Wath RUFC win classic local derby against Dinnington
WATH RUFC edged out Dinnington in an epic encounter to replace them at the top of Yorkshire One.
The local derby between the top two teams in the section promised to be a titanic battle and that’s how it turned out in front of a big crowd at Lodge Lane.
It swung this way and that before Wath prevailed 14-13 to go above their Rotherham rivals on points difference.
Dinnington had the better of the opening exchanges and it took two last ditch tackles from winger Anthony Davies and then full-back Pat Selkirk to foil them.
After going behind to a penalty, Wath managed to work their way back and a multi-phase attack gave centre Alex Pegg space to cross for a try which was converted from a difficult position by stand-off Jack Whitlam.
Dinnington came again, scoring a maul try from a five--metre line out. The tricky conversion was successful to put them 10-7 at half time.
Playing with the advantage of the slope in the second half, Wath were able to gain some territorial advantage.
Ten minutes in, no. 8 Ryan Burrows picked up from a scrum on half-way and drew in opposition defenders before off-loading for Davies to sprint clear and score.
Whitlam managed another difficult conversion which proved significant to the result.
Leading 14-10, Wath appeared to have weathered the storm and looked the most likely side to add to their score but Dinnington had other ideas.
They pushed back and were boosted when their visitors had two men yellow-carded in two minutes after being deemed to be unfairly delaying the rucks.
Dinnington opted for a penalty to close the deficit to just a point with 20 minutes left.
Wath’s defensive organisation, which had been excellent, now faced an even greater challenge but they managed the two-man disadvantage well, covering their opponent’s attacks and keeping possession for long periods when they had the ball.
When their two men returned returned, the visitors were able to gain more control to close out the win, their ninth on the spin in league and cup.
A club spokesman said: “It was an outstanding victory. The match was a credit to all the players and to both clubs.”
Both teams take a rest from league action this Saturday, although Wath travel to Goole on Wednesday for a Yorkshire Shield semi–final, kick off 7.30pm.