Wath trip next on agenda after Bake’s side go top of table with crucial win
RISHWORTHIANS WENT top of Yorkshire Two in what Director of Rugby Jon Bake described as “brilliant” 15-14 win at Thornensians.
While at times it was a somewhat lacklustre performance, it was again excellent defence, and a little bit of luck near the end, which brought this tabletopping win.
The luck came with 11 minutes to go when a high tackle meant a yellow card for prop Jack Smart and a straightforward potential match-winning penalty for the home side.
Surprisingly the kick went wide and excellent game management by Rishworthians helped them see out the final minutes.
The first 15 minutes were pretty even with neither side being able to make any real inroads.
Eventually Thornensians started to put the visitors under real pressure until eventually the ball came out and tackles were broken to bring a converted home try.
It brought a good response from Rishworthians and they came back strongly. They turned down a couple of potential penalty chances, but could not make the possession pay.
Then lock James McHugh took the ball well in a lineout close to the line and was driven over with prop Phil Kershaw getting the touchdown. Kelly converted to level the scores.
Just before the break a burst through the middle from Shoesmith led to a penalty and with the last act of the half Kelly slotted over, what proved to be a crucial kick to give Rishworthians a 10 – 7 lead.
Thornensians opened the second half strongly, but Rishworthians quickly fought back and from a lineout the ball went out for Sutcliffe to burst through in the centre and then battle his way to the line to score wide out.
While Kelly was unable to convert, it gave the visitors a one-point lead.
The home side then put them under intense pressure, but the defence was solid and Kelly’s excellent clearing kicks proved vital.
They hardly dared watch however when the penalty near the end was being taken.
Once it was missed, their resolve stiffened even more and with excellent game management, hardly allowing the home side to get out of their own half, they saw the game out.
Rishworthians now face a difficult trip to Wath Upon Dearne.
Rishworthians Director of Rugby Jon Bake said: “It will be tough at Wath and we have to take every opportunity that presents itself.
“Last week our defence was strong and I was so pleased with our discipline. We now believe in ourselves.”
The Development team went 33–14 to a very strong Heath side.