South Yorkshire Times November 28, 1959

Old Wathonians Dismissed From Yorkshire Cup

Halifax Vandals 14  Old Wathonians  9

After holding the lead three times, Old Wathonians failed to check a strong second half rally by Halifax Vandals on the latter’s ground and were defeated 14-9 in the fourth round of the Yorkshire Cup.

Winning the strike Wathonians quickly settled down and some weak tackling by Vandals let in Dunn at the corner for an unimproved try.

The loss of Wathonian hooker Evans for several minutes with a leg injury resulted in Vandals assuming command, and a brilliant break by Emmett from standoff sent Bates in to level the scores but before the interval White restored the Wathonian lead with a well-taken penalty goal.

The second half saw Vandals dominating the game with powerful forward play in the open, but although Whitworth levelled the points at 6-6 with a penalty goal. White quickly replied to put Wathonians in lead for the third time.

This proved to be the last fling for Wathonians and in the final quarter they were made to defend desperately against tremendous pressure from opponents bent on victory.

A try by Freeman and a brilliant conversion from the touchline by Whitworth put Vandals in front and Smith made the issue certain with a try shortly before the end.

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