Jack Whitlam's late kick clinches cup for Wath RUFC

Cup winners Wath RUFC. Picture by JASON NICHOLLS

MATCH winner Jack Whitlam showed nerves of steel to slot a late penalty and clinch the Papa John's Community Northern Plate for Wath.

The fly-half nailed a kick from wide out to clinch a 25-23 win in a nail-biting final against Ripon at the Darlington Arena.

"I was a little bit nervous but I back myself to do it," he said. "It's part of my job. Whether it's the first minute of the game or the last minute of the game you have to step up."

Wath had trailed 20-19 at half time after their tries from no.8 Joe Earp, second row Luke Stead and prop Anthony Hamilton, plus two conversions from Whitlam, were cancelled out by two converted scores and a couple of penalties from Ripon.

The teams traded penalties after the break and even though Wath settled to dominate territory and possession, nerves and unforced errors left the game on a knife-edge until Whitlam's big moment.

The win and the subsequent celebrations for their players and supporters provided some consolation for Wath just missing out on promotion from Yorkshire Two this season.