Brown double as Brods hit back to win

Actions from the game, Old Brods v Selby at Hipperholme. Pictured is James Brown

The Hipperholme men were a little disappointed not to add a bonus point to their haul but still climbed a place to 10th ahead of Saturday’s home finale against Yarnbury.

Wath opened strongly with a strong breeze at their backs and surged into a 17-0 lead.

They were 7-0 up after 10 minutes, strong forward play and a driving maul from a lineout enabling burly second row Simon Lines to touch down. Adam West converted.

The lead was quickly extended when the bulky Wath pack drove again. This time wily and experienced ex-Halifax scrum half Joe Bartlett finished from two metres out.

The home side’s confidence was growing and after good handling Ashley Rothery beat several attempted tackles to cross on the left after 25 minutes.

Brods had been on the receiving end of several unusual refereeing decisions but retained their discipline and posed an attacking threat to the heavier home side.

Pete Williams carried strongly and Rob Jennings bust several tackles in breaks through centre field as Brods hit back. The visitors worked a position on the left and James Brown touched down following a strong forward drive in the corner.

The try, on 30 minutes, plus a touch line conversion by Danny Wood were the final points in the first half.

The experienced Jamie McLaughlin came on at half time to give the scrum more stability and young Cam Wroot came on in the second row for the hard-working Williams.

Brods immediately went on the offensive and their energy forced Wath into errors. The home side conceded a penalty and Wood made it 17-10 on 47 minutes.

Liam Scott’s long touch finder to the corner was followed by a well organised drive and Brown touched down to reduce the deficit to two points. The conversion looked good but was adjudged wide.

Brods were dominant and their superior fitness was showing.

Phil Town showed his class with a brilliant try. Having broken clear of the covering defence, Town’s cut back inside wrong-footed the remaining defenders and he touched down under the posts to give co-centre Wood an easy conversion.

Brown suffered a knee injury and both sides continued to be frustrated by the exchange official from Somerset.

Hooker James Ogden and No 8 Jennings were excellent for Brods while Stirling Ross had another outstanding game in the second row.