player when he keeps his cool. Cards must be punished

Report By George Gilbert MBBS PhD