WHARFEDALE coach James Doherty has a spring in his step after what he hailed as his team’s “finest performance of the season”

Just seven days after an abysmal display led to a 14-8 defeat at the hands of National Two North’s bottom team Sheffield Tigers, the Greens swept aside Stourbridge 37-0 at The Avenue.

Doherty said: “It is amazing the difference in our last two displays.

“We were so unrecognisable from the defeat at Sheffield Tigers. This was easily our finest performance of the season.”

It was no coincidence that it came on the day that talismanic skipper Rob Baldwin made his return

“He was a massive influence,” said Doherty. “It’s not just what he does on the ball because he is such a great leader.

“He has a presence and keeps people fired up. It is why he was my choice as captain when I took over as coach in the summer.

“We always knew this would be a difficult season as we acclimatised in a new division so it was important for me to have him as our leader.”

The speed of Baldwin’s recovery from injury has provided the team with a huge boost as they look to pull away from the relegation zone.

“I must admit that I had written him off for the season when he sustained his arm injury,” said the coach.

“It is testimony to his hard work and determination that he has got back so soon.

“The surgery went well and he worked hard in rehab so that he was able to get back earlier than we thought.

“I feel sure that his presence helped Josh Burridge. I feel that the captaincy might have been weighing him down, but on Saturday he had an outstanding game and probably played better than he has all season.”

Baldwin lasted 58 minutes before being taken off with his side 25-0 up. “He had suffered a knock to his shoulder and I didn’t want to take any chances ,” said Doherty.

“The game was won and it gave us the chance to give young Jack Kitching some game time.”

Another player to have a huge influence on the win over Stourbridge was Tom Davidson. Doherty was fulsome in his praise for the centre.

“He was outstanding and led the charge. He was confrontational in defence and set the line speed for us.

“Tom was also hungry to get the ball in his hands as he made a number of important breaks for us. I was really impressed with his all-round performance.”

Half backs Phil Woodhead and Tom Barrett also played key roles. “Woody has played well even when the team hasn’t, while Tom has benefitted from his spell in the Championship with Rotherham and can control a game.

“His tactical kicking on Saturday was crucial in putting Stourbridge under pressure. He pushed them back and put us in some great attacking positions.”

Doherty now have their experienced centre James Tincknell available for selection after he came through his return after injury with the third team.

Wharfedale will try again to secure their first away win of the season when they visit Leicester Lions on Saturday.

“They have recruited well and have an experienced coach in Andy Kay,” said Doherty. “Leicester are a well organised team but we will be going there and giving it our best shot.”