Wharfedale RUFC were understandably disappointed that their outstanding 40-3 win at Nottingham, earned with a team performance to rank with their best of recent years, yielded no league table progress - Relegation rivals Launceston also having won. However, they have now added Nottingham - just a single point ahead - to the sides in their sights, and the relative effects of this match on confidence for the remaining fixtures could be significant.

For significant periods the Dalesmen graced Ireland Avenue with a brand of flowing attacking rugby that was a joy to watch. But victory was built on disciplined defensive work that kept the redoubtable home forwards at bay. A confident start saw Wharfedale 10-0 up within 18 minutes, after a Chris Malherbe try and conversion and penalty from Jonathan Davies. Nottingham stand-off Russell Southam landed a 30th-minute penalty to which Davies replied in kind two minutes later. By 50 minutes the game, at 28-3, had been won. Davies followed up a 40-yard penalty success at the restart by finishing off a scintillating move wide out. The winger then added the extras to a magnificent individual try from Andy Baggett. For the final ten minutes the Dale were in complete charge, adding tries by Baggett (75, converted) and David Lister (78).