SSE National League One: Wharfedale 8 Esher 6

WHARFEDALE took the honours in a match that was competitive from the start.

The defences of both sides were magnificent, and this was the reason for the low score and only one try.

Esher had the advantage of the slope and the breeze in the first half and, as Esher coach Michael Schmid said after the game, they created chances to score but careless mistakes cost them dear.

They could have been ten to 15 points up by half-time but poor finishing restricted them to two penalties from the boot of Ian Cross.

Wharfedale went into half-time trailing by a point, a catch and drive being finished off by Dan Solomi.

Esher held on to the lead as Jamie Guy’s conversion just slid past the posts – a good effort into a difficult breeze.

The second half was another thrilling period of old-fashioned rugby.

Defences stood tall. Both sides tried to use the ball and get width but the tackling was resolute and attacks were rebuffed.

The only score of the second half came in the fourth minute.

Wharfedale won a five-metre line-out but the catch and drive was held. Dale’s pick and go was scrappy but the Southerners allowed them a moderately easy shot at goal by going offside.

A game fought at close quarters often leads to ill feeling but both teams held their self discipline.

The only yellow card of the game was given to Wharfedale’s Taylor Prell for foul play.