REPORT BY: JOHN CLARK

WHARFEDALE bounced back from defeat at Hull to claim a narrow 18-17 victory over Tynedale on Saturday.

The hosts were able to field strong side despite the absence of Gaudie, Hamilton, Canny, Bullough and Dickinson.

Tynedale played uphill and kicked off but they immediately lost the advantage when they knocked on Dale’s lengthy return kick. A flowing move on the left came to an end with a knock on, but the visitors once again couldn't retain the ball.

Dale were in the ascendency already and secured a penalty which Rob Davidson kicked to the left corner. This opportunity was lost but the visitors failed to capitalise and inconclusive play followed. After twenty minutes the home side went through multiple phases after runs by Cicognini and Davidson which resulted in a forward surge and a first try for James Meehan, converted by Davidson.

It was then Tyne’s turn to exert pressure started by a run from hooker Ralph Johnston, a tap penalty quickly taken, a burst by the ever alert scrum half James Telford, effective mauling and a try credited to Oscar Caudle. The extras were added by Joshua Leslie.

Tynedale kicked straight into touch when trying for too much length. Loose play by both sides followed, but at the next scrum Tyne were penalised and Davidson kicked successfully to make the score 10-7.

The next period of play was inconclusive until Ryan Hodgson took a clearance, burst through the middle and kicked left to the line. A 5 yard scrum was awarded to the Dale but then revoked, apparently for words spoken out of turn Furthermore, Dale were marched back twice although later the referee, to his great credit, admitted to an error on his part. There was just time for one more penetrative run by Cicognini before the interval.

After the interval that was finally a second try for Meehan after pressure down the left. Accurate touch kicking by both Hodgson and Davidson had led to this opportunity to make the score 15-7.

Typically Tynedale, despite losing the next line out when Robbie Collinson stole the ball and made ground, won a penalty, exerted pressure on the left which resulted in a try for the evergreen Chris Wearmouth. Leslie converted and followed up with a penalty. This gave the visitors a narrow lead for the first time on 73 minutes. There followed Tynedale’s best period of the match, but with such as Josh Burridge, Rhys Green and Ben Patchett coming off the bench for the Greens their task was just beyond them, especially after Davidson’s successful penalty on 77 minutes. In fact the Greens had threatened to cross the line again and this had led to the penalty award.

Tynedale’s indomitable spirit was evident one more time with an impressive final surge by their pack which led to the final kick, a penalty from just too far out from the boot of Leslie. It was just short and drifted left to be touched down to end the match at 18-17 in favour of the hosts.

Up next for Dale is a home game against Leeds this Saturday with the game getting underway at 2pm.