Waterloo pick up first away victory

Nov 12 2007 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Daily Post

A TENACIOUS performance by Waterloo brought them their first away win of the season in National Two, defeating Wharfedale 24-18 at Grassington.

The poor away form that had plagued the Merseysiders was swept aside as they moved back into the top half of the table.

Strong defence throughout and a determination to capitalise on attacking opportunities held the key as Waterloo took an early lead with a penalty from Alex Davies. Under pressure on their own line, an interception of a loose pass by Pablo Freijoo brought the opening try as the scrum-half went the length of the field, Davies tagging on the extras.

Waterloo attacked again and from forward pressure on the Wharfedale line Tom Davies went over from a rolling maul. A penalty from Davies to a late try for Wharfedale from Simon Horsfield gave the visitors a 18-5 lead at the break.

In the second half an exchange of penalties and a try for Wharfedale by Chris Malherbe, converted by Andrew Bagget, pulled the home side to within a score with seven minutes remaining.

But the Waterloo defence, despite being down to 14 men for most of the second half with three players in the sin bin, held firm.