Wath seal historic treble with Yorkshire Shield victory

Having won the Yorkshire One title and the Counties One North Plate. Wath travelled to play the Shield Final at Huddersfield Laund Hill hoping to complete a treble and in doing so win the Shield for only the second time in their history. The previous win was back in 1961, 65 years ago.

Leading 15-7 at the break Wath’s advantage was cut after 45 minutes to just one point (15-14), as a score from close range was converted.

Under pressure the Wath side showed their grit and determination and regained control of the game. Putting pressure on the Pythons try line at several scrums and line outs, flankerAlex Butterworth burst onto the ball at pace and crashed over to score. Jack Whitlam kicked the conversion and his side were 22-14 in front, 15 minutes into the second half.

From the restart Wath did not gather the kick cleanly and in the following play conceded a penalty. Python’s reliable kicker added 3 points to narrow the score to 22-17.

From that precarious position Wath forged ahead. Replacement back Tom Quinn showed his speed to score following a half break by Pegg, which Whitlam converted and stretched Wath’s lead to 29-17, on the hour.

Emphasising their fitness and the quality of their bench Wath were able to add two further ties. Winger Will Chipchase finished off a move from a scrum to score in the corner, with Whitlam accurate once more the score moved to 36-17.

Having overcome patchy period around the half- time period it was fitting that No.8 and captain for the day, Ryan Burrows scored the final try. His try from a scrum was the last move of the day and with Wath’s 41-17 win they secured the Yorkshire Shield.

With this win Wath have secured a historic treble. Players, coaches and supporters have been part of a memorable, epic season, 2025-26, never to be forgotten.