Yorkshire Division Three: Northallerton 28, Baildon 5

BAILDON have enjoyed their trips to Northallerton in recent years - but more for the social side than for success on the pitch.

True to form, the Northallerton “tractor boys” had a formidable pack and, with props seemingly the size and shape of half-ton straw bales, the visitors had the right idea to move the ball around the park through a judicious kicking game.

In the opening five minutes, this almost paid dividends as a well-placed kick from Adam Faulkner into the in-goal area was almost collected by Matty Robinson for an early score.

Slowly but surely, however, the green and gold pack gained ascendency as Northallerton worked their way towards the Baildon try line.

Despite good Baildon defence, Northallerton prop Joe Oselton crashed over from close range to score.

Baildon responded with second-row Tom Peel threatening to release his inner giraffe, only for a promising move to be called back for a pass judged forward.

As half-time approached, Baildon once more found themselves defending their line but, having conceded a series of penalties for offside, the referee’s patience was stretched too far when prop Chris Peel came over the top of a ruck.

A penalty try was duly awarded, followed by a yellow card for Peel.

Baildon opened the second half brightly playing down the slope, making up for their 14 men with slick handling. Momentum was lost though as both sides kicked away possession.

Turning the screw, Northallerton spurned an easy kick at goal and instead kicked to the corner. Although Baildon defended the catch and drive well, the next phase of play saw Northallerton score their third try.

Baildon lost some of their defensive shape after Harrison Strauss limped off with a twisted ankle, and weak tackling conceded the fourth try and bonus point.

It looked like Baildon might have nothing to show for their trip to North Yorkshire, but in the last five minutes the Northallerton pack simply ran out of steam.

Gaps appeared and JJ O’Connell took advantage with a mazy run from deep inside his own half.

With one man to beat, O’Connell gave a sweetly-timed pass to winger Richard Kingham, who dotted the ball down to give Baildon some reward for their endeavours.

If Baildon can achieve some parity in the scrummage and consistency in the backs, they will surely continue to improve.