Indeed some poor tactical kicking from Huddersfield, in the second half particularly, cost them the chance at getting back into this game. On the occasions they did run at West there did look to be some potential. But West benefited from a few defensive errors and squandered several overlaps which would have to be taken against sides of a higher standard. However there can be many positives from the game including another pretty solid defensive performance, the third game in a row the opposition’s total has been kept under 10 points which, if it can continue coupled with some decisive attacking play, should bring some positive league results.

As so often is the key with West on their travels scoring first is crucial so when Martin Todd made the first of several good breaks down the left wing and Davy Tighe was able to dive over from the resulting ruck things were looking good. The lead was doubled just two minutes later when more good running from Todd and Carl Robinson saw Tighe grab his second score, diving headfirst over a ruck after several phases close to the line. It was certainly encouraging for the West fans who endured the torrid display last week at Stockton to see the first two forays into the 22 result in tries. Both conversions were missed from very similar positions by first Phil Wallis then Tighe.

West looked to be in for a third try on the half hour when Henry Tones popped up in a wide position and having made it to the line looked to ground the ball before being tackled into the flag but the referee ruled him in touch and no try. However it wasn’t long before the lead was extended further when a nice break from James Masshedar saw him pop the ball off the floor to Tighe who again found Todd on the left wing. With only the full-back to beat he put in an excellent grubber kick and easily won the race for the touchdown. Tighe made the conversion and West were looking in a very healthy position at 17-0.

YMCA got off the mark before the half though, thanks, in part, to a huge slice of good fortune. A long clearance kick from West was clearly dropped forward on half way by a Huddersfield player but with the referee’s back turned to check that the West players were not offside play continued. From there some good running created the first real attacking position of the half for the hosts. Opting to kick a penalty to the corner it was really crucial they came away with a try. Kiwi centre Iosefa went close on a crash ball in midfield and when the ball found its way out to winger Heptinstall he went in at the corner. Wilson missed a tough conversion, but his side were on the board and were still in the game going into the second half.

West would probably be disappointed not to be further ahead at the half, given the two early scores but Huddersfield had battled hard and there was still work to be done in order to come away with a result.

The second half, in the end, proved to be quite an un-entertaining affair with far too much kicking from both sides. Perhaps sensibly West were trying to play a territorial game and protect their lead but if YMCA wanted to get back into the game aimless hacks downfield were not the way to go about it. It took 20 minutes for either side to create a real scoring opportunity which came when both Darren Thomas and Masshedar made breaks to get close to the line before Tighe was bundled into touch while trying to ground the ball in the corner.

As time ticked on it became clear the result was in no doubt but West still wanted to get another score and it finally came as 80 minutes appeared on the watch. A lineout and powerful rolling maul saw lovely interplay from substitute Sawyer, Paul Rudd and Tones drawing in men and creating room out wide for the backs. A simple scoring opportunity was almost wasted but an alert Thomas cut back inside and broke a tackle to go over. Tighe hit the conversion to make the score 24-5 – a pretty fair reflection of the game.

West can certainly take a few positives from this game despite it being against lower league opposition. Any win on the road is an achievement for West and scoring four tries is even more so. The scrum dominated for the most part and the kicking out oif hand was much improved from last week. Also returning players Sawyer, Cullinane and Allan Milne came through substitute appearances looking sharp and must be in contention for places next week at home to Beverley. There is still plenty to work on though. The lineout struggled at times and even though four tries were scored there was lack of quality finishing at times. Against tougher opposition you have to take your chances the first time they come, not hope a defensive error will let you in at the second attempt.


West: Masshedar (Milne), Todd, Edwards, Hodgson, Thomas, Wallis, Tighe, Cholmondeley (Cullinane), Carr, Robinson, Rudd, Davies, D Boatman (Sawyer), Tones, J Boatman

Tries: Tighe 2, Todd, Thomas
Cons: Tighe 2

Huddersfield YMCA: Rees, Franks, Morton, Iosefa, Heptinstall, Stevenson, S Wilson, Watson, Nunns, McSwiney, Housley, C Wilson, Nyahoda, Walker, Larder

Try: Heptinstall

Referee: Unknown [Fairly impressive apart from the missed knock on that ended up leading to their try, and some dubious penalties against our scrum that was clearly dominating. On the whole though, very good.]